Scott Seiver has pulled out of his much-anticipated rematch against Phil Hellmuth in the $1.6 million High Stakes Duel leaving the door open for a new challenger, which is most likely Jungleman!
Citing personal reasons, the American has declined to take his seat in the planned August 22 showdown, but maybe we can find an even more exciting competitor.
Scott Seiver Pulls Out of High Stakes Duel III
Due to personal reasons, Scott Seiver has withdrawn from his upcoming HSD 3 Round 5 match with Phil Hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth).
Who wants to step up and challenge Phil Hellmuth?
You need $800K and to let us know by Monday, Aug 15 at 3PM PT*. pic.twitter.com/nMQSlAepCq
— PokerGO (@PokerGO) August 12, 2022
The deadline for new challengers to state their interest is at 3pm Pacific Time and already we can see a few big names throwing their hats into the ring. There have also been polls run on social media where the fans showed who they want to see.
Jungleman is ready to replace Scott Seiver
None other than Dan “Jungleman” Cates was quick to post that he is willing to step up, no doubt wanting to avenge a pair of defeats in the King of the Hill events from a few years ago.
Cates pleaded with his Twitter followers to vote for him in the polls so he can take his spot in the hot seat.
“Guys please vote for me to play in this 800k head ups match against “white magician” Phil Hellmuth. Time to prove who the real white wizard is! I will give at least 10% of what I win to charity.”
Who Will Face Phil Hellmuth in the $1.6 Million High Stakes Duel III?
Although we have no idea if he would be willing to play, Phil Ivey’s name has also been bandied about. That said, he still hasn’t managed to prove more of a popular choice than Jungleman.
- Espen Jorstad 5 %
- Phil Ivey 32 %
- Dan “Jungleman” Cates 48 %
- Dan Smith 1 %
- Dan Zack 1 %
- Ben Lamb 1 %
- Julien Martini 3 %
- Bryn Kenney 4 %
- Someone else 4%
Surprisingly, Eric Persson isn’t getting talked about much in this discussion. Persson drove Phil Hellmuth into a rage during their match in the PGT Heads-Up Showdown back in April. This would make great viewing.
Also, we know that Hellmuth doesn’t have a say in who his opponent will be.
But to be fair, Phil Hellmuth hasn’t mentioned any preference for any particular opponent nor anybody he doesn’t want to face. All that needs to be agreed is the new date.
I told @PokerGo, after Scott withdrew, that I would accept a challenge from someone else for $1.6 Million as per the rules. I also informed them that it would be on a mutually agreed upon date. So, first we choose a new challenger, then the challenger and I will agree upon a date
— phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth) August 13, 2022
Phil Galfond also showed some interest but was put off by the thought that he only gets one shot against Hellmuth, even if he will start afresh against a new opponent if he wins.
“Lots of people stepping up to the plate! Am I weird for not wanting to because you only get 1 shot as a sub? I’ll wait patiently on the sidelines for an opportunity at 3 matches, and will keep enjoying the show in the meantime”
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