Hellmuth Fires Back at Doubters, Says “They Don’t Understand My Style”

Phil Hellmuth is one of the world’s most successful poker players. He holds the record for most WSOP bracelets won with 15, including a victory in the 1989 WSOP Main Event. He was inducted into the prestigious Poker Hall of Fame in 2007.

Hellmuth has amassed more than $24.9 million in live tournament earnings and is currently holds the 20th place in Hendon Mob’s all-time money list (19/06/2021). Some players look up to him as a true legend of the game, but many remain unimpressed with the way he plays, especially the younger pros and those in the high-roller circuit.

Hellmuth remains unbeaten on PokerGO’s High Stakes Duel, enjoying a 7-0 record on the heads-up show. He won all three matches against Antonio Esfandiari, and also defeated Daniel Negreanu across three sessions. On both occasions, he came in as the underdog, but he ultimately shattered all expectations by emerging as the winner.

Last month, Hellmuth battled it out with Nick Wright on the same show and also won. The sports broadcaster conceded defeat and did not call for a rematch.

The Poker Brat is currently preparing for his next heads-up match against Tom Dwan. He took some time off to get on Doug Polk’s YouTube podcast and share his thoughts on a number of things. One of the things they talked about was the continuing disrespect that Hellmuth is getting from a certain segment of the poker community, despite his massive achievements as a poker pro.

Hellmuth said one of the main reasons why a lot of GTO poker inclined pros and high rollers choose to continue to attack and insult him is because they just don’t understand his style.

The American Poker Brat uses an unconventional strategy when playing. He likes to stick to old-school poker and isn’t a fan of the modern style, and it has worked for him, if his latest results are any indication. Hellmuth continues to deliver, though his high roller performances over the years haven’t been a standout.

While he claimed he’s earned around $1.8 million playing high-stakes tournaments, most of that came from his 4th place finish in the $1 million buy-in WSOP Big One for One Drop back in 2012.

The GOAT Debate?

During the lengthy interview, Hellmuth also attacked some young high rollers whom he described as “complete jerks” and “a******s. The Poker Brat admitted that while he may not be the best tournament player out there, he is most certainly the GOAT.