Phil Hellmuth almost won this 16th bracelet during the $10,000 Stud Championship on Monday — and almost lost his top in the process (and some say he did). Of course, we’re talking about the latest patented Phil Hellmuth blowup that occurred during the final table of the event in front of PokerGo cameras.
“I think I’m going to burn this f**king place down if I don’t win this tournament” was a particular highlight getting the attention of the poker community.
Even by Phil Hellmuth’s standards, it was a bit over the top, which led many to criticize the outburst in the wake of the final table appearance. Thomas Keeling aka “SrsylSirius” was particularly critical calling Hellmuth a “scumbag” and posting an edited video of the incident:
Phil Hellmuth is a scumbag pic.twitter.com/MllVlrY3zi
— Thomas Keeling (@SrslySirius) October 12, 2021
PokerGo also posted a 12-minute version of the incident, where they showcase 40 f-bombs in less than four hands (obviously, not safe for work):
Poker fans can subscribe to PokerGo to watch the entire thing. It’s available for $14.99 per month or $99 per year.
Hellmuth frustrated to come up short
Not surprisingly, Hellmuth himself acknowledged he was feeling “very very down” about his 4th place showing as he tries to earn his 16th WSOP bracelet and first since his win at the 2018 $5,000 No Limit Hold’em.
Feeling very very down after finishing 4th place in @WSOP Seven Card Stud. Pic w Poker Hall of Fame member Jack McClelland (5th). I’m aware that I’ve had a red hot start ????????????, 5 tourneys, 3 final tables and 18th: also aware my standards are too high, and that I should be happy pic.twitter.com/9oBQ7Q8l6N
— phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth) October 12, 2021
On Tuesday, he admitted that he “went too far in my rant,” but note that he told the table “this is a joke” before the outburst.
1 I went too far in my rant. 3 things: 1.) I love @AntZinno and he KNOWS me/loves me and he enjoyed my rant. 2.) Anyone that watched the whole broadcast knows I said, “This is a joke: I’m afraid ill get called out for it: if I don’t win, I will burn the place down.” Next thing…
— phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth) October 12, 2021
1 I went too far in my rant. 3 things: 1.) I love @AntZinno and he KNOWS me/loves me and he enjoyed my rant. 2.) Anyone that watched the whole broadcast knows I said, “This is a joke: I’m afraid ill get called out for it: if I don’t win, I will burn the place down.” Next thing…
— phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth) October 12, 2021
Reaction from the poker community
Many in the past have noted that the “Poker Brat” persona is endearing for Hellmuth and even “good for poker.” There is no doubt that the rants get people in the poker community talking and it certainly makes watching more interesting, but some note that similar behaviors for many other players would result in immediate repercussions, such as getting kicked out of the tournament.
Some have pointed out that the rants are uncomfortable to those at the table, which eventual WSOP $10k Stud bracelet winner Anthony Zinno appeared to be.
So what are some in the poker community saying about the incident?
Scumbag probably a little strong. But way way way over the line. https://t.co/Cwt77mtmCD
— Doug Polk (@DougPolkVids) October 12, 2021
I love this clip given recent developmentshttps://t.co/ohS8knY21O
— Doug Polk (@DougPolkVids) October 12, 2021
The next thing, if really do want to be a responsible person, is to get real professional help for your narcissistic personality disorder.
— Steve Badger (@stevebadger100) October 12, 2021
Tbh the biggest issue I have about the @phil_hellmuth rants are the #positivity awareness tweets he often portrays and neglects. pic.twitter.com/YHVQb1FR86
— Christine Do (@Chri57ined) October 12, 2021
Was @phil_hellmuth out of line last night at the final table of the WSOP $10,000 stud final table?
Unrelentingly, unacceptably, unspeakably.
All the bracelets in the world do not excuse that behavior at the table. Ever.
It’s GOTTA stop, buddy.
— Norman Chad (@NormanChad) October 12, 2021
But while some say Hellmuth’s behavior crosses a line, others are having some fun with the incident.
It’s been too long but it’s finally time @phil_hellmuth pic.twitter.com/ZUpDaMpfQ0
— WIll jaffe (@dankness3) October 12, 2021
For those keeping track home, no he did not burn down the Rio:
People have gone down this spiral of cancel culture and the idea that everything is offensive. Remember we are all human and 100% of us make mistakes. Of course there should be consequences but in general the world needs more grace.
— Peter Jennings (@CSURAM88) October 12, 2021
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