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Phil Hellmuth Feels the Heat After WSOP Arson Comment

Phil Hellmuth Feels the Heat After WSOP Arson Comment
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Daniel Smyth Pokerlistings Author
  • Fact Checked by: PokerListings
  • Last updated on: November 1, 2024 · 4 minutes to read

Phil Hellmuth might get away with a lot in his role as the Poker Brat, but his recent outburst at the WSOP has drawn scorn from a lot of people in poker. Indeed, while it often takes a lot for the 15-time bracelet winner to cross the line, he managed it on Monday with blow-up even he’s ashamed of.

The incident took place at the final table of the $10,000 Seven Card Stud Championship. Hellmuth was vying for a record-setting 16th WSOP bracelet, but things didn’t go his way.

The American pro was visibly frustrated throughout much of the final table, but Anthony Zinno was the man who really got under his skin. Hellmuth lost multiple pots to Zinno and that triggered one of his familiar profanity-laden tirades.

Phil Hellmuth’s Drops More than F-Bombs

No one, including PokerGo’s commentators, took much notice of the f-bomb being dropped on multiple occasions, despite the WSOP’s rules banning such language. Of course, this is Phil Hellmuth, and a certain amount of profanity is expected. It’s his persona.

However, what members of the poker community weren’t prepared to let slide was Hellmuth’s threat of arson. Although it’s highly unlikely he meant it, Hellmuth said the following:

“I think I’m going to burn this f**king place down if I don’t win this f**king tournament.”

That’s where the line was crossed. When PokerGo’s footage of the final table aired, the clip cut by Thomas Keeling (see tweet below), quickly went viral. The negative comments soon followed.

From veterans like John Juanda and Norm Chad to online stars such as Patrick Leonard, many were united in their contempt not only for the comment but the lack of action from the WSOP.

“Was the Tournament Director taking a nap or does the WSOP have a new policy that it’s OK to verbally abuse other players,” John Juanda tweeted.

WSOP Rules Not Enforced

As per the WSOP’s rules, such behavior is punishable by a verbal warning or, if the incident is severe enough, a penalty. This didn’t happen. Therefore, one of the main points raised by those on the rail is that it appears to be a case of double standards.

In their view, any other player would have been asked to leave the table for at least one orbit if they made that comment. However, because Hellmuth has his built his brand on blow-ups, he wasn’t even issued with a warning.

Not everyone was against the outburst. Twitter user @PinHunterBar said that Hellmuth’s rants are one of the only things that make watching poker on TV exciting.

“TV Poker has been dull as f**k. Phil Hellmuth is the only reason to tune in,” he tweeted.

The editors at PokerGo appear to agree with the majority. The comment wasn’t audible in the recent clip posted on the company’s YouTube channel.

Phil Hellmuth Holds His Hands Up

As for the man himself, Hellmuth was eliminated in fourth place and his nemesis, Zinno, went on to win. Hellmuth did shake everyone’s hand before he left the tournament area and later posted an apology on Twitter.

“I went too far in my rant. 3 things:

  1. I love Anthony Zinno 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 I’ll get called out for it: if I don’t win, I will burn the place down. The next thing I know, it’s edited out of a clip, and someone calls me a scum bag. It’s an old school joke.
  3. I did not throw cards at the dealer. I threw them down hard. My rant was out of line. I have been encouraged by many to be the Poker Brat, but I went too far,” Hellmuth tweeted.

He went on to apologize for his actions and, for now at least, the matter has been resolved.

No Harm, No Foul for Winner Anthony Zinno

Zinno said he enjoyed Hellmuth’s antics, but the WSOP is likely going to take a tougher stance against such behavior throughout the rest of the series. Hosting an event this year has been tough enough without high-profile players generating unwanted negative press.

Indeed, as we reported this week, numbers are down due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions. Although Hellmuth’s outburst isn’t likely to affect attendance figures, it has drawn criticism from a variety of well-respected players. That’s something the WSOP and its sponsors, GGPoker and PokerGo, will want to avoid.

The question now is whether Hellmuth will win his 16th bracelet and, if he doesn’t, will there be more F-bombs dropped inside the Rio? PokerGo will be on hand with all the latest coverage and, here at PokerListings, we’ll be bringing you breaking news throughout the series.

However, if you want a chance to get a front row seat, you can still qualify for a place in the WSOP Main Event via GGPoker. Satellites are still running, and you could win a prize package worth $12,500.

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