“The Poker Brat” Phil Hellmuth isn’t shy about talking up and expressing himself. This holds true on the web in addition to reside, and so it was with nice anticipation that his followers headed to Reddit on Friday, Could 8 and Saturday, Could 9 for Phil’s Ask Me Something (AMA) thread on Reddit. His earlier AMA was from September 2015, so there was loads of new floor to cowl.
AMA Basic Info
The AMA thread was within the /r/poker subreddit the place Phil answered questions underneath the username “Octopi_Poker”: a nod towards his current signing as an envoy for poker coaching web site Octopi Poker. Phil’s earlier username on Reddit was “PhilHellmuthJr,” however this account appears to have been lengthy deserted. Curiously, the “Octopi_Poker” deal with was beforehand used on Reddit by Victoria “Trekker” Livschitz and Stephen Chidwick, each co-founders of Octopi Poker. This suggests both that Octopi is letting a number of representatives for the corporate use this similar account or that Phil’s fame and recognition have resulted within the account being reassigned to him completely.
Although the AMA is said to have ended Saturday, Could 9, Phil was unable to reply questions on the dates initially specified. Subsequently, the timeframe for the AMA was prolonged, and Phil started to put up his responses on Monday, Could 11.
Phil HellmuthHumorous Incidents
Given Phil’s penchant for larger-than-life theatrics, ill-thought-out outbursts on the tables, and relentless self-promotion, it is no shock that Redditors questioned him about a few of his extra colourful feats.
Person “sumbozo1” requested, “What was your coolest/funniest facet wager?” Hellmuth answered:
I’ve had some nice facet bets!! Huck Seed and I wager on a bunch of random stuff. Like would Bobby Hurley final 3 years within the NBA! He would have, aside from a bike accident!
Huck wager me on golf, pool, his weight! The worst is once I wager him $15,000 a month that he would weigh lower than 180 kilos! He collected for 3-5 years! I lastly purchased him out for $70,000. How does a 6’ 6’’ man keep that weight? Sigh…
Requested in regards to the origin of his “Poker Brat” nickname by commentor “BreakRulesRun,” Phil responded:
I gave it to myself. Andy Glazer, poker writer, relaxation in peace, agreed that it was an ideal title…
Referring to the outlandish costumes Phil typically wears when arriving at main poker tournaments, Redditor “humblearugula8” inquired: “Have you considered your subsequent entrance costume?” Phil answered:
Superman! July third. Son Nick as BatMan, JungleMan and son Phillip TBD. Chris Washburn as Deadpool
Concerning Hellmuth’s abrasive desk persona, “NotYourTypicalMoth” needed to know: “Are your reactions real, performed up for the cameras, or are your ‘tantrums’ to get some type of benefit over opponents? Real query, and I’m guessing it’s a little bit of all three, however I couldn’t determine how one can phrase it with out sounding vaguely shitty.” Phil replied:
100% real. It does, typically, give me an edge. However largely I simply look silly!
Poker Recommendation
One other giant set of questions pertained to poker technique and recommendation. As we might have predicted, the 17-time World Sequence of Poker bracelet winner had quite a bit to say about this matter. Listed here are a number of of the most effective interactions:
Person “292ll” needed to know, “With higher modeling, sources, evaluation in 2026, what are some ‘poker guidelines’ that you just make use of now that you’d have disagreed with or weren’t even in your radar in 1989?” Phil defined:
I’m unsure I’ve any guidelines! Aside from I strive to not bluff all of it off. Additionally, if my desk is aggro, then I play tremendous tight!
“PiPPol” needed to know, “Would you suggest a younger man going for the poker professional path now? It is simpler than ever to be taught, however the area’s common stage can be increased.” Phil responded:
It does seem to be gamers are enjoying higher. However I nonetheless see tons of errors! In case you are nice at poker you’ll discover a technique to make it
Commentor “Pandamonn” requested for extra particular recommendation concerning, “What’s the greatest of poker ability to have, to turn into a greater Poker Participant in MTT?” to which Hellmuth answered:
Studying skill and endurance! Persistence endurance endurance
Cash Issues
Phil Hellmuth has been within the sport for about 4 a long time, enjoying towards top-level rivals, with stellar outcomes over most of that point. Subsequently, it solely is smart that individuals on Reddit had been curious in regards to the monetary facet of being such an enormous poker star.
Redditor “flygoose44” bought proper to the purpose, asking, “How a lot cash have you ever made enjoying poker this yr and the way a lot cash have you ever made enjoying poker in your lifetime?” Phil said:
This yr, unclear. Perhaps $200,000? I did make 150 instances that in enterprise this yr! $30M, my greatest yr ever!
Person “Gangy1” inquired, “Is the loss to Ivey in Chinese language nonetheless one of many greatest losses?” It is a reference to Hellmuth’s dropping $536,000 to Phil Ivey throughout a heads-up sport of Chinese language Poker in Monte Carlo. Phil confessed:
It’s nonetheless my greatest loss in a single day! I simply had been paid $5M, and realized a lesson. Digest the cash earlier than you play excessive stakes poker!!”
Concerning a broader tackle the event poker scene, “Quick_Increase6718” requested, “What would you guess a superb professional, say #10-20 on POY leaderboards (Kempe, Elias, Foxen, Peters, and many others…) makes in internet revenue in a yr from purely poker tournaments after accounting for promoting items?” Phil gave the disappointing data:
A lot lower than you suppose! They commerce items w one another, promote items to poker gamers and businessman, and it’s costly to journey the world enjoying tourneys.”
Octopi Poker Deal
Phil Hellmuth is the newest investor in and ambassador for Octopi Poker as he defined in his put up asserting the AMA. Nonetheless, some contributors had been puzzled {that a} participant like Phil, who notched his greatest successes earlier than solvers had been even a blip on the horizon, can be a superb match for Octopi Poker.
Commentator “BaconStriips” got here out firing with, “Have you ever ever truly used Octopi? Or is that this only a model deal? You do not seem to be the kind to be finding out solvers.” Phil countered:
I did take a look at octopi w my sons, and can proceed to have a look at octopi w my sons. Primarily to inform them I if agree w the solver instruments. Which I’ve to date…
Person “T1MEHUNT” posted, “since that is posted on behalf of octopi, i asume you have got dabelled in some solvers, how has your opinion on them canged in recent times?” Phil’s response:
I really feel like octopi solver instruments and assist nearly anybody play poker higher. I’ve my very own sons finding out them
It appears like Phil is certainly utilizing Octopi Poker’s merchandise. His sons are working with him, and since they’re of a youthful technology than their father, they’re most likely able to stroll him by any of the technical elements that Phil’s not conversant in.
Opponents
Given the quantity of complaining and whining Phil has engaged in, a lot of it broadcast to the world, one may suppose he has a low opinion of his opponents. Nonetheless, he had good issues to say about lots of the extra outstanding of his friends. There have been exceptions nonetheless. Here is a shortlist of Phil’s feedback on his fellow poker professionals:
Chris Moneymaker: “Moneymaker contributed in an enormous technique to the poker growth. Which result in me turn into well-known, and ultimately rich…The poker growth has been very superb to me!”Alex Botez: “Botez and I’ve an ideal relationship. I referred to as her ‘Chess Lady’ then she referred to as me ‘Poker Boy.’ I deal with ladies on the poker tables the very same means I deal with males. I imagine each lady I play w has loads of love for me”Antanas “Tony G” Guoga: “He will be means out of line on the tables. Undecided how he’s away from the tables, and can’t remark past that”Johnny Chan: “I’ve an ideal relationship w Johnny Chan. We solely speak every year, however there’s a mutual repect…”Layne Flack: “Drunk Layne Flack (RIP) was an ideal one in No Restrict Maintain’em tourneys!! He has zero concern and nice reads: was unattainable to bluff!!”Doyle Brunson: “He was a particular man. People congregated round him!”Shaun Deeb: “Shaun will do what Shaun does. Nice participant. He has nice coronary heart as nicely, beneath that tough and imply exterior!”Doug Polk: “I like Doug, I name him ‘Faux Information Doug,’ however he is aware of this and we nonetheless like one another. He’s nice for poker, however might be a lot larger if he all the time informed the entire reality. If he did that, everybody would really like him!”Stu Ungar: “I performed w Stu Ungar. He was an unbelievable expertise. I discovered I might maintain my very own, and win, enjoying towards Stu in no restrict Maintain’em money video games and tourney’s. He and I each had a knack for NLH…Nonetheless, Stu was world class at backgammon, the most effective Gin Participant of all-time and world class at NLH. Sturdy!!”Daniel Negreanu: “I like Negreanu!!”
Basic Life
After all, Phil is not only a poker participant but additionally an investor, father, husband, and man. There have been loads of questions directed to him that weren’t essentially associated to poker.
Conserving his tone lighthearted, “notafanofwasps” inquired, “Favourite factor to eat on the poker desk?” Phil responded:
Currently a cheeseburger!
Person “elbarbuosa” requested about Phil and matrimony: “Hey Phil, would have an interest to listen to in regards to the important methods your spouse’s helped enhance your psychological sport + info gathering and reside tells (if any!).” Hellmuth confided:
She made me into a greater man!! She referred to as me out and demanded that I improved as an individual. I put important time And energy into bettering myself by {couples} remedy
Redditor “JareBear805” took the time to acknowledge a few of Phil’s knowledge concerning household life: “Simply needed to say lately noticed you in one thing an and like what you mentioned about selecting up your youngsters from college and the way it was the one time they’d inform you about their day. It was useful data. Thanks.” Phil replied:
And really true! Greatest time to be taught what your youngsters are actually doing; decide them up from college w their good friend and simply pay attention
Future Plans
As a 61-year-old, Phil most likely has lived much more already than he’ll do sooner or later. Nonetheless, he has no intention of leaving us anytime quickly and so was not reticent about revealing a few of his intentions going ahead.
“stoic9999” wished to seek out out, “In seriousness, would you ever do one other ebook? Learn each your poker and non poker ones.” Hellmuth answered:
Sure. One or two extra books are coming. Undecided the matters, however one thing alongside the traces of ‘The right way to end the work on a regular basis’ or ‘The right way to be an ideal “Advisor” to an organization.’
Look towards the way forward for poker, “Temporary_Existence” inquired, “The place do you see the sport entering into 5-10 years? do you suppose different video games will displace nlh?” Phil expounded:
No restrict Maintain’em will nonetheless be king! However, Pot Restrict Omaha is catching up. Ought to be 20,000 gamers in WSOP Foremost Occasion in 10 years…NLH will nonetheless be king in tourneys!
On a extra private word, commentor “EquityValues” needed to know, “When is the retirement? Or are you going to mainly pull a Doyle?” Phil said:”
I’ll by no means retire!! I reside [love] the sport an excessive amount of
Follow Your Sport On-line
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Could 15, 2026 – by Max Golden, Editor-in-Chief
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