“The Poker Brat” Phil Hellmuth is rarely 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, Might 8 and Saturday, Might 9 for Phil’s Ask Me Something (AMA) thread on Reddit. His earlier AMA was from September 2015, so there was lots of new floor to cowl.
AMA Normal Info
The AMA thread was within the /r/poker subreddit the place Phil answered questions below the username “Octopi_Poker”: a nod towards his latest 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 means both that Octopi is letting a number of representatives for the corporate use this identical 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, Might 9, Phil was unable to reply questions on the dates initially specified. Subsequently, the timeframe for the AMA was prolonged, and Phil started to submit his responses on Monday, Might 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.
Consumer “sumbozo1” requested, “What was your coolest/funniest facet guess?” Hellmuth answered:
I’ve had some nice facet bets!! Huck Seed and I guess on a bunch of random stuff. Like would Bobby Hurley final 3 years within the NBA! He would have, apart from a bike accident!
Huck guess me on golf, pool, his weight! The worst is after I guess 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 preserve 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 creator, relaxation in peace, agreed that it was a fantastic identify…
Referring to the outlandish costumes Phil generally 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” wished to know: “Are your reactions real, performed up for the cameras, or are your ‘tantrums’ to get some sort of benefit over opponents? Real query, and I’m guessing it’s a little bit of all three, however I couldn’t determine tips on how to phrase it with out sounding vaguely shitty.” Phil replied:
100% real. It does, generally, give me an edge. However principally 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 so much to say about this subject. Listed here are a number of of the most effective interactions:
Consumer “292ll” wished to know, “With higher modeling, assets, 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 attempt to not bluff all of it off. Additionally, if my desk is aggro, then I play tremendous tight!
“PiPPol” wished to know, “Would you advocate a younger man going for the poker professional path now? It is simpler than ever to study, however the subject’s common degree can be greater.” Phil responded:
It does appear to be gamers are enjoying higher. However I nonetheless see tons of errors! If you’re nice at poker you’ll find a solution to make it
Commentor “Pandamonn” requested for extra particular recommendation concerning, “What’s the largest of poker ability to have, to change into a greater Poker Participant in MTT?” to which Hellmuth answered:
Studying skill and persistence! Endurance persistence persistence
Cash Issues
Phil Hellmuth has been within the recreation for about 4 many years, enjoying in opposition to top-level opponents, with stellar outcomes over most of that point. Subsequently, it solely is sensible that folks on Reddit have been curious in regards to the monetary facet of being such a giant poker star.
Redditor “flygoose44” received 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!
Consumer “Gangy1” inquired, “Is the loss to Ivey in Chinese language nonetheless one of many largest losses?” This can be a reference to Hellmuth’s shedding $536,000 to Phil Ivey throughout a heads-up recreation of Chinese language Poker in Monte Carlo. Phil confessed:
It’s nonetheless my largest 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 information:
A lot lower than you assume! 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 submit saying the AMA. Nevertheless, some individuals have been puzzled {that a} participant like Phil, who notched his largest successes earlier than solvers have been even a blip on the horizon, could 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 appear to be the kind to be learning 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…
Consumer “T1MEHUNT” posted, “since that is posted on behalf of octopi, i asume you will have 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 virtually anybody play poker higher. I’ve my very own sons learning them
It appears to be like 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 in all probability ready to stroll him by means of any of the technical features that Phil’s not accustomed to.
Opponents
Given the quantity of complaining and whining Phil has engaged in, a lot of it broadcast to the world, one would possibly assume he has a low opinion of his opponents. Nevertheless, he had good issues to say about most of the extra distinguished of his friends. There have been exceptions nevertheless. Here is a shortlist of Phil’s feedback on his fellow poker execs:
Chris Moneymaker: “Moneymaker contributed in an enormous solution to the poker increase. Which result in me change into well-known, and ultimately rich…The poker increase has been very superb to me!”Alex Botez: “Botez and I’ve a fantastic relationship. I known as her ‘Chess Lady’ then she known as me ‘Poker Boy.’ I deal with girls on the poker tables the very same approach I deal with males. I imagine each girl I play w has lots of love for me”Antanas “Tony G” Guoga: “He will be approach out of line on the tables. Undecided how he’s away from the tables, and can’t remark past that”Johnny Chan: “I’ve a fantastic relationship w Johnny Chan. We solely speak every year, however there’s a mutual repect…”Layne Flack: “Drunk Layne Flack (RIP) was a fantastic one in No Restrict Maintain’em tourneys!! He has zero worry and nice reads: was unimaginable 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 greater if he at all times informed the entire fact. 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 in opposition to Stu in no restrict Maintain’em money video games and tourney’s. He and I each had a knack for NLH…Nevertheless, Stu was world class at backgammon, the most effective Gin Participant of all-time and world class at NLH. Sturdy!!”Daniel Negreanu: “I really like Negreanu!!”
Normal Life
After all, Phil is not only a poker participant but in addition an investor, father, husband, and man. There have been lots of questions directed to him that weren’t essentially associated to poker.
Maintaining his tone lighthearted, “notafanofwasps” inquired, “Favourite factor to eat on the poker desk?” Phil responded:
These days a cheeseburger!
Consumer “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 recreation + info gathering and reside tells (if any!).” Hellmuth confided:
She made me into a greater man!! She known as me out and demanded that I improved as an individual. I put important time And energy into enhancing myself by means of {couples} remedy
Redditor “JareBear805” took the time to acknowledge a few of Phil’s knowledge concerning household life: “Simply wished to say not too long ago noticed you in one thing an and like what you mentioned about selecting up your children from faculty and the way it was the one time they’d inform you about their day. It was useful information. Thanks.” Phil replied:
And really true! Greatest time to study what your children are actually doing; choose them up from faculty w their buddy and simply hear
Future Plans
As a 61-year-old, Phil in all probability 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 search out out, “In seriousness, would you ever do one other e-book? 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 strains of ‘Tips on how to end the work on a regular basis’ or ‘Tips on how to be a fantastic “Advisor” to an organization.’
Look towards the way forward for poker, “Temporary_Existence” inquired, “The place do you see the sport stepping into 5-10 years? do you assume different video games will displace nlh?” Phil expounded:
No restrict Maintain’em will nonetheless be king! However, Pot Restrict Omaha is catching up. Needs to be 20,000 gamers in WSOP Principal Occasion in 10 years…NLH will nonetheless be king in tourneys!
On a extra private word, commentor “EquityValues” wished 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
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Might 15, 2026 – by Max Golden, Editor-in-Chief
