In a surprising twist that’s making waves in the global poker community, 1989 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event champion and bracelet record-holder Phil Hellmuth is rethinking his earlier decision to skip the 2025 edition of the prestigious tournament.
Hellmuth, a towering figure in the poker world known for his fiery personality and 17 WSOP gold bracelets, had declared back in February that he would sit out of the iconic Main Event for the first time since the mid-1980s. However, the “Poker Brat” now seems to be having second thoughts.
In a move that blends crowd-sourcing with fan engagement, the American poker star has decided to let his loyal fan base weigh in on whether he should play. Hellmuth’s openness to public opinion has sparked discussions among poker enthusiasts in India and around the world, especially as the WSOP Main Event remains the most coveted title in the game.
Indian poker fans, many of whom idolise Hellmuth for his longevity and passion for the sport, will be watching closely as the final decision unfolds. Whether the legend will take a seat at the 2025 Main Event table is now a matter of collective voice.
I will let YOU guys decide if I play or boycott?
Should I play in the 2025 @WSOP Main Event? Or boycott hoping that they change the structure for next year: by giving us Day 6 off?
In my next tweet I will release a poll and honor whatever the results are#POSITIVITY pic.twitter.com/ex2hq5VBhs
— phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth) May 27, 2025
Phil Hellmuth is one of the most iconic figures in the history of the World Series of Poker (WSOP). Known for his larger-than-life personality and sharp strategic mind, Hellmuth burst onto the poker scene in 1989 when, at just 24, he became the youngest player at the time to win the WSOP Main Event. His victory over the legendary Johnny Chan cemented his place in poker history.
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Since then, Hellmuth has amassed an unparalleled 17 WSOP gold bracelets — the most by any player — across multiple poker variants. This achievement has made him a living legend in the poker world. Nicknamed the “Poker Brat” for his emotional outbursts and intense competitive spirit, Hellmuth’s antics at the table have made him both a fan favourite and a polarising figure.
The 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP), now in its 56th year, officially began on May 27 and will run through July 16 at the Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas casinos. This year’s edition is historic, featuring a record 100 live gold bracelet events — the most ever — with buy-ins ranging from $300 to a staggering $250,000, making it accessible to recreational players and high rollers alike.
The action-packed series opened with the fan-favourite $1,000 Mystery Millions event, known for its thrilling mystery bounties. Two lucky players will walk away with bounties worth $1 million each. The event features five starting flights from May 27 to May 31, offering players multiple chances to join the field and chase poker glory.
The WSOP’s centrepiece—the iconic $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em Main Event—is set to begin on July 2. With four starting flights and intense competition, the Main Event will conclude with a dramatic two-day final table on July 15 and 16, where a new world champion will emerge. Indian poker fans and players can follow the action closely as the WSOP continues to inspire and attract global talent, solidifying its status as the pinnacle of tournament poker.
Roy D’Silva is a published author and has covered various beats in his decade-long experience, including Bollywood, OTT and now poker. An avid cyclist and documentary buff, Roy’s looking to be right, front, and center of that one big story in the poker world.
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