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WATCH: Bryn Kenney Disses Phil Hellmuth; WSOP Legend Hits Back

The poker world loves a good rivalry, and a recent exchange between two titans of the game, Bryn Kenney and Phil Hellmuth has ignited a heated debate. Kenney, the current all-time highest-money winner in live tournaments, took a jab at Hellmuth’s claim to the Greatest Of All Time (G.O.A.T.) title on a recent podcast. He didn’t mince his words when he said that Hellmuth is the best in WSOP but not the overall best.

“He’s played some high rollers and hasn’t really fared very well in them, and you know, when I think about who are the best players in poker, if you’re not competing at the highest level, you can’t really be in contention for it,” said Kenney, who has $67+ million in live tournament earnings, in the Digital Social Hour Podcast with Sean Kelly.

This sparked a fiery response from Hellmuth, the legendary 17-time WSOP bracelet winner, leading fans and analysts to take sides. Kenney’s argument hinges on the idea that true greatness requires success at the highest stakes. He acknowledges Hellmuth’s dominance at the World Series of Poker (WSOP), the pinnacle of tournament poker, but argues that his struggles in high-roller events, which often feature smaller fields with the world’s best players, diminish his claim to the overall GOAT title.

Bryn Kenney vs Phil Hellmuth drama unfolds

Kenney called Hellmuth the ‘King of the Minor Leagues’, implying his success is confined to a lower level of competition. This is a direct challenge to the narrative Hellmuth has cultivated for years, portraying himself as the undisputed champion. See the video of that podcast and the controversial statements here:

U need 2watch is @phil_hellmuth & respond. Decades of winning, WSOP Champ,17 bracelets, numerous notable HU wins &they still doubt & label you a “Minor league“ player Challenge him, beat him, and the poker world will love it. @seankelly25 #poker #makehimabeliever pic.twitter.com/efEq9LiTDm

— Poker (@pokeriseasy402) October 5, 2024

Hellmuth wasn’t about to take this lying down. He fired back on Twitter, defending his record and taking aim at Kenney’s supposed ‘lies’ about his performance in high rollers. Hellmuth points to his lifetime earnings of over $1.5 million in these events, a figure easily verifiable by public databases like Hendon Mob.

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Also Read: Phil Hellmuth Net Worth 2024

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He emphasized his status as the WSOP’s most decorated player, implying that success on that stage should hold significant weight in the GOAT conversation. “To me the @WSOP (World Series of Poker) is the “big leagues. Always has been, always will be. It’s aggravating to me when people lie about me and my legacy. For the record, I am winning over $1.5M in “High Rollers.” (Easy to confirm this on HendonMob)”, he said on Twitter (Now X). See Hellmuth’s tweet here:

To me the @WSOP (World Series of Poker) is the “big leagues.” Always has been, always will be. It’s aggravating to me when people lie about me and my legacy. For the record, I am winning over $1.5M in “High Rollers.” (Easy to confirm this on HendonMob)

You said I wouldn’t play… https://t.co/ISfqZD5J3y

— phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth) October 5, 2024

This clash highlights the multifaceted nature of poker greatness. The WSOP, with its massive fields and diverse skill levels, is a unique beast. Winning a bracelet requires exceptional skill and endurance, but some argue it doesn’t guarantee success against the elite few who compete in high-roller events, with buy-ins reaching millions of dollars. Here, Kenney thrives, showcasing his mastery of various game types against the world’s best. The debate extends beyond statistics.

Hellmuth’s fiery personality and relentless self-promotion have made him a household name, even among casual poker observers. His theatrics at the table are legendary, drawing both criticism and admiration. Kenney, on the other hand, maintains a quieter demeanour, letting his results speak for themselves. Ultimately, the GOAT title might be subjective. Fans who value raw tournament success might favour Hellmuth’s WSOP dominance. However, those who prioritize performance against the best players at the highest stakes may lean towards Kenney. There’s also room to acknowledge both players’ achievements – Hellmuth as the WSOP king and Kenney as the high-roller conqueror.

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this feud is the potential for a heads-up match. Kenney’s challenge on the podcast hinted at a willingness to face Hellmuth directly. If this materializes, it could settle the debate in a way that transcends statistics and personal opinions. Would Hellmuth’s experience and tactical prowess prevail, or would Kenney’s mastery of high-stakes play prove too much for the Poker Brat?

Here’s one comment from Kenney on Hellmuth’s tweet: “I’ve told Poker Go I’m ready to play from the beginning. We know you get to cherry-pick who you were playing. Let me know when the offer is there to play me for 1m; I’ll be there. Also, if you wanna showcase how good you aren’t, I’m happy to cross book 100% in any triton series.” For more updates on the Kenney vs. Hellmuth drama unfolding online, stay tuned to GutshotMagazine.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Telegram

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