PokerNews Top 5: Phil Hellmuth Blowups
We're not sure how we came up with this idea, or why even, but the topic of Phil Hellmuth blowups began circulating PokerNews HQ, and unlike Harry Reid's Internet poker legislation, we're going with it. Now we know you're used to top ten lists from us, but we decided to save you the agony (and ourselves) and shorten it to five because that's all we could take, really.
5. "This guy can't even spell poker!"
In the first hand in this clip, Jim Pittman sucks out on Hellmuth at the 2005 World Series of Poker. Then, after a tirade about playing "with the worst players in the world," Hellmuth tangles with Paul Magriel. Hellmuth moves all-in with AxQx and Magriel calls with sevens. "That maniac put all the money in with two sevens honey," he said as he was eliminated.
4. Hellmuth vs. Tom Dwan - 2008 NBC National Heads Up Poker Championship
This clash between Hellmuth and Dwan may have been the first on NBC Heads Up, but it wasn't the last. The two had a rematch at the 2009 NBC Heads Up — at least it went Hellmuth's way that year. This clip, from 2008, is a classic case of old school versus new school and the clash of each player's ego.
3. Hellmuth vs. Howard Lederer - Poker After Dark
Everyone gets unlucky in poker from time to time, and when it happens to Hellmuth he is going to tell you. In this particular hand, Lederer got lucky and eliminated Hellmuth, throwing the latter into a rant that included the possibility of an early retirement.
2. Hellmuth vs. Annie Duke - 2004 Tournament of Champions
Think this is one of the first times poker viewers really saw "The Poker Brat." Earlier in the episode he lay on the stage complaining, and here he is after the tournament, whining and throwing a classic temper tantrum.
1. Hellmuth vs. Cristian Dragomir - 2008 World Series of Poker
How are you going to single out an entire region of Europe and call people idiots? Sure, Scandi's are known to be a little aggressive; however, stupid is a really strong word. Thankfully, this is one of the few times Phil was penalized for acting childish, but did he learn from being punished?
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