Hellmuth Just Wants to Rock and Roll
At the feature table, which will live stream on PokerGO, 16-time bracelet winner Phil Hellmuth went to put headphones on and a production assistant (PA) waved him down subtly, to tell him he’s not allowed to wear headphones. Hellmuth looked annoyed
“Are you sure”, he asked.
The PA responded, “I'm positive”.
Phil took off the headphones and looked annoyed and displeased.
Minutes later the PA called the tournament manager, who consulted with the higher-ups, over and he went tableside to clarify for Hellmuth that he can wear his headphones at a feature table but not a final table. He also noted that Hellmuth can’t have his cell phone at the table and would need to step off the platform/stage to use his phone.
Moments later the tournament manager returned again after consulting with PokerGo production and the WSOP director. He explained to Hellmuth that they were in a tricky position and weren't going to enforce no headphones, but that the issue has to do with camera/production picking up music from headphones, which they aren't licensed to have on the stream.
He left it at that. There was no final or official decision made about the headphones other than explaining to Hellmuth why there was an issue hoping he’d make the right decision or be mindful of audio issues.
Hellmuth was understanding and respectfully said, “You’re just doing your job. And you're doing a good job at doing your job.”