2008 World Series of Poker

Event 23 - $2,000 No-Limit Hold'em
Day: 1
Event Info

2008 World Series of Poker

Final Results
Winner
Winning Hand
66
Prize
$507,563
Event Info
Buy-in
$2,000
Entries
1,344
Level Info
Level
25
Blinds
30,000 / 60,000
Ante
5,000

Lured by Hellmuth

When there is a lull in play, I always favor a quick wander of the room, just to get a feel of the action and check out a few stacks (well, the aesthetically pleasing masseuses to be honest).

However, whenever Phil Hellmuth is in the field, I feel uncontrollably magnetized towards his table, as if I am automatically guaranteed some free entertainment.

What amazes me about Hellmuth is how much he stands out in a crowd. Instantly recognizable in his resplendent gold and black gear, he shadows the table with his huge frame and larger than life personality, which is constantly on display whether the cameras are in sight or not.

As I approached his table, Hellmuth was sitting in the big blind and midway through checking a {2-Hearts}{K-Clubs}{9-Hearts} flop with his neighboring small blind. After the small blind checked the {J-Clubs}, Hellmuth followed suit, tapping the table behind in that familiar jerky, ultra-fast fashion that has become synonymous with the Poker Brat.

On the raggy river, Hellmuth bet out 1,000 to take the pot, later adding, "I don't know why I checked that so many times," giggling to himself in the process.

However strong his hand was, Hellmuth in now hovering around 17,000 and in seemingly confident mood. A unprecedented 12th bracelet certainly isn't out of the question.

Tags: Phil Hellmuth