Ok, I am going to take some shit on this one.. Many people will say Ivey is the best, Or Chip Reese, even some would say Doyle and others. However, a careful examination of the facts shows that Hellmuth is the best of all time for several reasons;
1. Bank roll management. Hellmuth, unlike the others I mentioned, just does not go broke. Whether in cash or tournaments, he manages his roll as well as, if not better than every poker player out there.
2. Live cash game results. Just because Hellmuth sometimes gets owned by top players on TV Cash games such as “High Stakes Poker” does not mean Phil is not WAY AHEAD in live cash games. Those shows are a small sample of Phil’s live cash game play. I know for fact, his all time record basically over many years, playing many cash games, from Holdem to mixed games, and Phil is just way ahead. Hellmuth is a consistent winner and again, proper money manager, and beats the krap out of fishes.
3. Tournament results.. Many people say Phil won his earning in tournaments way back when, when only a few people were playing. This is false. Since 2002, Hellmuth is the all time made cashes leader at The WSOP. In the last 6 years, He has 2 WSOP Titles(11 in all), 2 second place finishes alone this year, countless final tables, and As well, in other live tournaments, 30+wins. He is by far the all time best live Holdem tournament player, and no one is even close.
People reading this might not like Hellmuth personally based on what you see on TV. Yes, Phil can be a baby and an asshole at times on the tables, no question. Off the tables, he is a good father and husband, has been a good friend to my brother Mike, and helps others.
No one will convince me otherwise, Hellmuth is the best who has ever played poker to date, cash and tournaments, over many years with proven results. Do not listen to The “Johnny come lately’s” who bash on Phil’s cash game. They only go by what they see on TV. I go by what I have seen over many years with Phil..
Phil Hellmuth is The Jack Nicklaus of poker, bet on it!
I agree. I cant believe how much he has improved his all-around game. His victory in a non-holdem event is coming shortly. I have a feeling he will be in contention for the 10k horse event if he has the energy to register today.