Phil Hellmuth, renowned for name-dropping, recently shared a tale of missed opportunity involving basketball icon Michael Jordan. On the NESN Chicken Dinner Podcast, the 17-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner recounted encounters with the six-time NBA champion and five-time league MVP, including a compelling poker proposal he had to decline.
Michael Jordan, the basketball legend, transcended the court to conquer the world of gambling, amassing a staggering net worth of approximately $2 billion. As an investor in DraftKings, he’s no stranger to high-stakes bets, spanning from golf courses to lavish casino suites. Even during his Chicago Bulls tenure, rumors swirled about his penchant for wagers, even on trivial matters like predicting baggage claim outcomes unbeknownst to his teammates, he had discreetly influenced the results.
Hellmuth revealed Jordan’s deep affinity for poker, particularly the high-stakes variant known as no-limit badugi. The poker opportunity materialized after several meetings with the NBA superstar, marking a pivotal moment in their friendship.
During the podcast, host Sam Panayotovich and Hellmuth delved into the intricacies of facing Jordan at the poker table, a challenge exacerbated by Jordan’s propensity for marathon sessions. Despite the allure of the invitation, Hellmuth had to decline, lamenting, “He challenged me once, but I was short on cash a decision I regret. I should’ve reached out to friends for financial assistance; Jordan would’ve insisted on playing until sunrise.”
Charles Barkley, a regular in poker games with Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Magic Johnson, confirmed their penchant for lengthy poker battles. Barkley divulged that Jordan often sought to buy pots, leveraging his substantial wealth to overpower opponents.
Pragmatic as ever, Hellmuth asserted, “I’m not a 23-year-old novice playing my first session with Michael Jordan. I would’ve simply excused myself, providing an hour’s notice a fair departure window.”
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Hellmuth’s admiration for Jordan was evident, recounting moments when the basketball legend exited his limousine to greet the poker luminary. Over the years, their interactions continued, with Hellmuth bearing witness to Jordan’s victory in a charity poker game in Minnesota.
The 2022 World Series of Poker Player of the Year, Josh Arieh, disclosed Jordan’s penchant for trash-talking at the poker table, describing it as a challenging experience.
Layne Flack, a six-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner, added an intriguing anecdote about being approached by the Chicago mob to participate in Jordan’s clandestine poker game. However, Flack’s inadvertent disclosure of his profession on Late Night with David Letterman abruptly ended his involvement.
Hellmuth also delved into his participation in PokerGO’s No Gamble, No Future cash game, the burgeoning world of NFTs, and his role as an advisor to various businesses. He candidly discussed the financial rollercoaster of professional poker, including a recent $180,000 loss. Hellmuth and his wife maintain a light-hearted approach to financial fluctuations.
“Cash becomes somewhat of a commodity for us in poker,” he quipped. “I jest about it because I never fret over trifles. My wife used to bring up bills, but early in our marriage, I set a rule don’t bother me with anything less than $10,000. I prefer to focus on the big picture, and she’s gradually embraced that philosophy. After 33 years together, I remain steadfast in my belief that our wealth will burgeon to a billion dollars by the time I’m 76.”
Phil Hellmuth’s narrative weaves a tapestry of high-stakes poker, brushes with sporting legends, and an unwavering pursuit of the ultimate jackpot both in cards and in life.
Our Reader’s Queries
How much is poker player Phil Hellmuth worth?
Having ventured into entrepreneurship, he has accumulated a significant net worth of approximately $30 million. Born on July 16, 1964, in Madison, Wisconsin, Hellmuth’s infatuation with poker began during his college days and has since developed into an intense ardor for the game.
How did Phil Hellmuth make his money?
Renowned for his fashionably late entrances, Hellmuth is a poker legend with live tournament earnings surpassing $29 million as of July 2023. His impressive track record speaks for itself, cementing his status as one of the most successful players in the game.
How much has Phil Hellmuth won?
Phil Hellmuth has amassed a fortune from his poker tournament victories, sponsorships, and entrepreneurial endeavors. His most recent triumph, a 17th World Series of Poker bracelet in July 2023, brought his total career earnings to nearly $30 million.
Where does Phil Hellmuth rank?
Phil Hellmuth is currently ranked #47 in the GPI rankings and holds the #26 national rank. In terms of PoY 2023, he holds the #69 ranking and #34 GPI rank.