Phil Hellmuth Quotes

The World Series of Poker was becoming popular, and there were a lot of really bad poker players out there. The misperception was that I was really good, but I just ground it out. It was a good way to make money for Box.

I've been an idiot at the poker table for a long time.

I think one of the interesting things about poker is that once you let your ego in, you're done for.

At my first tournament, about four years ago, I got four twos. Now I have a poker problem. I do win every so often, so that's what keeps me going.

Being able to pit your wits against literally hundreds of other people is really exciting and ultimately the biggest single challenge for a poker player.

I've been studying, playing, living, breathing poker for eight to nine hours a day. Every day! When I'm between events and in New York, I'm reading, watching videos or live-streaming very good players.

Everybody knows the World Series of Poker is the biggest stage in the world. This is where you make your name.

In No Limit Hold'em, much like video games and karate lessons, you need to master one level before you can move on to the next.

I am a poker player, but I am not a good poker player. My favorite game is seven card stud, but I'll play hi/lo, Hold 'em, Razz, etc.

One of the downsides of being a poker pro is that people see exactly how you play.

Actors should be better poker players. But I think there's actual skill and crazy guts that you need to play poker - this ability to put all this money on the line inside of that game of cards. There's this whole different set of skills that doesn't apply to acting whatsoever.

If you're a poker player and you show up at a casino at 8 a.m., you're going to be by yourself or with some people that are rocks and just don't give you any action.

My biggest problem in live games is that I love the game so much and I don't think I ever met a poker player I didn't fundamentally like - even if they're screaming and they're acting like real jerks.

Without a doubt, the WSOP in Las Vegas is by far the most prestigious event in the poker world.

Look, most players can't stand to be outplayed by an opponent's bluff. Quite honestly, though, it doesn't bother me that much.

No doubt about it, in order to win the WSOP Main Event, plenty of stamina is required.

Rarely is it correct to play a hyper-aggressive style of poker. But there are certain situations where a seemingly reckless approach will actually be the most profitable strategy to employ, like at the Main Event at the World Series of Poker.

Mental and physical preparation is critical in tournament poker events like the WSOP.

I was the youngest world champion in history when I won the WSOP in 1989 at age 24.

But when I will call it a day, I could become a professional poker player.

I've been at the table with some really great poker players. I'm sure Vince McMahon is a hell of a poker player.

The hope that people walk into poker halls with and the despair they leave with was something I researched by actually visiting these poker halls.

The competition has improved tremendously. In 2003, I could teach a guy how to play poker in an hour and he could win some money. Today, it would take days. The game has gotten so much tougher. So I will spend my time with my family and play when I can.

I'm comfortable with the hold 'em, Omaha and stud high-low. But the other two games aren't my strongest games. I'm not comfortable at all with razz or stud.

I used to sports gamble a lot and I was getting killed on that but then I found poker and really enjoyed it. But it was a hobby more than anything else. I played it every day but only on pretty small stakes.