Poker Writer
Phil Hellmuth has taken exception to criticism of his cash game skills, sometimes on display on livestreams like his new “Hellmuth’s Home Game” show. He has issued an open $500,000 challenge to anyone who thinks he isn’t a net winner in such games.
Meanwhile, Hellmuth’s son is apparently following in his dad’s footsteps down the path of professional poker and accompanied him to the filming of the latest episode.
On Saturday, Hellmuth took to X to express his anger at critics who have attacked his cash game ability. The 18-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner did not single out a specific critique or person. His challenge was a generic one to all comers:
Talk is cheap
If someone actually believes that I am a losing player in cash games (I have won over $3M since 2014 in cash games and have tax records to prove it), then will they put their money where their mouth is?
My critic and I will post $500,000 each, and that critic can book me—dollar for dollar—in the games you say I lose money in, televised cash games (where I won 23-out-of-24 sessions from 2013-2019).
This year: I am winning $110,000 in 6 sessions of $25-$50 ‘Hellmuth’s Home Game’ (on YouTube and
@CBSSportsNet#POSITIVITY
Hellmuth Triggered by Goone?
Hellmuth’s challenge likely stems from recent criticism by Hungry Horse Poker founder Marc Goone. Goone analyzed Hellmuth’s cash game ability across 100 hours and concluded that Hellmuth is a scared player who lets fear dictate his play.
Goone analyzed several poker hands in which he believes Hellmuth took the easy path to avoid a tough decision. He outlined what he called “huge leaks” in Hellmuth’s Texas Hold’em cash game skills.
Hellmuth has a history of bristling at players who dismiss his abilities, in cash games or otherwise. For example, he and Daniel Negreanu have traded words, at the table and on social media, regarding Hellmuth’s skills or lack thereof.
Hellmuth’s response to his critics seems intended to set up a future crossbook and/or side bet. In a crossbook, a player agrees to payout or receive an amount equal to some percentage of another player’s wins or losses. For example, if Hellmuth wins $50,000 in a game in which another person has crossbooked him 100%, that person would pay Hellmuth an additional $50,000.
Hellmuth’s post generated some replies, but he hasn’t publicly acknowledged booking any side bets yet.
Brian Okin, who runs a private cash game on the Venetian Poker Live stream, extended an invite. The game rarely has pros but Okin said he would make an exception for Hellmuth.
If Hellmuth opts to go the route of a heads-up match with his critics, he has some takers. Ossi Ketola’s recent high-stakes matches have captured the attention of the poker world, and he expressed interest in a match with the “Poker Brat.”
Controversial sports bettor and poker player Sean Perry said he’d play Hellmuth heads up for $500,000.
Nick Hellmuth Becoming a Poker Pro
Hellmuth also revealed that his youngest son, Nick Hellmuth, wishes to become a poker pro like his father.
Ladies and gentleman; Nick Hellmuth!!
My youngest son Nick has decided to become a professional poker player. He loves the game, he loves learning the game, and he loves connecting w his older bother Phillip around game strategies. He is improving rapidly!
Nick is in Reno w me… pic.twitter.com/Ta6ziavkEf
— phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth) September 15, 2025
Nick has no recorded poker results thus far. He discusses poker strategy with his older brother Phil Hellmuth III, who also dabbles in poker and cashed in a few events this summer.
Nick accompanied his father during filming of new episodes of Hellmuth’s show, which took place in Reno. Phil Hellmuth hinted that Nick may make a few appearances there as a substitute.
