Phil Hellmuth Brings The Circus With Him In Latest World Series Of Poker Main Event Entrance

Over the years, Phil Hellmuth has been accused of creating a spectacle during his typically late World Series of Poker main event entrances. This year, the poker brat leaned fully into the circus, taking on the persona of ‘The Greatest Showman’ while bringing a taste of the big top to the Las Vegas Strip.

Hellmuth, who is less than a week removed from his record-extending 17th bracelet win, arrived at the main event on day 1D dressed as P.T. Barnum. He was accompanied by 17 models, as well as Dan ‘Jungleman’ Cates in a full lion costume being dragged in a cage while Katy Perry’s Roar played over the loud speakers.

Shot by @warrenlush pic.twitter.com/RMF8eLpvDL

— phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth) July 7, 2023

The dramatic entrance had mixed reviews from the poker community. While some acknowledge that Hellmuth’s antics undoubtedly have helped with the growth of the game, others feel it goes too far when it interrupts play.

Hellmuth has been entering the main event in costume for more than a decade. Some of his past characters have included Julius Caesar, a war general, a boxer, a giant baby, Gandalf from Lord of the Rings, Thor from The Avengers, Darth Vader from Star Wars, and a NASCAR driver that actually got into an one-car accident in the Rio parking lot.

Cates is also no stranger to wearing a costume at the table. Just two weeks ago he entered the $50,000 Poker Players Championship, a tournament he won twice in a row, dressed as the Terminator.

The main event has already drawn a record field of 9,300 and counting, with registration still open on day 2.

While Cates was eliminated late, Hellmuth had a productive day at the tables, shedding his costume and finishing with 108,500. The PokerGO broadcast did catch one of his patented rants, however.

A little Vintage Hellmuth to cap off the night in the 2023 @WSOP Main Event. pic.twitter.com/3cDXPCjjQC

— PokerGO (@PokerGO) July 7, 2023

*Photos courtesy of PokerGO

The Poker World Reacts

NOT my best look, no shirt on!! https://t.co/ITICOuEgRZ

— phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth) July 6, 2023

What filters do I set on Twitter to ensure that I never see Phil Hellmuth's nipples again?

— Thomas Keeling (@SrslySirius) July 7, 2023

If @phil_hellmuth wants to embarrass himself w his ridic entrances, I say let him. He’s earned it w his wsop records and being one of the faces in growing the game all these years. What he hasn’t earned is the right to disrupt play in doing so. Do it on break/before play starts.

— Daniel Buzgon (@DBuzgon) July 7, 2023

I’m actually pretty happy Hellmuth welcomed us to the WSOP on day 48, 4 levels into the last day of the main.

Thanks Phil.

— Jon W. Pardy (@Jon_Pardy) July 7, 2023

Without phil_hellmuth</a> nobody is ever making quarter in poker and most are prolly homeless! Him and Mike Sexton had the vision to make it what it is today, so clap your hands and sat ty <a href="https://twitter.com/phil_hellmuth?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">phil_hellmuth for everything I have! https://t.co/kqPF8opnQX

— Mike Matusow (@themouthmatusow) July 7, 2023

Probably the most absurd entrance to the main event ever, that was so obnoxious. Tasteless. No1 cared one bit when you interrupt an entire room like that in the middle of a level. With all due respect @WSOP y’all can do better.

— Nathanael Kogel (@KogelNathanael) July 6, 2023

At least he’s not dressed like a spice girl @phil_hellmuth https://t.co/Bchs6VXBUj

— Chris Hunichen – OTCtrade.com (@BigHuni) July 7, 2023

Thanks @WSOP for once again giving Hellmuth an obnoxious and unnecessary “grand entrance” during the middle of the level where you blast music on top of this stupid announcement. Fuckin grow up

— The Saurus (@TheSaurus831) July 6, 2023

Hellmuths entrances are fun for the game & the guy is putting himself out there to have a goof. I am actually saddened by miz reg negative tweets about it! You try winning 17 bracelets and still be cool enough to show up in costume for a bit. @phil_hellmuth

— Ryan Depaulo: Degenerate Gambler (@depaulo_ryan) July 7, 2023

Visit the Card Player 2023 World Series of Poker page for schedules, news, interviews, and the latest event results. Sponsored by Global Poker.

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