"Why Does It Hurt So Much?" Hellmuth Eliminated Before 2023 PokerStars NAPT Bubble
On Tuesday night, 17-time WSOP bracelet winner Phil Hellmuth made his debut at the 2023 PokerStars North American Poker Tour (NAPT) when he late registered Day 1c of the $1,650 Main Event.
“Haven’t played a tourney in months (maybe first tourney since WSOP!!?),” Hellmuth shared on social media. His first tournament since the summer went decent as he went on to be one of 60 players to bag, advancing to Day 2 with 109,000.
On Wednesday, Hellmuth participated in the relaunch of the PokerStars Big Game alongside the likes of Jennifer Tilly, Alex Keating, Arden Cho, and Lex Veldhuis, and while the results of that won't be known until the episode airs in 2024, the "Poker Brat" indicated he had a fun time.
In regards to the Main Event, Hellmuth was one of 252 players from a 1,095-entry field to return for Day 2 on Thursday, each looking to make the money by making the top 159 spots. Unfortunately for Hellmuth, he would come up a little short.
Phil Hellmuth Makes Debut at PokerStars 2023 NAPT at Resorts World Las Vegas
Hellmuth Busts to Betito's Boat
PokerNews reporter Brandon Bloom captured Hellmuth's demise in the second level of the day, about a dozen spots away from the money.
According to the table, Hellmuth opened to 9,000 from under the gun in Level 16 (2,000/4,000/4,000) and Liran Betito flatted the button.
The dealer spread the A♣J♥6♠ flop, Hellmuth continued for 9,000, and Betito called.
The 6♣ landed on the turn, Hellmuth bet 15,000, and Betito called again.
The 8♣ fell on the river and Hellmuth bet 25,000. Betito jammed, and Hellmuth called all in with not much behind.
Betito tabled A♦6♦ for a full house, and Hellmuth's 7♥6♥ went into the muck as he made his exit.
After his bust out, Hellmuth made his way to the rail where his sister Anne, a 33-time Special Olympics gold medalist, was visiting from Madison, Wisconsin.
"Why does it hurt so much?" Hellmuth asked rhetorically, still hung up on his elimination hand. "It's only a $1,600, but I think it's because it was my first tournament since the WSOP and I was playing so well."
While Hellmuth's Main Event came to an end, his NAPT experience will continue as he indicated he might jump into the $5,300 8-Game tournament starting Thursday afternoon.
Follow live updates from the 2023 NAPT here!
