It genuinely puzzles me.
There is no doubt in the
wsop context, Hellmuth has that 'last longer' ability which has won him more bracelets than anyone. So, it's hard to argue he is not the best WSOP tournament player in history. However, there are many tournaments he avoids, specifically high rollers which by and large feature the best players in the world - so some will argue he avoids the stiffest competition on a regular basis.
That said, though he is a divisive figure, he has his many admirers.
I would say at times I am ambivalent, but Hellmuth then throws yet another vulgar tantrum and in recent years I have lost patience with his routines. Some in the poker world, particularly the media, assert he is good for poker. I liken it to watching a car crash and from an inside poker perspective, yes, many might enjoy his anger. However, it the pretense his antics draw people to poker which I disagree with. I am not aware of any activity where someone having a sweary rant (in Hellmuth's case often punching down at 'lesser' players) draws anyone to that sport - they are normally repulsed.
But, Hellmuth is going nowhere and he continues to receive a pass regardless of his outbursts. He is a face of contemporary poker and therefore one can draw conclusions as to how the industry wants to represent itself.
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