When it comes to his family, Phil Hellmuth is all-in.
On Wednesday, Hellmuth's eldest son – Phillip Hellmuth III – announced a return to the World Series of Poker following a week-long hiatus and offered up a staking package for a number of tournaments, including the Main Event at a 1.4x markup.
'The Poker Brat' took to social media later that same day to publicize the bundle and throw his support behind his son. Shaun Deeb then sounded off in the replies, sharing his belief that Hellmuth himself wasn't worth a 1.4x markup – let alone his less-experienced son.
A few hours later, Hellmuth doubled down on his commitment, likely in response to Deeb's comments, and told his followers that he was the one who instructed Phillip to charge a 1.4x markup.
Phillip confirmed this in a reply to Deeb's post.
Hellmuth then went on to offer up terms on a wager, his $14,000 to whatever his son ends up cashing for in the Main Event and Deeb accepted.
If Phillip goes on to win the whole thing, Deeb and his confederate Jason Mo will be on the hook for $10M. And if that happens, well... it'll just be flat-out hilarious.
The pressure of belief
Hellmuth's antics may have a simple explanation: as a showman of the highest order, he could simply be drumming up a narrative for his son to benefit from during coverage of the Main Event.
At the same time, his upside for the bet could see him walk away with a serious payday should Phillip make a deep run.
On the flip side, the pressure is now all on Phillip to deliver for his father.
While $14,000 isn't going to break the bank for Hellmuth should his son fail to cash the event, we're guessing there's a little bit more than mere financial risk at stake for him on this one.
