‘Record Man’ Hellmuth continues to shine at WSOP
Phil Hellmuth’s success at this year’s World Series of Poker (WSOP) looks set to continue as the self-proclaimed ‘Record Man’ looks to join poker legend TJ Cloutier with a record number of final table appearances.
Just recently, Hellmuth secured his record eleventh WSOP gold bracelet and now has his eyes on breaking his own record for career cashes in event number 28, the $3,000 No Limit Hold’em.
While Hellmuth’s success is all too predictable, this year’s event also continues to see amateurs and low-ranking players take big prizes.
The latest shock victory came courtesy of Chicago-based amateur Ben Ponzio.
The radio DJ had originally booked to fly home from Las Vegas the day before the final but stayed on to compete in the final and scoop the $600,000 top prize.
“I didn’t want to take an extra vacation day until I knew I would get this far,” Ponzio said.
However, he added that his victory will not change his life.
“Sure, I’m going back to work,” he said.
“Six hundred thousand [dollars] is a lot of money. But it’s not enough to live on the rest of my life.”