Phil Hellmuth brings the circus with him in the latest entry into the World Series of Poker Main Event

Over the years, Phil Hellmuth has been accused of creating a show during his typical delay World Series of Poker main event entrances. This year, the poker brat has thrown himself fully into the circus, taking on the persona of “The Greatest Showman” and bringing a taste of the big top to the Las Vegas Strip.

Hellmuth, who is less than a week away from his career-high 17th bracelet win, entered the Day 1D main event dressed as PT Barnum. He was accompanied by 17 models, plus Dan ‘Jungleman’ Cates in a one-piece lion costume being dragged around a cage as Katy Perry’s Roar played by the speakers.

Shot from @warrenlush pic.twitter.com/RMF8eLpvDL

— phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth) July 7, 2023

The dramatic entrance drew mixed reviews from the poker community. While some acknowledge that Hellmuth’s antics undoubtedly contributed to the growth of the game, others think it goes too far when it interrupts the game.

Hellmuth has been attending 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 child, Gandalf from Lord of the RingsThor from The AvengersDarth Vader from Star Warsit’s a NASCAR driver who actually crashed a car in the Rio parking lot.

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

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

While Cates busted late, Hellmuth had a productive day at the tables, stripping off his suit and finishing with 108,500. However, the PokerGO broadcast caught one of his patented rants.

Some Vintage Hellmuth to end the night in 2023 @WSOP Main event. pic.twitter.com/3cDXPCjjQC

—PokerGO (@PokerGO) July 7, 2023

*Photo courtesy of PokerGO

The poker world reacts

NOT my best look, shirtless!! https://t.co/ITICOuEgRZ

— phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth) July 6, 2023

What filters do I set up on Twitter to make sure I never see Phil Hellmuth’s nipples again?

— Thomas Keeling (@SrslySirius) July 7, 2023

Self @phil_hellmuth he wants to embarrass himself with his ridiculous income, i say let him. He earned it with his WSOP records and being one of the faces that has grown the game all these years. What he hasn’t earned is the right to stop play in the process. Do this while paused/before the game starts.

—Daniel Buzgon (@DBuzgon) July 7, 2023

I’m actually quite happy Hellmuth welcomed us at the WSOP on day 48, 4 levels into the last day of 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 all I have! https://t.co/kqPF8opnQX

— Mike Matusow (@themouthmatusow) July 7, 2023

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

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

— The Saurus (@TheSaurus831) July 6, 2023

Hellmuth’s entrances are fun for the game and the kid is putting himself in the game to play a joke. I’m actually saddened by miz reg’s negative tweets about it! You try to win 17 bracelets and still be cool enough to show off in costume for a while. @phil_hellmuth

— Ryan Depaulo: degenerate gambler (@depaulo_ryan) July 7, 2023

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