In a surprising turn of events that has rippled through the poker community, Phil Hellmuth, a venerable figure in the world of poker, has declared his intention to skip the upcoming 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event. This decision was announced shortly after the WSOP unveiled its eagerly awaited schedule for the year. Hellmuth, known for his record 17 WSOP bracelets, expressed concerns over the physically demanding nature of the tournament, particularly highlighting its impact on older competitors.
A shift from tradition:
Hellmuth’s decision marks a significant departure from his usual participation, having been a stalwart of the Main Event for over three decades. As PokerNews reports, the 60-year-old poker icon took to social media to detail his reasons, stating, “It’s just too tough… People always tell me, ‘Phil, you could play seven days in a row.’ Yeah? Try it. Try getting up and playing from noon to midnight for seven days straight—It’s exhausting.”
This stance comes in the wake of what many players have critiqued as an increasingly grueling schedule that seems to favor younger participants. The Main Event’s structure, which often includes consecutive long days of intense concentration and mental stamina, has been likened more to an endurance test than a measure of poker acumen.
The reaction within the poker community has been mixed. While some younger players see the demanding schedule as a component of the challenge, many veterans and enthusiasts agree with Hellmuth’s call for a more balanced approach that considers the physical toll on participants. Hellmuth himself suggested, “I hope that in 2026, there are some changes made so that we can restore more skill and less endurance.”
This sentiment resonates with a significant portion of the community, echoing Hellmuth’s previous assertions that about 80% of players would favor incorporating scheduled breaks into the Main Event to alleviate the strain.
Continuing impact and legacy:
The 2025 WSOP schedule, released just before Hellmuth’s announcement, features a packed lineup starting from May 27, with multiple high-stakes tournaments including the $10,000 buy-in Main Event scheduled from July 2 to July 16. The structure includes two-hour levels, often extending into the early hours of the morning, underscoring the intense demands placed on participants.
Despite his decision to step back this year, Hellmuth’s passion for the WSOP remains undiminished. He describes the Main Event as his favorite tournament and emphasizes his ongoing love for the game and the WSOP. His absence will undoubtedly be felt, as his presence has been one of the highlights of the tournament in past years, not only for his competitive spirit but also for his theatrical entrances.
