Phil Hellmuth Wants Ike Haxton to Take Off the Facemask: This Isn't Online Poker

Phil Hellmuth’s had enough of Isaac Haxton wearing a facemask at the poker table, and the “Poker Brat” called out his fellow high-stakes pro, arguing that “no one should be able to cover their face,” except for rare instances.

The 17-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner spoke with poker journalist Craig Tapscott of PokerOrg in a two-hour interview about a variety of topics, one of them being facemasks. He then retweeted a short from content creator “Casino King,” and further explained why facemasks don’t belong in live poker.

“NO ONE should be able to cover their face, unless you use your own hands to do it. This isnt online poker. Tells matter in live poker: it is a skill to hide your tells and another skill to read your opponents tells,” Hellmuth wrote.

Should Facemasks Be Permitted at the Poker Table?

During the early days of COVID-19, facemasks were required in many poker rooms. Since then, most have taken the masks off, but there are still more who wear them than pre-coronavirus. The issue of wearing facemasks in public was initially a health matter, but it quickly devolved into a Conservative (anti-mask) versus Liberal (pro-mask) issue, with most taking a side.

Haxton, a liberal-leaning poker pro, has chosen to wear his mask at the poker table for health reasons. After winning a $25,000 buy-in U.S. Poker Open event for $432,000 in March 2023, he proudly wore his facemask in the winner photo, and then proceeded to taunt the “biggest dips***s on Twitter” who get triggered over his mask-wearing decision.

As Hellmuth explained to Tapscott, his issue isn’t political, but has more to do with a potential advantage gained from wearing a facemask.

“That’s just a tactic and a strategy, that’s not good for poker,” Hellmuth said.

He then admitted that Haxton, who has over $47 million in live tournament cashes, is “one of the best in the world right now, but he has to take that white mask off.” Hellmuth claims that the 2023 World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner is using the facemask to “give himself an advantage” in poker tournaments.

“When there’s six people left in a tournament, you don’t have any real concerns of COVID,” Hellmuth continued.

As expected, Hellmuth’s tweet sarked a heated debate on facemasks, as if the issue wasn’t beaten to death three years ago. But there were some interesting arguments made, including Shaun Deeb, who referred to Hellmuth’s comments as “one of your worst takes” and then sarcastically called for banning (sic) “hoody’s” and sunglasses.

But, perhaps the most creative response goes to Lewis Spencer, who wrote: I’ve always thought we need less people in masks and more people entering the tournament area dressed as Poseidon with a marching band during day 2 of a $100k." Touche.

Click here to participate in this poll.

Tags

FAQ

Can you withdraw from WPT Global?

Can you withdraw from WPT Global? Before making your first withdrawal, WPT Global, as a licensed operator, requires new customers to verify their account by providing the necessary documentation. This includes: Documentation that proves your identity such as a driving licence or passport.

Can you play WPT global on phone?

Can you play WPT global on phone? Create an account to join the WPT Global poker community. Choose your poker nickname, fill in a few details and verify your email, then you’re all set. Download poker to your PC, Mac, mobile or tablet and start playing the games you love in minutes.

When and why was the double zero added to the American roulette wheel?

When and why was the double zero added to the American roulette wheel? The double zero was added to the American roulette wheel in the mid-19th century. The exact year is not clear, but it is believed to have been added around the 1860s. The reason for its addition was to increase the house edge, making the game more profitable for the casino. At the time, gambling was not regulated in the United States, and casinos were free to set their own rules and payouts.

Is it safe to play on WPT Global?

Is it safe to play on WPT Global? WPT Global is licenced in Curaรงao by Gaming Services Provider N.V. and its RNG (random number generator) is independently certified by Gaming Laboratories International (GLI).

How much is the WPT diamond membership?

Who owns the WPT? In 2021 the World Poker Tour was sold to Element Partners for $105 million.

๐Ÿ”ฅ ๐ŸŽŠ WPT Global App Download Official ๐ŸŽฒ
๐ŸŽค Latest Articles ๐ŸŽฎ ๐Ÿฅณ Popular Articles ๐Ÿฅ
๐ŸŽฎ Recommended Articles ๐ŸŽฎ