Tony G’s open letter to Phil Hellmuth

I have just got hold of this disturbing picture of Phil Hellmuth from the WPT  Bay 101 Shooting Star in San Jose. He made the final table, was second in chips but bust first – finishing sixth. Though he’s probably the player I reserve my bike for the most, I was secretly willing him on to win this one in his own backyard – thus securing a WPT title for the very first time after making four final tables.

I am worried about his mental health

Unlike the Premier League, where we saw trash talking and hysterics when he busted, Phil simply curled up into a ball in the foetal position when he very, very unluckily got busted – I am worried about his mental health. Here is my open letter to him:

Dear Phil

I heard you talking in Vegas about PEMM (Positive, Exercise, Moment and Meditation) and laughed heavily. Yes Phil, all the A List action and people coming up to you recognising you all the time had flipped you out. Quite frankly, this is the sort of Hellmuth talk that makes me LMAO and opens you up to serious ridicule. Now, however, I think my attitude has changed – get well Phil! Actually, you are already there mate…I hate to see you in the state you are in in this picture and it disturbs me.

This final table is the start of a mega, mega comeback

By making the final table at this WPT event you have proved you are great Phil. You have been running worse than you could possibly run and this final table is the start of a mega, mega comeback.

It’s clear to me that the younger players are making a huge amount of ground but you are a real legend in my book. I hope this final table doesn’t leave lasting psychological damage – you are on your way back. Trust me when Tony G says this.

You were a Shooting Star

This WPT at Bay 101 is a hard tournament, you were a Shooting Star – Matt Savage, as ever, provided a fantastic structure, and you showed what you could do. It was clear to me that you had a phenomenal read on one of your opponents and I cannot wait to see the coverage and what Mike Sexton and Vince Van Patten have to say. Don’t beat yourself up about this one – THE POKER BRAT IS BACK!

I really mean what I write here. I found it funny when Roland and Daniel gave you a retirement card at the Premier League and nothing satisfies me more than making you cry and wail. I will send you back to Madison, or Russia – or wherever.

You are a valuable asset to the poker world

I also hate the fact you always have to have a limo and go on about Slash and rock stars all the time but from the position of being a being a player and businessman in this industry, I can truly say you are a valuable asset to the poker world. Entering the WSOP Europe dressed as Caesar is taking it a bit too far but then again my sponsors PartyPoker.com have given me a personal concierge and I know you are pi**ed about that!

See you soon champ, hopefully at the PartyPoker Cash Game in April or at a WPT soon. I might not be feeling as generously spirited as I am now but I want you to know that the G is here in your hour of need. I have big heart, you know that.

The tournament at Bay 101 is now heads-up. See WPT live updates for the latest.