Phil Hellmuth’s Big Arrival At The 2008 WSOP

BY KATIE LINDSAY

We know two things about Phil Hellmuth’s tournament arrivals: They occur notoriously late, and when they finally do happen, Hellmuth enjoys making a spectacle of himself. The Main Event of the 2008 World Series of Poker was no different. Hellmuth’s sponsor, UltimateBet, alerted media and onlookers that he would be making a grand entrance on July 6 at 2 p.m. (two hours after play began) at the poker valet, and of course, Phil couldn’t even be on time for his own late arrival.
When he finally did show up in the 108-degree heat 27 minutes later than planned, he left many mouths gaping open. Hellmuth carried on UltimateBet’s “UB Army” theme and arrived with numerous military trucks and a costume intended to outdo last year’s NASCAR gimmick.

This time he was dressed in a full Army general’s uniform with a brigade of women in tow. Khaki pants tucked into black boots and a helmet adorned with 11 stars (one for each bracelet he owns) completed the look as he ascended up the red carpet leading into the Rio.
The most fitting way to describe just what a spectacle this was is through the reaction of the usually deadpan Allen Cunningham passing Hellmuth in the hallway. His eyes grew wide once he noticed Phil, a laugh slipping out of his mouth as he shook his head.
Undeterred by the stares and comments of onlookers, a smirking Hellmuth continued on and found his seat at the featured table.