Phil Galfond Praises Phil Hellmuth's 'Old School' Poker Skills, Sparks Debate

Phil Hellmuth won a heads-up duel against Antonio Esfandiari for the second time. Phil Galfond praised Phil Hellmuth for his intuitive and exploitative poker style. Galfond highlighted Hellmuth's ability to tilt weaker players and win their money, stating that Hellmuth knows things that he himself does not.

Fedor Holz and Olivier Busquet criticized Phil Hellmuth's playing style. Holz described Hellmuth as a loose player who often wins against tighter, weaker opponents. Busquet went further, calling Hellmuth the most despicable, disrespectful, and self-promoting egomaniac in the industry.

Doyle Brunson defended Phil Hellmuth, stating that his style is effective against weaker players. Brunson noted that Hellmuth's ability to tilt opponents and win their money has contributed to his 15 WSOP bracelets. Despite the criticism, Galfond stood by his praise, acknowledging Hellmuth's talent and unique abilities.