Phil Hellmuth Accepts Analyst Gig on WPT 'Raw Deal'

He often complains of receiving raw deals while playing poker, but you will hear no complaints from Phil Hellmuth in accepting the position of analyst on the 'Raw Deal' broadcasts of the World Poker Tour.

The Poker Brat was announced by WPT as the newest member of the Raw Deal team, filling an opening created by the departure of Mike Sexton, who left the broadcast booth to take the reins as chairman of Party Poker. The previous Raw Deal analyst, Tony Dunst, will transition to the commentary booth as Vince Van Patten's sidekick.

“Becoming a part of the World Poker Tour family has been a career dream of mine," Hellmuth stated.

It's also likely a dream of his to win a WPT title, an honor that has eluded Hellmuth throughout an illustrious poker career that has spanned three decades. His 14 WSOP championships are second-to-none, as are his WSOP cashes record of 126.

In WPT events, Hellmuth has landed in the money 13 times, ascending to the final table in four of those tournaments. His WPT earnings have eclipsed $1 million, with his lifetime winnings in all live events over $21 million.

Love Him or Hate Him

Perhaps poker's most polarizing figure, Hellmuth attributes his "Poker Brat" persona to low self-esteem that developed during his formative years in an effort to please his parents while competing with his siblings. Hellmuth tells all in his new autobiography of the same name, which I am currently reading.

"Phil’s insightful poker analysis comes with the right amount of edginess, and his poker resume speaks for itself," said WPT chief executive officer Adam Pliska.

Hellmuth's new gig will begin with WPT Season XVI at Choctaw. He has never been shy in stating his opinions, including criticizing other poker players. Phil has promised "no-holds-barred commentary and analysis" when he takes the microphone as Raw Deal's newest host.