Phil Hellmuth could no longer contain his ire regarding a fellow high-stakes poker pro wearing a facemask at the poker table, clearly pointing out that except for rare circumstances, "no one should be able to cover their face."
In a two-hour interview with poker journalist Craig Tapscott of Poker.org, the 59-year-old discussed a list of various topics, and one of them is his view on facemasks being worn while playing at the felt.
He posted on his X/Twitter feed and explained the reason why facemasks and live poker don't mix together.
The Poker Brat wrote, "NO ONE should be able to cover their face, unless you use your own hands to do it. This isn't online poker. "Tells" matter in live poker: it is a skill to hide your tells and another skill to read your opponent's tells."
Hellmuth said in the interview that there's a significant benefit from wearing a facemask:
"That's just a tactic and a strategy; that's not good for poker.
He is one of the best right now, but he has to take that white mask off. He's using it to give himself an advantage.
When there's six people left in a tournament, you don't have any real concerns of Covid.
There are people that are just tell boxes, and maybe Ike Haxton is a tellbox."
Hellmuth's tweet sparked a heated debate on facemasks, a debate resurrected once again since it first appeared three years ago, as an aftermath of the pandemic.
While there were those who agreed with Hellmuth, there were those who strongly disagreed.
Shaun Deeb, winner of six WSOP gold bracelets, wrote:
"One of your worst takes ban hoody's sunglasses and hats all things you've used to your adv common Phil you're better than this take."
Ian Simpson, an 888poker ambassador, wrote:
"A humans right to reduce the severity and frequency of infections whilst enjoying their game outweighs your need to pick up on some live tells."
Erik Seidel, 10-time WSOP bracelet winner and 2010 Poker Hall of Famer, said:
"I don't know Phil, this smells like professional jealousy to me. It's the quality of his play that gives him an advantage. If you doubt that you should challenge him to a HU match no masks."
What do you think - Should poker players be allowed to wear masks at the table?
