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- Shaun Deeb swept Phil Hellmuth 2-0 in an online heads-up match streamed from Delaware on BetRivers Poker Table Talk, discussing their long-running rivalry and Deeb’s goal to overtake Hellmuth’s 17 WSOP bracelets.
- Deeb also addressed the 2026 WSOP Player of the Year race, confirming that an upcoming WSOP Paradise tournament was changed to an open bracelet event counting toward the POY standings, which he currently leads.
Shaun Deeb said he defeated Phil Hellmuth 2-0 in a best-of-three match on BetRivers Poker, recounting the contest on BetRivers Table Talk.
The online heads-up match brought together Hellmuth, described as a 17-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner, and Deeb, who said he has nine bracelets. Their conversation also covered Deeb’s pursuit of Hellmuth’s record and a change to the WSOP Player of the Year competition.
According to Pokerfuse’s Oct. 21 report, the players competed from the same room in Delaware, streaming the action live. Deeb won the first two games to settle the best-of-three contest. The report did not specify the match date.
Deeb Discusses Hellmuth Friendship and Bracelet Chase
During the 30-minute interview, Deeb traced his friendship with Hellmuth to Open Face Chinese Poker. Their relationship later developed through Hellmuth’s Home Game, Poker Night in America and other projects.
Deeb described the relationship as a “multi-generational friendship,” according to Pokerfuse.
The match followed an invitation from Greg Carlin to participate in a tournament featuring Hellmuth as a bounty. The trip also included Texas Mike’s home game and a charity event.
Deeb, who said he has two WSOP Player of the Year titles, described himself as “the most likely person to pass Hellmuth on his bracelets.” The interview also addressed his omission from the Poker Hall of Fame. As the broader digital and online poker landscape continues to evolve alongside high-stakes tournament circuits, players frequently transition between virtual felt grinders and live bracelet races.
WSOP Paradise Change Enters Player of the Year Discussion
Deeb discussed the WSOP’s decision to change a 2026 WSOP Paradise event from an invitational to an open event that counts toward the Player of the Year race.
Pokerfuse reported that Deeb was leading the race at the time of publication. In discussing the change, the report also noted that Deeb had posted that this would likely be his last year pursuing the title.
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Source: As reported by pokerfuse.com.
