Hellmuth: It's very possible that I make the final table
Poker Junkie gets a short chat with Phil Hellmuth Jr. during Day 2 of the WSOP 2008.
How has the WSOP been so far?
I've been a little bit disappointed, but I think that finishing on third place in the HORSE event saved my series. Four times in the money and two final tables is - respectable, you know. That late surge when the whole poker world was watching me was very satisfying. But of course I wanted to win it.
But it's not over yet, we're still in the Main Event. If I can make the final table in the Main Event, then it's been a fantastic year. And it's very possible, it's very possible. I have a lot of chips and they move up the blinds slowly so I have a lot of time to work them. I've been deep in the money and made it four or five days in a bunch of tournaments in the last three years, so I know what to do.
Is the Main Event the most important event?
Of course it's the most important event! Some people think the HORSE is more important, but it's not even close. The Main Event is much more important than the HORSE: It's no limit, and if you can beat 7,000 or 8,000 people, that says more than beating 140 people in the HORSE.
Is the opposition softer in the Main Event?
Yes, sure, but all the players who were in the HORSE event are in the Main Event too, so you have to beat them all in order to win.
Who's your favorite to win the Main Event, except for yourself of course?
Oh, I don't know. Johnny Chan is a great player, and he has proved that he can do it. Mike Matusow has beaten this field before, so he can do it. You just never know!
