Jason Koon Makes Simple Work of Phil Hellmuth in ‘Excessive Stakes Duel’ Poker Match

Daniel Negreanu, Tom Dwan, and Antonio Esfandiari are only a few of the poker professionals to have fallen to Phil Hellmuth on PokerGo’s “Excessive Stakes Duel.” Nevertheless, the Poker Brat was kicked off his perch Wednesday night time by first-timer Jason Koon.

Jason Koon reveals his pleasure after beating Phil Hellmuth in an episode of “Excessive Stakes Duel.” Koon upset the reigning champ, who may now search a rematch price $3.2 million (Picture: PokerGO)

Hellmuth has repeatedly used his Jedi thoughts tips to outmaneuver his opponents within the heads-up poker battles. However not this time. Going into Wednesday night time’s battle, he was 9-1, with the one loss coming towards Tom Dwan in August of final yr.

Because the stakes have elevated, so has the extent of play. Taking part in for a pot of $1.6 million on Wednesday, Koon, a WSOP bracelet holder with greater than $40M in dwell poker winnings, outran Hellmuth with little issues.

Playing cards Fall Incorrect

Hellmuth had problem discovering favorable playing cards on Wednesday. However that wasn’t his solely downside. Koon, who claimed the seat towards Hellmuth after Scott Seiver backed out in August, picked up on his opponent’s fashion rapidly and by no means let go.

The defending champion got here out aggressively and was in a position to clear a few smaller pots by bluffs earlier than Koon tailored and took command. When Hellmuth tried to bully his means by a pot whereas holding a Q-6, his stack and ego have been each deflated.

Koon was holding pocket rockets, and Hellmuth was all of a sudden down 2-1 in chips. Because the Poker Brat tried to struggle again, he discovered just a few minor victories and will by no means get again on observe.

An hour into the match, Hellmuth started a horrible run that might have had Wild Invoice Hickok capturing up the saloon. Koon repeatedly began down at Ace-high gap playing cards, whereas Hellmuth couldn’t get something.

The repeated blows took their toll and Hellmuth grew to become extra annoyed as he couldn’t discover a pot. He tried to bluff his means by a pair, which additionally failed miserably.

The coup de grâce for Koon was when he pressured his 16-time WSOP winner to fold with a greater hand. Holding pocket deuces towards Hellmuth’s 7-7, Koon acquired Hellmuth to again down, an indication that he was on the ropes.

In what was the shortest “Excessive Stakes Duel” episode but, Koon completed Hellmuth off after simply three hours of play. The eventual winner had a 10-to-1 chip lead when Hellmuth thought he hit pay grime. Sitting on A-Ok towards Q-8, Hellmuth went all-in. Nevertheless, Girl Luck returned as soon as extra for Koon, who scored a Q on the flop for the win.

Time for a Rematch

If Hellmuth needs, he can search a rematch towards Koon. However it should value him. He must put in $1.6 million for a sport price twice that a lot. His loss final night time value him $1.6 million — $1.35 million of which he had gathered by back-to-back wins.

Give max credit score to @Jasonkoon, he performed nice poker in our “Excessive Stakes Duel.” Congrats on the win Jason, you’re a class act and an awesome participant and everybody is aware of it. I loved enjoying the primary 11 matches of HSD, completed 9-2 #POSITIVITY pic.twitter.com/DuTIj9GDG0

— phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth) December 8, 2022

If he doesn’t need to proceed, Hellmuth walks away empty-handed. That, nonetheless, isn’t the Hellmuth who poker followers like to hate.

After Hellmuth misplaced to Dwan, the 2 returned to the felt this previous January for a rematch. Hellmuth got here out on high that point, and he hasn’t faltered since. He’s not more likely to go down with out a struggle this time, both.

With over $26 million in lifetime poker earnings, Hellmuth could be prepared to open his pockets to avoid wasting his popularity. If not, there shall be others prepared to seize his spot on the desk.