Phil Hellmuth slams WSOP’s bracelet boom as ‘diluted’ glory
Poker legend Phil Hellmuth has criticised the growing number of World Series of Poker (WSOP) van cleef bracelets, calling for major changes. With over 300 events now awarding the prestigious prize, he argues that their value has been diluted. His comments come as the WSOP itself has seen significant corporate shifts in recent years.
Hellmuth, who holds the record for the most WSOP bracelets with 17, first won in 1989 and claimed his latest in 2023. He believes the surge in events—now exceeding 300—has made each victory feel less special. His proposal includes capping the total at 100 bracelets per year and creating a separate category for online wins.
Hellmuth’s push for reform reflects wider unease about the WSOP’s expansion. If his suggestions were adopted, the number of bracelets would drop sharply, and online events would be treated differently. For now, the tournament’s organisers have yet to respond to his calls for change.
