Phil Hellmuth Signed to Coach Jeff Shulman

After decades of trying, Phil Hellmuth has found a way to get himself back to the final table of the World Series of Poker Main Event.



How did the multiple-bracelet holder wind up snagging the heretofore non-existent slot of the November Tenth? By reportedly signing on to coach Jeff Shulman.

Shulman, who’s made WSOP news in the past few months with his vociferous criticism of the WSOP (specifically of how Harrah’s runs the event), including a pledge to throw the Main Event bracelet into the garbage if he won, made the announcement yesterday in an article on CardPlayer.

“Phil just has such a way of thinking about winning that I knew he would be a great resource,” said Shulman. “We’re going to talk about final-table strategy, analyze the tapes, and work on my own play.”

“I turned on the TV and I was watching Tiger Woods or something, and I realized — every single player has a coach,” said Shulman. “No matter how good or bad my game is, it can always get better.”

The deal with Hellmuth is no doubt a good one for Shulman, who for the record is no tournament slouch, with career winnings that exceed 99% of the poker-playing population and a deep well of WSOP experience – in fact, he’s the only person at the table with WSOP final table experience (he took 7th in 2000).

No word on the terms of the deal.

Also likely pleased with the deal: ESPN, who just had a new story line dropped neatly into their laps, something they’ll no doubt be grateful for when frantically assembling the final table episodes of the WSOP. Possibly pleased: Ultimate Bet, assuming Phil gets some jersey time snuck into the broadcast.

For all of our WSOP 2009 coverage, click here.

Phil Hellmuth plays at Ultimate Bet. Don’t sign up for an account at UB – learn how you could get 30% rakeback first.