When Will He Return to the Tables?
Hellmuth has approached the situation responsibly. “I will not play until I test negative,” he stated resolutely. While it's currently unknown when the legend might return to the poker tables, the typical recovery and isolation period for this illness usually ranges from 5 to 10 days.
Good news for fans is that the most important tournament of the year, the $10K WSOP Main Event, doesn't start until July 2nd and runs until July 13th. Phil has approximately 12 days to recover and make it to the championship's start.
Why have I missed so many great @WSOP tourneys this week?
— phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth) June 20, 2026
I have Covid, sigh…
I will not play until I test negative!!#POSITIVITY pic.twitter.com/IVcPNwlyrD
Phil Hellmuth is known for his theatrical entrances at the Main Event. In the past, he's appeared as Gandalf, General Patton, and a heavy metal rocker. This year, he revealed a bold vision on the BetRivers Table Talk podcast: “I want to come as Superman, but in that black suit,” the champion shared.
The show plans include his closest ones. His son Nick is set to play Batman, and Phillip is to appear as Green Lantern.
Hellmuth’s Son in the Spotlight
Before the positive Covid test, Hellmuth stirred the poker community by defending his son, Phillip Hellmuth III (also known as Phillip Jr.). The young Hellmuth decided to sell a part of his action for the Main Event with a 1.4 markup.
Want to buy a piece of my son in @WSOP tourneys?@PhillipHellmuth has listed a few events at 1.10 mark up and the Main Event at 1.4. I’m sure the main event will sell out! $10M for first place
— phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth) June 18, 2026
Phillip finished 10th in a ring event with 541 players in Jan#POSITIVITY https://t.co/evn3UXi9Ek
This number was immediately criticized by professionals like Shaun Deeb and Jason Mo, who claimed Phillip Jr. lacks the experience to demand such a high markup, typically reserved for seasoned players.
Proud father Phil Hellmuth responded to the criticism with an aggressive bet. He wagered $14,000 against the amount his son will actually win in the Main Event.
This means if Phillip Jr. busts out before the money, Deeb and Mo will gain Phil’s $14,000. However, if young Hellmuth succeeds in the tournament, he could shoot for the $10 million top prize, and Mo and Deeb would have to pay Phil this colossal amount.
Whether the bet on family genes pays off or Deeb and Mo earn the "easiest money of the summer," will be revealed during the July Main Event. One thing is certain, thanks to his father, Phillip Hellmuth Jr. has become the most watched player of this year's series overnight.
Sources: WSOP, X
