We don't know if Phil Hellmuth is an ass in real life. His wife probably loves him and from what we know he may leave thousand dollar tips after having a burger at Bennigan's or T.G.I. Fridays. The reason he is generally regarded as the sport's biggest prat is the fact that he will throw the sort of tantrum that even a three-year-old would consider out of bounds. He can survive having that sort of table image. The power of 11 World Series of Poker bracelets gives him the sort of clout that most people just don't have.