It is no secret that Phil Hellmuth is the most prolific holder of WSOP bracelets – to date he holds eleven bracelets, and experts in this game, believe he has plenty of room for more. It is also no secret that both he and Annie Duke are parting ways with Ultimate Bet and while Annie got engaged and wants to explore other business opportunities, we are not quite sure at this juncture, exactly what it is Phil wants! One thing is however certain, he can have pretty much whatever he wants. One poker predictor had to say that he thinks Phil may go to the brand new WSOP Poker as his online brand and sponsor, and considering the proliferation of bracelets, nothing could be more apt. However, we shall have to wait and see.
There is no doubt about the fact that UB is losing two of the biggest names and faces in poker, and that these players helped make the Unibet Poker brand what it is. However they are remaining positive and are expected to replace the pair very soon. The question is; how does one replace Phil Helmuth and Annie Duke? According to Unibet, this is not such a very big deal and Joe Sebok’s did publicly thank them in his blog. They are legends in the industry and despite the fact that they are leaving, Joe believes that this will be the finest year UB has ever had.
According to him, he is crazily pumped over the new announcements for team Unibet which will take place next week and it is going to be a bit of a doozy! Whoever can it be, I thought Poker Stars took the cake when they signed up Isildu1; and we thought if any site would; this would be Full Tilt?! I believe PokerStars have the monopoly on shocking team member announcement. Nevertheless we shall wait and see what UB has to offer. Restocking the talent can’t be easy particularly considering the big names of the stars who have left.
Joe believes UB poker has been heading in a new direction for some time now. He also believes it is time for a younger and fresher approach. UB has been party to some pretty big scandals in the past 18 months and this is a time they wish to put behind them. New faces will also help do this – not that Annie or Phil had anything to do with any scandals! The fact remains that this site has had its fair share of ups and downs. They appear to be re-inventing the brand, but it is just too big a poker name to be kept down for very long.
Joe is definitely of the opinion that more legislation with regards to online poker will have positive repercussions and prevent their past scandals from happening anywhere else. Legislation not only protects players it protects all parties involved. He also believes that as much as possible has been done to right the wrongs of the past.