Top Tilting Poker Players of All Time

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What is tilt in poker? No poker player wants to experience tilting willingly. It’s a state of mental confusion and frustration where emotions and suboptimal strategies drive decision-making, ultimately leading to unnecessary mistakes and regrettable losses.

Players unfortunate enough to “get tilted” usually lose their temper and act on impulse. Trying to get someone to tilt is one of the more advanced strategies you can use in online poker, and learning how to deal with a poker tilt is a part of the process if you want to become a true professional.

When you play poker games online, you’re exposed to all sorts of play styles and personalities. Professional play often draws the extremes of these spectrums, leading to unforgettable moments with larger-than-life personalities. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the 10 most famously tilting (and tilted) pro players of all time.

1. Tony G

In the world of poker, Tony G has amassed a cult following with his provocative and tilting style of play. His presence at the table never fails to entertain and his chaotic style of play always surprises, ultimately evoking both laughter and frustration from his counterparts.

Tony’s tilting is particularly evident in televised high-stakes games, where his lively table talk and aggressive gameplay elevate the excitement. He injects a unique energy that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, and his relentless taunting and fearless attitude are always exciting to watch.

2. Phil Hellmuth

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Phil Hellmuth, widely known as the ‘Poker Brat,’ has established himself as one of the greatest tournament players in history. His aggressive style and controversial behavior may divide opinions on his professionalism, but there’s no denying his exceptional poker skills and consistent success on the pro circuit.

Whether it’s berating opponents for their gameplay choices or criticizing innocent dealers, Hellmuth often struggles to keep his emotions in check. In 2022, he went as far as threatening to burn down the casino if he didn’t secure a tournament victory. Love him or hate him, Hellmuth’s passion and personality make for compelling viewing, ensuring that his presence will continue to be felt for a long time to come.

3. Martin Kabrhel

With over $8.5 million in live earnings to his name, Martin Kabrhel has cemented his place in the poker world. His impressive track record includes two coveted World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets and an impressive five WSOP Circuit rings, positioning him at the top of the Czech All-Time Money List.

What sets Kabrhel apart is his unorthodox approach to the game. He thrives on tilting his opponents by using disruptive tactics and targeting their focus and mental fortitude. In an arena where a composed demeanor can be crucial, Kabrhel breaks the mold by igniting emotions and making his opponents lose control.

4. Will Kassouf

Will Kassouf’s unparalleled speech play and torturous psychological tactics have earned him widespread attention, especially after his remarkable run in the 2016 WSOP Main Event. He mastered the art of mind games throughout the competition and managed to win more than a few seemingly impossible rounds.

With calculated phrases like “I want you to call” and “if you show, I’ll show,” Kassouf skillfully worked his verbal magic. His tactics drew the attention of not only his opponents but also the watchful eyes of WSOP officials. His audacity pushes the boundaries of the game, adding an intensity overload to high-stakes tables.

5. Vanessa Selbst

There’s no doubt that Vanessa Selbst is a trailblazer for women in poker. She has achieved outstanding results in several prestigious tournaments, but her career also features moments of inconsistency, risky limping and unforced errors.

Selbst has often found herself caught up in unnecessary conflicts, making bold moves and then expressing frustration when the flow of play goes against her. That being said, despite the occasional setbacks, her impact on the game and her status as a pioneer for female players remain undisputed.

6. Mike Matusow

Often referred to as ‘The Mouth,’ Mike Matusow is a polarizing figure in the poker world. His skill in high-stakes tournaments is undeniable, but his propensity for outbursts and conflicts with fellow players have rubbed many the wrong way.

Matusow’s career is filled with controversial moments, from insults and belittlement directed at his opponents to blind rages filled with tears. His volatility and emotional outbursts have become synonymous with his name. If there’s one thing to say about his legacy, it’s that Mike ‘The Mouth’ Matusow is sure to be remembered.

7. Shaun Deeb

Body image, a man sitting at a poker table with his head in his hands and a stressed expression on his face, poker chips and cards in front of him on the table, a drink beside him

After finding early success in online poker tournaments, Shaun Deeb took on the pro circuit and carved through his opponents like a hot knife through butter. His inspiring career includes an impressive tally of five WSOP bracelets, eight PokerStars World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP) titles, and five Spring Championship of Online Poker (SCOOP) Championships.

Deeb possesses a singular ability to get under his opponent’s skin, often creating a tense and contentious atmosphere at the poker table. Seemingly by instinct, he finds ways to provoke and ignite the fire within his fellow players, exhibiting a stunning display of skill as he dismantles his opponents.

8. Eric Persson

Eric Persson is the definition of an assertive player. His confidence and control are mesmerizing to witness and even against the likes of legendary players like Hellmuth, Persson can remain cool as a cucumber.

That’s not to say Persson’s journey in the high-stakes cash games hasn’t been without its challenges. He has found himself on tilt on more than one occasion, most of them being a series of unfortunate hands that led to significant losses.

9. Wesley Fei

Wesley Fei can best be described as an unorthodox and aggressive player. With his tendency to make bold moves and unpredictable bets, he quickly established a reputation as a chaotic element to look out for.

Fei’s boldness and an undeniable run of good fortune have proven to be a winning combination that has allowed him to amass significant pots. He doesn’t shy away from criticizing his opponents, and whether he’s executing well-timed bluffs or confidently making hero calls, Fei’s presence at the table is sure to keep his opponents on their toes.

10. Ryan Depaulo

Ryan Depaulo’s journey to stardom began with vlogs capturing his casino escapades. His moment of fame came in 2019 during the WSOP COLOSSUS event, where he secured a third-place finish for an impressive $208,643.

A charismatic and unapologetic content creator, Depaulo is notorious for his loud outbursts. Not everyone appreciates his unique style, but his mannerisms carry a playful spirit, and his courage to address serious issues with the pro circuit demonstrates his dedication to safeguarding the integrity of the game.

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