The most recognisable man in poker looks up at me, and it’s a face I’ve rarely seen. Despite the fierce Vegas sun dancing on the surface of the pool at Caesars Palace, his shades remain on the table, and his hair is a slicked sweep. Were it not for his diamond-encrusted bracelet he might pass for a badly informed impostor. But no, this really is Phil Hellmuth Jr. It’s just today, the Phil Hellmuth of legend is conspicuous by his absence. And I’m not sure if he’s ever coming back.

Until recently, Hellmuth was the ‘Poker Brat’ through and through.