The turning point of Season 2 of Fox Sports Net’s “Best Damn Poker Show” was the abrupt departure of contestant Scott Clark. Patrick Karst, a member of Team Annie Duke, ultimately won the series, which was in its second season. Clark sat down with Poker News Daily to discuss his experience and quitting the show.
Poker News Daily: Tell us how you became involved with the “Best Damn Poker Show.” What was the sign-up process you went through and what was asked?
Clark: At the World Series of Poker in July, Ultimate Bet held auditions at the Rio over two days. First, you filled out a lengthy questionnaire and hoped they’d call you back for an on-camera interview with a panel of judges who asked about your poker experience, your style of play, and personal achievements. They also asked you to name as many WSOP Main Event Champions as you could in ten seconds. I rambled off seven or eight quickly. I finished my answer and Mark “P0ker H0” Kroon said, “Have you ever heard of a guy named Phil Hellmuth?” I replied, “I heard he has a few WSOP cashes!”
After the on-camera interview with judges, hundreds of contestants hoped to be called back for the final on-camera interview with Phil Hellmuth and Annie Duke. Thousands of hopeful applicants also sent in online video submissions. I received word that I had been selected in August and I was very excited to play the game I love on television.
PND: What’s a typical day like on the show? Take us for a behind the scenes tour.
Clark: So many people worked hard on the “Best Damn Poker Show.” We had a lot to get done and a small window of time to do it in. There were also egos, personalities, and talent within the contestant pool and very little gossiping, jealousy, or personality clashes. In my opinion, the biggest egos in the contestant pool exited the show early, with the exception of yours truly. The minor disagreements between Annie and Phil were the only drama. Duke and Hellmuth team members often intermingled socially after hours. It was a very interesting time on and off the set.
PND: What was Phil Hellmuth like, in your opinion?
Clark: I think we are similar in many ways. Phil and I are egomaniacs, poker players, and the same age. I use words like “generous” and “thoughtful” when I speak of Phil, much to the surprise of those who inquire. I thought he was an amazing poker mind. I understand Phil and I think he got me. Often, Phil told me what he was thinking with just a glance or facial expression. I like Phil and, ultimately, I failed Phil. I really do not feel good about it.
PND: Phil Hellmuth told Poker News Daily that he found out about your departure while he was in his trailer. Do you regret quitting the “Best Damn Poker Show?”
Clark: I have mixed feelings about it based on the fact that I allowed myself to get into a situation and lost all creative input after the fact. I did not expect Fox Sports Net to be kind. Based on the edited show that aired, I do not regret leaving based on the trust issues I had with its producers after the incident.
PND: The incident was defined as a turning point for Team Hellmuth. Do you agree?
Clark: Yes. Team Hellmuth undoubtedly had the better team. Annie is probably the better coach in a format like this, but Phil possesses a greater poker mind and assesses talent better. Had I returned, I feel Team Hellmuth was a 60/40 favorite at that point. Team Hellmuth member Jason Lee played magnificently after I left. He nearly won an Aruba package in my absence when he shoved in the dark versus Karst.
PND: How has this experience changed your poker career?
Clark: I have not played on Ultimate Bet since the show. I play tournaments online and prefer to play No Limit Hold’em cash games live. I have been concentrating on my live play at Lumiere Place. I play tournaments part-time on Full Tilt Poker and compete in Omaha High-Low home games around St. Louis. I do miss playing at Ultimate Bet. I stated during the auditions, “UB has been very good to me,” and it had been. My online tournament fees and rake dollars are spent in many poker venues, but UB will have to pay me to play there.
PND: Would you consider returning for the Best Damn Poker Show Season 3 if asked?
Clark: I would consider it “unfinished business.” I hated watching Annie celebrate a victory I effectively handed her. I never considered that aspect when I decided to leave the taping of the “Best Damn Poker Show” and it makes me ill. I really do not know the answer to your question. I suppose it is one of those decisions that an individual would have to actually be faced with in order to speculate “what if.”
PND: Are you recognized now as a result of the show? What are people’s reactions?
Clark: I remain pleasantly surprised by how many people actually watched it. I think I put on a good show and assured Annie during the auditions that I would. Most people ask about Phil and his off-camera personality. Overall, they all seem to have enjoyed the show.
PND: Tell us about your 2009 World Series of Poker plans.
Clark: I will be in Las Vegas during the WSOP. Live tournaments do not rank very high on my list of things to do, but the WSOP is a festive atmosphere. You really cannot plan life, Vegas, the WSOP, or poker!
Check out Scott Clark’s blog to learn more.
