Phil Hellmuth Jr., often hailed as the best poker player in the world, is renowned for his unparalleled achievements in the world of professional poker. With 15 World Series of Poker (WSOP) victories, he stands as the record holder for the most WSOP wins. Beyond his remarkable poker career, Hellmuth is a force for good, author, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.
Unprecedented Achievements
- Phil Hellmuth boasts an unmatched 15 WSOP championships, a feat no other player has achieved, with most of these victories in various poker formats, including Hold’em, Lowball, Stud, Razz, Pot Limit Omaha, and H.O.R.S.E.
- His live tournament winnings exceed a staggering $23 million, making him one of the highest-earning poker players in history.
- In 1989, at just 24 years old, Hellmuth became the youngest player ever to win the WSOP Main Event by defeating the two-time defending champion Johnny Chan.
- He holds the world record for the most cash finishes (140) and most WSOP final tables (57), including 11 second-place finishes.
- Hellmuth achieved three bracelet wins in a single year in 1993, setting another poker milestone.
- Known as the “Poker Brat” for his competitive personality, Hellmuth has won Player of the Year honors, the NBC Heads-Up Championships, the European Poker Championships, and over 50 major tournaments.
Beyond Poker
- Phil Hellmuth is not just a poker player; he’s an entrepreneur with ventures in publishing, clothing (PokerBrat.com), real estate, and casino games.
- His New York Times bestselling book, “Play Poker Like The Pros,” and mobile game, “Hellmuth’s Hold ‘Em,” have garnered widespread recognition.
- He appears as a player and analyst on major television networks such as NBC, CBS, FOX, ESPN, and GSN. He was also the host of Bravo’s “Celebrity Poker Showdown.”
- Hellmuth has written an internationally syndicated newspaper column titled “Hand of the Week” for 15 years, sharing insights into remarkable poker hands.
- Beyond his career, he actively supports aging players and those in need, exemplifying a heart of gold.
Philanthropy
- Phil Hellmuth has chaired and emceed poker charity events that raised over $54 million for various causes, including organizations like the Clinton Global Initiative, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and Eva Longoria’s “Eva’s Heroes.”
- He actively contributes to Heifer International, an organization that aids developing villages in impoverished countries.
- In 2010, Hellmuth embarked on a USO Tour to visit U.S. troops in the Middle East, showing his support for servicemen and women.
Personal History
- Born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin, Phil Hellmuth Jr. grew up in a Catholic family as the oldest of five children.
- His introduction to poker began with family games and later Texas Hold ‘Em games at the University of Wisconsin student union.
- After dropping out of college, he honed his poker skills and built a bankroll through various jobs, including field laborer work.
- Hellmuth’s journey into professional poker is detailed in his book “Deal Me In: The World’s Top 20 Poker Players Tell How They Turned Pro.”
- He resides in California with his wife, Kathy, and their two sons, Phillip III and Nicholas, always prioritizing family values.
Phil Hellmuth’s legacy extends beyond his poker achievements, encompassing philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and a passion for inspiring others. As a poker icon and a “Force for good,” he continues to make a lasting impact on the world, both on and off the poker tables.