Phil Hellmuth

Phil Hellmuth plays poker with a confidence bordering arrogance. Quick to insult weaker opposition, especially following a bad beat, Hellmuth’s manner has earned him the nickname of ‘The Poker Brat’. While there are many examples of this ungentlemanly behavior, his record at the tables is difficult to criticize – with a record 11 WSOP bracelets and cashes in many other prestigious tournaments.

Besides his playing achievements Hellmuth is also a shrewd businessman, publishing many books and DVDs to capitalize on his poker successes. In 2006 his many achievements were recognized when he became inducted in to the exclusive ‘Poker Hall of Fame’.

WSOP Success

Hellmuth’s World Series Of Poker career successes started in 1988 when he placed 5th in the 7-Card Stud Hi-Lo tournament. The following year he shot to prominence by defeating Johnny Chan heads-up to win the $10,000 No-Limit Holdem Main event – at the age of 24 the youngest player ever to have won this event.

Fast forward to 2007 and Hellmuth is record holder for the most bracelets won – overtaking Doyle Brunson and Johnny Chan by winning an 11th bracelet in the $1,500 No-Limit Holdem event. In fact all of Phil Hellmuth’s bracelets have been won playing Texas Holdem, including Pot-Limit and Limit Structures as well as a number of No-Limit Holdem events.

Other Tournament Wins

Outside of the World Series Hellmuth has also enjoyed many successes. He beat Chris ‘Jesus’ Ferguson in a 3-match final to win the NBC National Heads-Up Poker championship. He also won the 3rd season of the televised ‘Late Night Poker’ championship – defeating some of poker’s biggest names along the way.

Phil Hellmuth has yet to win a World Poker Tour event, though his final table appearances and cashes have been numerous. Phil Hellmuth’s life time tournament earnings are already in excess of the $9.5 million mark.

Hellmuth's Playing Style

At the tables Hellmuth employs an aggressive yet ‘small pot’ poker playing style. His ability to read opponent’s, combined with superior post-flop skills means that he is confident that his ‘small ball’ approach allows him to out-play most opponents.

Constant small bets and raises allow Hellmuth to build a good picture of his opponents hand without risking too many chips. He is famous for the ability to make both ‘big calls’ and ‘big lay-downs’ when his instincts and reads suggest that this is the appropriate course of action.

Other Activities

More recently, Phil Hellmuth has been turning his attention to building his media profile. This includes commentating on both ‘Poker After Dark’ and ‘Celebrity Poker Showdown’ (in addition to playing in the Poker After Dark show). Hellmuth is also sponsored by the online poker site ‘Ultimate Bet’ and writes regular articles for Card Player Magazine describing the hands and players involved in the high-stakes tournament circuit.

Somewhat surprisingly for a player with the profile of Phil Hellmuth, he is a dedicated family man. Having 2 sons of his own and also often quoted as admiring celebrities (both inside and outside of poker) who put their family first. With his world-class tournament successes and ‘brat’ image one quote sums up Phil Hellmuth better than any other: “If it were not for the luck involved in poker I guess I’d win every one!” 

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