Phil Hellmuth Biography

Professional Poker Players

Phil "The Poker Brat" Hellmuth

Phil Hellmuth was born in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1964. He attended University of Wisconsin, where

he learned poker. Phil would eventually drop out to become a full time poker pro. He currently resides in Palo Alto, California. Hellmuth is widely regarded as the best tournament no limit hold'em player in the world (of course phil would be the first person to agree).

In 1989 Phil became the youngest player to ever win the WSOP main event. This is a remarkable feat on its own, but take into consideration that his '89 heads-up match was vs. two time defending champ Johnny Chan and it becomes an amazing feat, perhaps one that only Phil could accomplish.

Hellmuth's World Series of Poker success would not end in '89. From then to the present, Phil has gone on to win a record breaking 11 gold bracelets. In 2007 he won his 11th, breaking a three way tie between Johnny Chan, Doyle Brunson, and himself. All of Phil's gold bracelets have been won in No Limit Hold'em events.

Phil is of course known for his No Limit Hold'em skill. However, after countless T.V. rants and humiliating opponents, he might be just as well known for his inability to take a bad beat with class. Phil earned his nickname "the poker brat" for these antics. Memorable quotes from Phil include "I can dodge bullets baby!" after laying down AK to pocket aces, and "Guy can't even spell poker", after taking a bad beat from an amateur player.

Hellmuth has authored a number of poker strategy books including "Play Poker Like The Pros", as well as a new online poker course.

In the future there is plans to write a book and screenplay based on Phil's career and life.

Hellmuth plays online poker at Ultimate Bet, under the screen name "PhilHellmuth".

Career Accomplishments:
Record 11 WSOP Bracelets - All In No Limit Holdem
19 First Place Finishes
Over 115 Tournament Cashes
Over $9 Million Career Tournament Earnings