Phillip J. Hellmuth, Jr. is an American professional poker player. He is best known for holding a record eleven World Series of Poker bracelets, for winning the Main Event of the 1989 World Series of Poker and for his "poker brat" personality. He is also a member of the Poker Hall of Fame.
In 1989, the 24-year-old Hellmuth became at the time the youngest player to win the Main Event of the WSOP by defeating the two-time defending champion, Johnny Chan in heads up play. Peter Eastgate, at the age of 22, became the youngest winner in 2008.
At the 2007 World Series of Poker, Hellmuth won his record-breaking 11th bracelet in the $1,500 No Limit Hold'em Event. Phil Hellmuth also holds the records for most WSOP cashes (68) and most WSOP final tables (41), recently overtaking TJ Cloutier.
Hellmuth has won $5,859,080 at the WSOP and is ranked 6th on the WSOP All Time Money List.[6]
Hellmuth has not won a World Poker Tour (WPT) tournament. He has cashed 10 times and made 3 final tables. To date, Hellmuth has won $814,869 in WPT tournaments.
Hellmuth is known for making scathing remarks about his opponents skills, especially after taking bad beats. During the Main Event of the 2005 World Series of Poker he stated "I can dodge bullets, baby!" after laying down Ace King to an opponent's pocket Aces on a board of A 4 4 Q rainbow. Other famous quotes include: "If luck weren't involved, I guess I'd win every [tournament]," and "I've revolutionized the way to play Texas hold 'em."
