The Hellmuth name may soon echo beyond just "The Poker Brat."
Philip Hellmuth III, son of 17-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner Phil Hellmuth, is grinding his way through the 2025 WSOP, hoping to etch his own mark on the game, and maybe snag some hardware of his own along the way.
A New Chapter in the Hellmuth Poker Saga
Hellmuth III officially joined the family tradition on Friday, May 30, cashing in Event #1: $1,000 Mystery Millions. It's a small start, but every bracelet journey has to begin somewhere. With his calm table demeanor, the Northern California native is a striking contrast to his father's famously fiery persona. Still, he admits the "Poker Brat" blood runs through him.
"There's a little bit of that that's undeniable," he admitted. "But, most of the time, no, it's not."
And while fans continue to relive Phil's iconic meltdowns, his son checked out of that viewing party long ago.
"I actually don't [have a favorite meltdown], and the reason is I stopped watching all the meltdown clips when I was about 13. I just stopped. You're going to reference an iconic clip to me and I'm not going to know it."
Playing for Glory, Not Just the Bankroll
After eight years in banking, most recently with Citibank, Hellmuth III is taking a full shot at poker. Laid off last year, he decided to go all-in on a new dream: chasing bracelets, not bonuses.
"It would mean everything. I mean, I'm trying this poker thing for the first time... it would be extremely validating to get that right now. It's exactly what I'm going for."
This isn't just a vanity project. Hellmuth III is investing real time into developing his game, blending modern GTO study with the instinct-driven style his father is known for.
"Before like a year ago, it was almost 100% his style... you had to learn GTO like everyone else is playing, but it's still pretty close to my dad. I still respect his style... and I do rely on reads too."
The Hellmuth name also carries its perks at the table.
"Nobody calls my bets when they know who my dad is."
Family Business
Phil Hellmuth has been proudly cheering from the rail - and from Twitter. For his son, this run isn't just about results; it's about bonding over a game that built a career and a legacy.
"I don't even think I would be taking this shot without his support, without being able to come to him for advice... Honestly, even if I don't end up becoming a professional poker player, I will love this time.
It does not feel like I'm working... When I was working, it did feel that way."
Hellmuth III isn't limiting himself to just the WSOP felt. He plays and hosts private games back in Northern California and recently battled his dad, Mike Matusow, and Kelly Minkin in a Poker Night in America cash game.
If the cards fall his way this summer, he may never return to a cubicle again. And if there's one thing clear, it's that poker - for this Hellmuth - isn't just a career pivot.
It's family. It's legacy. And yes, it's bracelet dreams of his own.
Tags: 2025 WSOP, WSOP, Philip Hellmuth III, Phil Hellmuth, Poker Brat
Source: https://www.pokernews.com/news/2025/05/phil-hellmuth-son-playing-2025-wsop-poker-48670.htm
