Nationality
Phil Hellmuth is American, holding United States citizenship.
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Born (date and place of birth)
Phil Hellmuth was born on July 16, 1964, in Madison, Wisconsin, United States.
Residence (current location)
He currently resides in Palo Alto, California, USA.
Education (institution, specialization)
He attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison but does not have a widely reported completed degree; his education focused around his early college years.
Children (number, ages)
Phil Hellmuth has children, though the number and ages are private information.
Year started playing poker
He started playing poker seriously and professionally around 1989.
Age when started playing
He began his serious poker involvement in his early 20s.
Year turned professional
Phil became a professional poker player in 1989 after winning the WSOP Main Event.
First major win (amount, tournament, year)
His first major victory was the 1989 WSOP Main Event where he won $755,000.
Who introduced to poker / first mentor
There is no widely documented specific mentor; Hellmuth developed through self-study and experience.
First important tournament
His first major tournament was the 1989 World Series of Poker where he won the Main Event.
Main motivation for turning pro
Motivated by competitive nature and early tournament success, especially the 1989 WSOP Main Event win, driving his professional poker career.
Initial bankroll
Specific details of his initial bankroll are not publicly known; early funding was likely personal or informal.
Poker education (courses, coaches)
Self-taught with extensive tournament play experience; later supplemented by poker books and instructional videos he authored.
First sponsor/backing
Early sponsorship was with Ultimate Bet during the 2000s poker boom; current sponsorship is with BetRivers.
Total live tournament winnings
Phil Hellmuth’s career live tournament winnings exceed $27 million as of 2025.
Number of tournament wins
He has won 53 live tournament titles.
Number of final tables
Phil Hellmuth has reached over 400 final tables in live events.
Largest tournament win (amount, tournament, year)
His largest single tournament cash was $2,645,333 for 4th place at the 2012 Big One for One Drop $1,000,000 buy-in event.
WSOP bracelets (number)
Hellmuth holds 17 World Series of Poker bracelets, a record for most bracelets won.
WSOP cashes (number)
He has cashed in more than 200 WSOP events.
WSOP final tables
He has made 50+ WSOP final tables throughout his career.
Best WSOP Main Event result
He won the WSOP Main Event in 1989 at age 24.
Super high roller results ($100K+)
Finished 4th and won $1.6 million at the 2016 Super High Roller Bowl ($300,000 buy-in).
High roller wins ($25K-$100K)
No prominent high roller victories in $25K-$100K range but notable deep finishes.
Online tournament winnings
Online winnings are modest compared to live accomplishments; mostly focused on live tournaments.
Major online titles
No major online tournament titles recorded.
Poker team
He is currently a BetRivers Brand Ambassador and content partner.
Main cash game limits
Primarily focused on tournament play rather than high stakes cash games.
Highest stakes played
Played in $1 million Big One for One Drop and $300,000 Super High Roller events.
Notable high stakes sessions
Known for high-profile WSOP final tables and super high roller deep runs; specific cash game sessions undisclosed.
"Big Game" participation
No public documented participation in famous Big Game sessions.
Estimated cash game profits (if known)
Cash game profit estimates are not publicly known; main earnings come from tournaments.
Country ranking
Among the top-ranked American poker players historically by earnings and accomplishments.
All Time Money List position
Ranked roughly in top 10 on the All-Time Money List for tournament earnings.
Tournament ROI (if known)
High tournament ROI with a notable win rate when in the money, well above average.
Average tournament win
His average cash tends to be in the six-figure range given many large tournament scores.
ITM percentage
Has an above average in-the-money percentage across his tournament career.
Final table percentage from cashes
His final table percentage relative to cashes is notably high, reflecting strong finishing skills.
Statistics by year (best/worst year)
Consistent strong performance with peak years including 1989 and steady results across ensuing decades.
Main discipline (Hold'em, Omaha, Mixed games)
Primarily specializes in No-Limit Texas Hold’em, with strong mixed game skills.
Format specialization (tournaments/cash/online/live)
Focuses on live tournament play with participation in mixed game formats.
Preferred table size (6-max, full ring, heads-up)
Prefers full ring and 6-max tables; also recognized for strong heads-up play.
Known formats (NLHE, PLO, HORSE, others)
Skilled in NLHE, Razz, Seven Card Stud, Pot-Limit Omaha, and mixed formats like HORSE.
Specialization limits
Typically participates in mid-to-high buy-in tournaments and high roller events competitively.
Online rooms where plays
Known competitor on BetRivers online platform; other platform activity is limited.
Favorite casinos/locations
Frequent player at Rio, Horseshoe Las Vegas, Bellagio, and Venetian casinos.
Style characterization (TAG, LAG, nitty, aggressive)
Mostly loose-aggressive (LAG) with strong player-reading and exploitation skills.
Known for bluffs/traps
Known for calculated bluffing and strong psychological tactics in play.
Mathematical or intuitive approach
Combines intuitive read-based play with knowledgeable game theory principles.
Style adaptability
Highly adaptable to opponents and changing game dynamics in tournaments.
Playing strengths
Exceptional player reading, closing ability, tournament experience, and mental fortitude.
GTO strategy usage
Uses game theory optimal elements but largely exploitative and adjustment-focused style.
Poker software usage
Utilizes poker software off-table for analysis; depends on practical reads at tables.
Television appearances (list of shows with specific episodes/dates)
Featured frequently on WSOP broadcasts, Poker After Dark, and High Stakes Poker.
High Stakes Poker participation (seasons/episodes)
Participated in multiple High Stakes Poker seasons and episodes.
Poker After Dark appearances (episodes/dates)
Multiple appearances on Poker After Dark episodes over the years.
Documentary films featuring (titles and links)
Featured in several poker documentaries and event specials.
Major publication interviews (publication names, article titles, links)
Interviewed extensively by CardPlayer, PokerNews, WSOP.com, and major poker journalism outlets.
Podcast appearances (podcast names, episode titles, dates, links)
Frequent guest on poker podcasts discussing strategy, mindset, and career stories.
Own podcast/channel (name, platform, subscriber count, link)
Runs poker-focused YouTube channel with instructional and entertainment videos.
Facebook (account link)
Maintains official Facebook page with strong engagement.
YouTube channel (name, subscriber count, link)
Operates "Phil Hellmuth" YouTube channel focusing on poker education and lifestyle content with a large subscriber base.
Twitch channel (name, follower count, link)
No prominent Twitch streaming channel known.
TikTok presence (account link, follower count)
Limited or no known TikTok presence focused on poker content.
LinkedIn profile (link)
No known professional LinkedIn profile publicly used.
Posting frequency in social media
Regular social media updates linked with poker activity and personal branding.
Type of content in social media
Shares poker strategies, tournament updates, personal insights, and promotional material.
Current sponsors (company names, deal details if public)
Currently sponsored by BetRivers (Rush Street Interactive) as brand ambassador and content partner.
Sponsorship contract history (previous sponsors, dates)
Sponsored by Ultimate Bet in the 2000s; left due to company scandal; recent sponsorship with BetRivers from early 2020s onward.
Poker site ambassadorship (site names, contract details)
Official ambassador for BetRivers and advisor to multiple poker and gaming companies.
Own business (business names, descriptions, websites)
Involved in poker media production and advisory roles for gaming start-ups and ventures.
Poker project investments (project names, involvement details)
Engaged as advisor and investor in poker and gaming industry projects.
Coaching services (availability, platforms used)
Offers poker coaching primarily via video tutorials and books rather than direct private coaching.
Coaching rates (if public)
Specific coaching pricing not publicly disclosed.
Educational materials (book titles with ISBN, course names with platforms, video series titles with links)
Authored books including “Play Poker Like the Pros” and produced poker training videos and seminars.
Affiliate programs (program names, partnerships)
Participates in affiliate partnerships promoting poker sites and content.
Merchandise (product types, where sold, links)
Sells branded poker merchandise through official online store.
Written poker books (titles, publication years, ISBN, publisher)
"Play Poker Like the Pros" (2004) is a notable published poker strategy book.
Training series participation (series names, platforms, links)
Participated in online training series offering tournament strategy lessons.
Masterclasses and seminars (event names, dates, locations)
Conducted masterclasses at poker festivals and via online platforms.
Coaching work (platforms used, student testimonials)
Provides poker education through online videos and authorized platforms; limited one-on-one coaching.
Notable students (names if public, their achievements)
No publicly disclosed notable coaching students.
YouTube educational content (video titles, view counts, links)
Offers educational poker content on his official YouTube channel with detailed strategy videos.
Poker publication articles (publication names, article titles, publication dates, links)
Contributor and frequent interview subject in poker news publications.
Magazine columns (magazine names, column titles, frequency)
Has written occasional columns on poker strategy and mindset for poker magazines.
Conference speaking (conference names, dates, topics, video links)
Speaker at poker and gaming conferences discussing poker career and strategy.
Poker scandal involvement (scandal names, details, outcomes)
No personal involvement in scandals; former sponsor Ultimate Bet was linked to cheating scandal, leading to Hellmuth's departure.
Accusations of unfair play (specific incidents, resolutions)
No cheating accusations against Phil Hellmuth.
Casino/room conflicts (venue names, incident details)
Known for emotional outbursts but no major public casino conflicts.
Legal proceedings (case details, outcomes, court documents)
No known legal issues.
Public disputes with colleagues (names involved, details)
Known for on-table disputes and trash talk, but no major prolonged controversies.
Tournament rule violations (tournament names, violations, penalties)
No public tournament rule violations recorded.
Tax issues (if public, details, resolutions)
No known public tax-related controversies.
Poker community criticism (specific criticisms, responses)
Criticized for temper and brash behavior but acknowledged for poker skill and success.
Response to criticism (statements, actions taken)
Embraced “Poker Brat” persona and focused on results; occasionally moderates behavior.
Poker industry awards (award names, years, organizations)
Inducted into the WSOP Hall of Fame in 2007.
Hall of Fame inclusion (hall names, induction years)
WSOP Hall of Fame member since 2007.
Peer recognition (specific recognitions, award details)
Highly respected by peers for achievements despite personality divisiveness.
Poker publication awards (publication names, award types, years)
Recipient of multiple poker media and award recognitions.
Special achievements (achievement descriptions, recognition details)
Holds WSOP record with 17 bracelets and was youngest Main Event winner (held until 2008).
Records associated with name (record descriptions, verification)
Most WSOP bracelets (17); youngest Main Event winner in 1989 at age 24.
Contribution to poker development (specific contributions, recognition)
Revolutionized tournament poker with aggressive, psychological style and media presence.
Charity tournaments (tournament names, amounts raised, beneficiaries)
Regular participant in charity poker events; specific totals not tabulated publicly.
Legacy in poker world (specific legacy aspects, community impact)
Regarded as one of the greatest tournament players and a major poker ambassador worldwide.
Industry influence (specific influences, changes attributed)
Shaped poker tournament strategy, popularized poker via media, authored key educational material, and influenced poker marketing.
WSOP (World Series of Poker) - all events all years
2025-07-15 | USA | World Series of Poker | Horseshoe Las Vegas | $3,000 Pot-Limit Omaha Six Max | 3000 | 153 | $6,005 | 642 | | |||| 2024-07-03 | USA | World Series of Poker | Horseshoe Las Vegas | $10,000 No-Limit Hold'em Super Turbo Bounty Freezeout | 10000 | 1 | $803,818 | 642 | | |||| 2012-10-04 | UK | World Series of Poker Europe | Casino at the Empire | €10,000 Main Event | 10000 | 1 | $1,333,841 | 420 | | |||| 1989-06-18 | USA | World Series of Poker | Binion’s Horseshoe | $10,000 Main Event | 10000 | 1 | $755,000 | 178 | |
EPT (European Poker Tour) - all seasons
No participation recorded
WSOP Europe
2012-10-04 | UK | WSOP Europe | Casino at the Empire | €10,000 Main Event | 10000 | 1 | $1,333,841 | 420 | |
WSOP Circuit events
No participation recorded
WSOP Paradise
2024-12-19 | USA | WSOP Paradise | Caesars Palace | $10,000 No-Limit Hold'em | 10000 | 8 | $130,830 | | | |||| 2024-12-13 | USA | WSOP Paradise | Caesars Palace | $50,000 Pot-Limit Omaha | 50000 | 14 | $107,130 | | |
WSOP Online events
2024-06-23 | USA | World Series of Poker Online | -NV- NJ- MI- | $500 No-Limit Hold'em Mystery Bounty | 500 | 12 | $7,300 | | |
WPT Online series
No participation recorded
WPT500 events
No participation recorded
WPT DeepStacks
No participation recorded
WPT Prime events
No participation recorded
Provided tournament commentary for WSOP and poker events.