Phil Hellmut - History

Phil Hellmuth, Jr. is the greatest poker player to ever play the game. His 2007 World Series of Poker win was his 11th career WSOP title. In addition to having amassed an unsurpassed record 11 World Series of Poker championships, Hellmuth has set astonishing records for both most World Series cashes (68) and most final tables (41). As expected, Phil Hellmuth's net worth is staggering, due in part to his World Series of Poker wins and extensive list of main event finishes.

In 1989, 24 year-old Phil Hellmuth became the youngest person ever to win the World Series of Poker Main Event by defeating two time defending champion Johnny Chan. His record as the youngest champ stood for 19 years. In 1993, Hellmuth set another record by winning 3 bracelets in a single year and also a 2nd place finish.

Every time poker champion Phil Hellmuth wins a WSOP championship bracelet he gives it away. He has given bracelets to his mom, dad, wife, three sisters and brother, two sons, and close friends. But he's always kept the first one for himself.

The Poker Brat

Known as the "Poker Brat" for his always colorful, competitive and controversial personality, Phil Hellmuth has won Player of the Year honors, the NBC Heads-Up Championships, the European Poker Championships, and over 50 other major tournament titles. In 2007, he was elected to the Poker Hall of Fame. Phil Hellmuth's net worth is staggering, with his live tournament winnings contributing in excess of $10,700,000.Â

Phil Hellmuth is regarded by fellow players as a veteran of the game with a large heart and a word of gold, and he has frequently supported or assisted fellow players in need.

No Phil Hellmuth bio would be complete without pointing out his extensive entrepreneurial pursuits, further cementing his passion for the game. These include his clothing and merchandise company at www.PokerBrat.com, his New York Times bestselling book Play Poker Like the Pro's, his instructional DVD's, his online tutorials at iAmplify.com and his cell phone games from Oasys Mobile.

Phil Hellmuth is one of the most recognizable faces on television, with frequent appearances not only as a poker player but as a host on ESPN, Bravo, and NBC, as well as a competing coach against Annie Duke on FSN's The Best Damn Poker Show I and II.

Since 1998, Hellmuth has written 52 newspaper columns a year titled "Hand of the Week" that chronicle the amazing poker hands, stories and lessons from his journey through the legendary games against the world's most formidable opponents. His column is syndicated in papers around the world. Phil Hellmuth also blogs exclusively for CardPlayer.com.