Phil Hellmuth is a professional poker player known as “The Poker Brat” due to his lively and competitive nature. He holds the record for most World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets won, 16 in total. Hellmuth is also known for winning the Main Event of the 1989 WSOP and 2012 WSOPE. As of 2023, Phil Hellmuth has an estimated net worth of $20 million.
Early Life
Phil Hellmuth was born on July 16, 1964 in Madison, Wisconsin. He is the eldest of five siblings, his father was a dean and his mother was a sculptor. Phil went to Madison West High School, where he struggled with his grades.
He managed to make it to college, attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the institution where his father worked. During college, he learned to play poker with his family and also played Texas hold ’em against other students. After three years in the university, he dropped out to pursue poker full-time.
Poker Career
After dropping out, Hellmuth earned decent money playing local games. He first ventured into WSOP in 1988 and finished 33rd. The following year, he tried again and became the Main Event champ!
At 24 years old, Phil became the youngest person to achieve such a feat. Hellmuth earned his fifth bracelet of the decade at the 1997 WSOP, more than any other player throughout the 90s.
Phil continued to break records as his career progressed. Currently, he holds the record for most WSOP bracelets, with 16 to his name. He is the leader for WSOP cashes, with 154, and final tables, with 64. The Canadian was inducted into WSOP’s Poker Hall of Fame in 2007.
Further Endeavors
Most of the money Phil earned playing poker was invested into business ventures. It is reported that he invests in companies that handle casino games, real estate, and publishing.
To earn extra income, he sells merchandise to fans on his website, PokerBrat.com. Furthermore, Hellmuth became the face of Ultimate Bet, one of the most popular poker sites in the early 2000’s.
The veteran player shares his knowledge through coaching and writing. His 2003 book, ‘Play Poker Like the Pros’, became a New York Times bestseller. He also writes a weekly newspaper column called ‘Hand of the Week’.
Net Worth and Earnings
Phil Hellmuth live tournament winnings now stands at over $28.7 million, putting him 22nd on the all-time money list. He plays in noteworthy tournaments outside of WSOP. As an investor, business owner, coach, and author, he has enough income streams to generate a $20 million fortune.
Personal Life
Hellmuth is married to Katherine Sanborn, a Stanford University psychiatrist. The couple has two children together, Nicholas and Phillip III. Since tying the knot in 1992, Phil and Katherine have lived in Paolo Alto, California. However, the poker legend also has a luxury property in Las Vegas.
