Phil Hellmuth is a professional poker player who is dubbed “The Poker Brat” for his lively and competitive nature when playing. He holds the record for most World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets won. He is also known for clinching the 1989 and 2012 WSOP Main Event. As of 2023, Phil Hellmuth has an estimated net worth of $20 million.
Early Life
Phil Hellmuth was born on July 16, 1964. He spent most of his early days in Wisconsin’s capital Madison and was the oldest of five children in his family. Their father was a dean, and his mother was a sculptor.
For his early education, 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 with fellow students. After three years in the university, he dropped out to pursue poker full-time.
Poker Career
After he dropped out, Hellmuth earned decent money playing local games. He first ventured into WSOP in 1988, only finishing 33rd. The following year, he tried again and became the Main Event champ.
At 24 years old, he was the youngest 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.
He continued to break records as his career progressed. Now, he holds the record for most WSOP bracelets, with 16 under his name. He is also the leader for WSOP cashes, with 154, and final tables, with 64. He 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.
He sells clothing merchandise on his website, PokerBrat.com. Furthermore, he became the face of Ultimate Bet, one of the most popular poker sites available 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 lost $151,000 in his final three events after failing to cash. However, this figure is insignificant compared to his live tournament winnings of over $27 million. He plays in noteworthy tournaments other than WSOP.
As an investor, business owner, coach, and author, he has enough income streams to generate a fortune of $20 million.
Personal Life
Hellmuth is married to Stanford University psychiatrist Katherine Sanborn. The couple has two children named Nicholas and Phillip III. Since their marriage in 1992, Phil and Katherine have lived in Paolo Alto, California. However, the poker legend also has a luxury property in Las Vegas.
