Some people hate him for what they claim to be immature and juvenile behaviour. Others endorse him for being a hugely successful poker player. The truth is, Phil Hellmuth is a little bit of both. When seen at the tables, he often toys around, but not the Phil Unabomber Laak way we’re used to see.
Phil Hellmuth was born in Madison, Wisconsin, the oldest of five children. He tells us of a youth with nothing but school, homework and studies. After a few years in elementary school, Phil ended up at the University of Wisconsin. There, he was invited to the world of cash game poker and quickly picked up playing at low stakes. He perfected his skills along the road and started to play at higher stakes and eventually at tournaments with $100 buy-ins. Ironically, even professors at his school tried to beat him in poker, but failed. In the end, he managed to build up a bankroll of $20,000 and had, by then, cleared his student loan debts.
Like many other poker professionals of today, Phil sought luck in Las Vegas and brought his bankroll with him. He ended up playing a lot of backgammon, craps and other casino games, but lost all his money in little time. Determined to continue pushing his luck, Phil went back to the university and played his professors and school mates once again and won a considerable amount of money, again.
Full Tilt Poker Bonus CodeThe return to Vegas proved successful and Phil was once again standing on his feet. But things turned for the worse as he decided to quit school and go for a poker career, without any approval from his parents. His self-esteem plummeted but got some back after attending World Series of Poker, where he finished at fifth place in a 7 Card Stud tournament. In 1988, Phil took a more serious approach at the main WSOP event and managed to climb to 33rd position in No Limit Texas Hold’em.
All Phil needed was a boost of confidence and after proving his success at WSOP, he returned a year later and beat defending world champion Johnny Chan at the final table, making him the youngest player to win the World Series of Poker. On top of that, he reunited with his parents and let his father feel the pride of watch his son become the world champion.
Nine WSOP bracelets later and 50 cash-outs later, Phil Hellmuth stands as one of the most successful poker players in the world. Today, he lives with his wife and two children in the sunny valleys of California. His biggest enemy confidence is long gone and with all of his major winnings, Phil has ensured a lifetime financial security. And if you are one of the many who would like to have a chance of facing him at the tables, take a good look at Ultimate Bet, because those are his favorite tables where he spends many hours. Every day, every week.