Phil Hellmuth biography and poker earnings explained

Poker fans and gamblers alike have undoubtedly heard the name Phil Hellmuth, one of the best American professional poker players, holding a record of 17 World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets. Playing poker professionally for nearly four decades, Hellmuth, who earned the nickname "The Poker Brat," is also a best-selling author and an official advisor to dozens of companies.

As one of the most recognizable faces in professional poker, Phil Hellmuth has participated in hundreds of professional poker events and tournaments across the globe, winning tens of millions of dollars. He is popular for his fiery outbursts, exceptional skill and ability to read his opponents.

Phil Hellmuth: the youngest player to win a WSOP Main Event

Despite his unquestionable popularity, many fans wonder how old is Phil Hellmuth, what is Phil Hellmuth net worth, who is his wife and does he have any children. Born Phillip Jerome Hellmuth Jr. in Madison, Wisconsin, The Poker Brat dropped out of college after several years, becoming a professional poker player.

This was a life-changing decision as decades later, at age 61, Phil Hellmuth's total live earnings are estimated at more than $30m. In 1989, at age 24, he became the youngest player to win a WSOP Main Event. This record was held by Phil Hellmuth until 2008, when Peter Eastgate became the youngest player to win a Main Event at age 22.

Considered as one of the best professional poker players of all time, Phil Hellmuth was inducted into the World Series of Poker's Hall of Fame in 2007. Throughout his extensive career, Phil Hellmuth continued to increase the number of WSOP bracelets. At the time of writing, he holds a total of 17 WSOP bracelets.

Phil Hellmuth biography at a glance

• Name: Phillip Jerome Hellmuth Jr.
• Nicknames: The Poker Brat, The Bad Boy of Poker
• Born: July 16, 1964
• Best live cash: $2,645,333
• Total live poker earnings: $30,739,386
• WSOP Bracelets: 17
• WSOP total earnings: $18,189,846
• WPT Cashes: 18
• WPT total earnings: $1,576,916
• Skill traits: competitive, strategic, confident, emotional

Phil Hellmuth wife and personal details

Being part of professional poker for decades, Phil Hellmuth has raised many questions among fans and gamblers alike. While some wonder how tall is Phil Hellmuth, others are interested in who is Phil Hellmuth wife. The Poker Brat married his wife, Katherine Sanborn, on March 31, 1990. While Phil Hellmuth wife has supported him throughout his poker journey, she has mostly stayed out of the limelight.

Celebrating his wedding anniversary, Phil Hellmuth released a statement in 2023, writing: "March 31, 1990; I married the love of my life. 33 years later, I say, "happy Anniversary my love." We have been perfect for each other, we have both grown by leaps and bounds, and supported each other maximally."

Phil Hellmuth height is often subject to discussion online, considering that he is usually taller than many popular poker players. Officially, Phil Hellmuth height is 6 feet and 7 inches, making him easily noticeable in poker rooms.

The Poker Brat has two sons, Nicholas Hellmuth and Philip Hellmuth III. Earlier this year, Phil Hellmuth son, Philip Hellmuth III, made news headlines by joining the 2025 WSOP. This decision is a testament that the son of The Poker Brat is planning to build his own poker legacy and win WSOP bracelets.

The question of how old is Phil Hellmuth isn't subject to speculation, considering that his birthdate is publicly available. Born on July 16, 1964, Phil Hellmuth is currently 61 years old.

In 2018, The Poker Brat released a statement, acknowledging he has gone through a health issue. On May 21, 2018, Phil Hellmuth wrote: "Feels like I’ve been covered in stardust the last few months: flowing along, great things happening, having fun fun fun. Then Sunday 11 AM went into AFIB (not a big deal) until 9 AM today (damn it!). Didn’t leave bed for 36 hours. Flowing along and then...This #LIFE #UpsAndDowns."

The acronym AFIB stands for Atrial fibrillation, which is a heart condition related to a rapid or irregular heartbeat. Recognized as the most common type of heart arrhythmia, the condition may lead to complications. Despite rumors and speculation by fans online, there isn't an official confirmation about Phil Hellmuth heart transplant or further heart-related issues.

Phil Hellmuth early poker career

Early in his poker career, Phil Hellmuth participated in the 1987 Pot of Gold tournament in Reno, Nevada. Marking his first professional poker appearance, he finished in 5th place, taking home $1,980.

The next year he won a prize of similar size from the $300 Pot Limit Omaha at the Cajun Cup 1988 in Las Vegas. Then, Phil Hellmuth won first place at the $200 No Limit Hold'em in the 1988 Pot of Gold in Reno for a $17,550 payout.

Continuing to play poker professionally, The Poker Brat won his first WSOP bracelet in 1989. Following a head-up play against Johnny Chan at the 1989 WSOP Main Event, Phil Hellmuth emerged as the winner, taking home what would become first of many bracelets, along with a hefty $755,000 top prize.

In the years that followed, The Poker Brat continued to build his legacy, participating in different events and winning a range of prizes. In 1992, during the 23rd World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, Phil Hellmuth won the $5,000 Limit Hold'em event, taking home a sweet $188,000 prize.

Countless compilations online show just how emotional Phil Hellmuth may become while playing poker. Despite his occasional emotional outbursts, The Poker Brat remains an incredibly skilled player who can easily read his opponents and use this to his advantage.

Phil Hellmuth bracelets and WSOP success

Throughout his professional poker career, Phil Hellmuth won a total of 17 WSOP bracelets. The number of Phil Hellmuth bracelets has positioned him in the top spot, according to World Series of Poker data.

Besides holding the top spot for record WSOP bracelets, The Poker Brat ranks #3 after participating in 81 final tables. Having 225 WSOP cashes positions him in 40th place, per WSOP's database.

Phil Hellmuth has $18,189,846 in earnings from WSOP tournaments and events, ranking him in fourth place on WSOP's All-time Earnings list. The only three players in higher positions are Michael Mizrachi, Antonio Esfandiari and Daniel Negreanu, who have $20,985,514, $22,326,672 and $25,059,778 in total earnings from WSOP, respectively.

Besides WSOP events, The Poker Brat has participated in World Poker Tour (WPT) tournaments. Overall, Phil Hellmuth has 18 cashes from WPT events and has made it to final tables five times. His earnings from WPT events are an estimated $1,576,916.

Phil Hellmuth net worth

Poker fans often debate how much net worth of the 2007 WSOP Poker Hall of Fame inductee is. According to data from The Hendon Mob, Phill Hellmuth has accumulated $30,739,386 in live earnings from poker.

As of 2025, Phil Hellmuth net worth is estimated at approximately $28m. It is worth noting that The Poker Brat's net worth doesn't come only from professional poker, but also from public appearances, books and expert advice, among other initiatives.

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