Phil Helmuth
Phil Helmuth – Talent and Emotion
Most people who follow the game of poker know this professional as the “poker brat.” Phil Helmuth comes by this nickname honestly because he displays his emotions at the table. Opponents see this characteristic as negative. Helmuth fans simply dismiss his behaviour as “temperamental.” No matter the point of view, however, there is no sense in arguing with Helmuth’s record on the world’s poker stage.
He has already won 11 World Series of Poker bracelets, a record that puts him ahead of the world’s most recognized professionals. All of the victories came in Texas Hold ‘Em competition. Helmuth, 45, won the 1989 WSOP main event at the age of 24. He defeated the formidable Johnny Chan, who won the main event twice. At the time he was the youngest player ever to win the big prize. When he won his 10th WSOP bracelet in 2006 he drew even in the bracelet race with Chan and Doyle Brunson.
In addition to his history-making success in the World Series of Poker, Helmuth has reached the cash level in the WSOP 75 times. He has made the final table 41 times in WSOP Hold ‘Em events. According to the most recent figures available, Helmuth has raked in more than $6 million dollars from WSOP competition alone. He operates a Web site, www.pokerbrat.com, and has authored books on poker and his own playing style. He is a regular contributor to Card Player magazine as well.
His WSOP titles are: 1989 No Limit Hold ‘Em Championship; 1992 Limit Hold ‘Em; 1993 $1,500 No Limit Hold ‘Em; 1993 $2,500 No Limit Hold ‘Em; 1993 $5,000 Limit Hold ‘Em; 1997 Pot Limit Hold ‘Em; 2001 No Limit Hold ‘Em; 2003 Limit Hold ‘Em; 2003 No Limit Hold ‘Em; 2006 No Limit Hold ‘Em with rebuys; 2007 No Limit Hold ‘Em.
Helmuth, a member of the Poker Hall of Fame, has made the cash level on the World Poker Tour 11 times, with three appearances at WPT final tables. He is a regular on the television shows “Late Night Poker” and “Poker After Dark” He has won the National Heads-Up Poker Championship.
In spite of all these accomplishments, the name Phil Helmuth first brings to mind his attitude and obvious disrespect for other players. He is semi-famous among poker fanatics for his statement, “I can dodge bullets, baby.” He has also claimed that if it weren’t for luck he’d win them all.
While his winning record certainly places him among the elite players of the game, his emotional outbursts and child-like behaviour have distanced him from other greats in the world of poker. He is associated with UltimateBet.
