Phil Hellmuth, recently secured his 17th World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet, further solidifying his status as one of the most successful players in the game. While his victory is undoubtedly impressive, it is his heartfelt gesture of sharing his previous bracelet victories with loved ones that adds a unique touch to his story. Let’s delve into Phil Hellmuth’s remarkable career and his philanthropic approach to his WSOP bracelet collection.
Phil Hellmuth’s Early Success
Phil Hellmuth burst onto the poker scene in 1989 when he won the WSOP Main Event at the age of 24. Defeating the legendary Johnny Chan heads-up. This victory not only earned him his first WSOP bracelet but also established him as the youngest Main Event champion at the time. Hellmuth’s brash personality, combined with his exceptional poker skills, quickly made him a fan favorite and a household name in the poker community.
The WSOP Bracelets
Over the years, Phil Hellmuth continued to showcase his prowess on the felt, accumulating an astounding 17 WSOP bracelets, more than any other player in history. Each WSOP bracelet represents a significant triumph in various poker events, reflecting Hellmuth’s versatility as a player. However, Hellmuth’s latest tweet reveals that he has chosen to share the majority of his cherished bracelets with his family and close friends.
Phil Hellmuth’s Philanthropic Gesture
In his Twitter post, Hellmuth stated that he has given away all of his WSOP bracelets, except the one from his iconic 1989 Main Event victory. He attributes the 17th bracelet to his “bestie,” David Sacks, a testament to their enduring friendship. The list of recipients includes his father, mother, wife, sister Ann, brother-in-law John Sanborn, sons Phillip and Nick, brother David Hellmuth, sisters Kerry and Molly, Greg Pierson, Chamath Palihapitiya, the late Dave Goldberg’s wife Sheryl Sandberg, West Coast Bill, and Sky Dayton.
The Next Bracelet and Beyond
As Hellmuth celebrates his 17th WSOP bracelet win, he has already set his sights on the next one. In his Twitter post, he mentions that his 18th bracelet will go to RL Thompson, a person who likely holds great significance in his life. Hellmuth’s dedication to spreading positivity, as indicated by the hashtag #POSITIVITY, showcases his desire to not only excel in poker but also uplift and support those around