Phil Hellmuth

Phil Hellmuth Jr, known as “The Poker Brat,” is an American professional poker player from Madison, Wisconsin, recognized for his outspoken table personality. He says that persona is not a manufactured act: his emotional reactions come from genuinely hating to lose, while he describes himself as more fun-loving away from the table.

Before pursuing poker professionally, Hellmuth attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison for three years, studying philosophy after being turned down by the business school. His Madison childhood also included an unexpected friendship: he recalls being best friends with future comedian Chris Farley in kindergarten, before they lost touch after Hellmuth changed schools.

There is a motivational side to the Poker Brat brand. Hellmuth wrote #POSITIVITY: You Are Always in the Right Place at the Right Time, extending his writing beyond poker strategy. His 2017 autobiography, Poker Brat, explores his upbringing and career and includes a foreword by fellow poker professional Daniel Negreanu.

Hellmuth’s business interests extend beyond playing cards. He co-founded Champions Club Texas, a Houston poker-club and hotel business. He also became involved in startup investing: PrizePicks named him as an angel investor and company adviser in its July 2020 funding announcement.

Away from poker, Hellmuth has spoken publicly about family life in Palo Alto with his wife, psychiatrist Katherine Sanborn, and their two sons. His public career has also crossed into mainstream entertainment: in 2006, he joined comedian Dave Foley as a co-host and commentator on Bravo’s Celebrity Poker Showdown.