Although known widely for childlike temper tantrums that seem unfit for a guy with his towering presence, Madison, Wisconsin native Phil Hellmuth has nothing to pitch a fit about right now. He spent July 5, 2007 basking in the glory of his phenomenal poker success as he was inducted into the coveted Poker Hall of Fame at the Rio Las Vegas.
Prior to this he celebrated his record setting 11th WSOP bracelet win on June 11, 2007. He is truly a legendary poker professional with behavioral antics just adding to his interesting mystique.
Hellmuth became the youngest WSOP winner at age 24 in 1989 shortly after he graduated from the University of Wisconsin. In 1996 his poker peers voted him "best all-around tournament poker player in the world" and he went on to prove they're absolutely right. He now he has over 50 major tournament titles to his credit as well as five WPT finishes in the top ten. Hellmuth doesn't like to lose and is known for saying, "The level of frustration involved with going broke is incredible."
Poker greatness has paved the way for Hellmuth to capitalize on his worldly exposure by successfully branding his poker image into a very profitable line of products. The first poker book Hellmuth wrote, "Play Poker Like the Pros" was a huge success and quickly earned a spot on the New York Times bestseller list. He has since released several books, his "Million Dollar Poker System" instructional video, and top-selling cell phone games. Hellmuth thrives on the additional profits and name recognition and plans to eventually add poker apparel and a poker table that bears his name.
&nsbp;The tranquil life Hellmuth enjoys at his Palo Alto, California home with wife Kathy and sons Phillip III and Nicholas may soon be interrupted by film crews. "The Madison Kid" is a Beacon Pictures proposed motion picture telling Hellmuth's story. Additionally, the Game Show Network plans a reality show starring Hellmuth called "Winner Takes All."
