THE STORY OF PHIL HELMUT: A DOSE OF LUCK AND A LOT OF PERSISTENCE

THE STORY OF PHIL HELMUT: A DOSE OF LUCK AND A LOT OF PERSISTENCE

In professional poker, it's hard to pick a single element by which to rank the sport's greatest greats. Some will say we should put Doyle Brunson first, who has over 50 years in the elite. Others will put Phil Ivey first because of his ability to play many types of poker. One thing is certain. We should also include Phil Hellmuth in the argument. At least, because with 16 he is the owner of the most bracelets from the World Series of Poker (WPS). At the moment, his American compatriots Doyle Brunson, Johnny Chan and Phil Ivey are far behind him with 10 each.

Of course the 16 bracelets are just one of Helmut's great achievements. Born in 1964 in Wisconsin, the pro has finished in the money in 165 CSU tournaments. He won the Main Event in 1989 in Las Vegas and 2012 in Europe. His total earnings will never be precisely calculated, but they are certainly over $20 million.

Over the years, Hellmuth has proven to everyone that a successful poker pro must have serious skills. But his greatest fortune turns out to be his grandmother. It is she who shows him the first steps in one of the world's most widespread card games. He himself describes his grandmother as "the most spirited player" he has ever competed against.

Thanks to what she taught him in college, he earned $20,000 from his fellow students. With the winnings, he went to Las Vegas. Only he loses it and is forced to work in the cornfields to earn new funds. Obviously he succeeds and the rest is millions of poker hands and millions of dollars in his account and bank.

His first appearance in the World Series of Poker was in 1988. He finished in the symbolic 33rd position for many. He was eliminated by Johnny Chan, who later went on to win the tournament. The very next year, at 24, Phil became the youngest winner of the SPC, beating Chan back. The record survived for 18 years. Helmut is now among the most experienced players in the world of sports and still seems ready for new successes