Phil Hellmuth Wins 11th World Series of Poker Bracelet

Phil Hellmuth, one of the most successful poker players of all time, has won... for the 11th time. Today at the 2007 World Series of Poker, in the $1,500 No-Limit Texas Hold'em event, Phil Hellmuth, Jr. broke the record books.

Ladies and gentlmen, the self-professed greatest no-limit texas hold'em player of all time may have just proven to the world that that statement is just a little bit more than boasting. Phil Hellmuth has just made history, and has taken home a record 11th World Series of Poker bracelet. With this win he has added $637,254 to his total World Series of Poker earnings, which already amounted to more than $5 Million.

Incredible!

Phil Hellmuth, 42, has broken a three-way tie between Doyle Brunson, himself, and Johnny Chan, now leading the pack with 11 bracelets!

Congratulations, Phil.

Here's how it played out.

On the button, Andy Philachack went all-in for his last 500k, holding A 10. Phil Hellmuth, who had him severely outstacked with more than 5 Million in chips, made the call with A-3 offsuit.

And wouldn't you know it, the stars aligned for Phil Hellmuth when the flop brought out: 3 4 9.

Phil had a pair of threes, to Andy's ace-high. The turn and river showed us Q, J, and it was all over.

Phil Hellmuth finished in first place for his 11th WSOP bracelet, and $637, 254.

Moments after Phil's momentous win, it was announced that there would be a bracelet ceremony open to the public in the ESPN television production set area. Spectators filed into their seats and stood wherever possible; even Phil's friend Mike Matusow came to take a seat near the stage.

Doyle Brunson and Johnny Chan were asked to present Phil with his record-breaking bracelet, and since both were in games at the Rio, they gladly and immediately obliged. In fact, Doyle was playing in the $5000 Limit Hold'em event across the room, and the tournament director decided to stop the clock for Doyle, along with everyone else in the tournament, to attend the ceremony. When Doyle and Johnny walked to the front of the stage, the audience gave up a big round of applause.

Finally, Nolan Dolla took the stage to introduce everyone. "Tonight," he said, "history was made!"

And upon his introduction, Phil entered the room to a rousing ovation. Though Doyle was prepared to speak first, Phil took the microphone to relay a quick story. Evidently, Doyle had placed a total of $400,000 in bets that Phil would win his 11th bracelet this year. No wonder Doyle was all smiles!

"You've gotta give Phil credit for winning eleven bracelets, all in hold'em," Doyle said. "I think Phil is the best tournament hold'em player in the world."

Johnny added, "Phil, good job. I guess now Doyle and I gotta catch up!"

Phil then said, "And by the way, I'm rooting for them. Of course, I didn't mind being the first one [to get the 11th bracelet], but I'm rooting for both of them."

And Phil added, "It feels amazing!" He also mentioned that he had hoped to buy champagne for everyone, but his lawyers advised him against the idea for fear of lawsuits if anyone gets drunk and gets in trouble. But he insisted that he will be buying Dom for his close friends in the poker world and celebrating in a big way tonight. In addition, he noted that he has given away nine of his WSOP bracelets to family members, and one he has worn throughout this series thus far. The one he won today was going to his sister, since her birthday is 11/11/1971, and this is the 11th bracelet on June 11.

He deserves it. Phil made poker history tonight. Congratulations.

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