Phil Hellmuth Wrapping Up his Autobiography "Poker Brat"

No one ever accused Phil Hellmuth of being unable to recognize his own greatness, it’s part of what makes Hellmuth so Hellmuthian. He leads the world with 14 World Series of Poker bracelets, won more than $20 million, the 1989 WSOP Main Event and he’s not shy about telling anyone willing to listen. 

Hellmuth’s releasing his autobiography “Poker Brat” in the Spring of 2017. The completion of the decades-long project came from a nudge by a fellow poker player/writer. “Jonathan Little introduced me to the publishers and when I met them, I just knew it was time to sell it and finish writing it,” said Hellmuth.

He’s given his fans a chance to vote on the cover.

Which book cover for my autobiography “Poker Brat” do you like more? The first one or the second one?: https://t.co/Rs3txCM3Hd #POSITIVITY

— phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth) February 9, 2017

Hellmuth has more YouTube rant clips than the rest of poker combined because of his trademark blowups. He’s the Poker Brat – perhaps the most well-earned nickname among poker players. The Brat is the yang to Hellmuth’s genius ying; one can’t exist without the other.

He’s in the final stages of publishing his personal memoir, a task that’s taken him almost 20 years. “I started writing chapters about my life in the late 90s because I thought I might become famous or have and interesting life story,” Hellmuth said. “I was worried that I wouldn’t remember things as clearly as in the future.”

The project which started a generation ago was intended to come out in 2010. “I really wanted it out then because it’s been holding up my next book “#POSITIVITY” which is a ‘How to achieve great things in life’ type book,” Hellmuth said.

“I believe “#POSITIVITY” will help millions of people elevate themselves with simple tips and techniques,” he added. “The same ones I used to climb the poker mountain, write a New York Times Best Seller, host TV shows and accomplish my goals.”

Hellmuth’s recent work to his story came in three long sessions. The first in 2008, then in 2010 he put down about 70,000 words. But since November of last year he estimates he’s written an additional 75,000 words.

Man, what is the reward for writing my autobiography “Poker Brat” from 1 am until 7 am? I know what I want: #NewYorkTimesBestSeller

— phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth) February 1, 2017

Hellmuth realized he wasn’t done following sending a draft to the publishers. “I thought I was finished but I added and appendix called ‘Poker Aces’ to make sure I covered Phil Ivey, Daniel, Doyle, Seidel, Chan and a couple young guns,” he said. “Now I’m spending time on photos, edits and finishing up the appendix.”

Once the book is done and published and Hellmuth can focus on playing in 2017, he set his goals high. “I want to win three WSOP bracelets, between the WSOP and WSOPE,” said Hellmuth. “And two WPTs, looking at my record I know that it’s possible.”