Phillip Hellmuth III

Phillip Hellmuth III, often referred to as P3, is an American poker player and the son of 16-time WSOP bracelet winner Phil Hellmuth Jr. Born and raised in Palo Alto, California, he is forging his own identity in the poker world while navigating the shadow of his father’s legendary career. With over $35,000 in live tournament earnings and a recent debut at the World Series of Poker, Hellmuth III is a fresh face in the professional poker scene. Growing up in a poker-centric household, Hellmuth III was naturally drawn to the game but initially distanced himself due to his father's brash table persona. He later rediscovered his passion for poker after college. Hellmuth III studied psychology at university, initially aiming to become a therapist. He found the academic side of psychology less appealing than direct human connection, which led him to change career paths.

After college, Hellmuth III worked in sales and spent eight years in business banking. He was laid off from his banking job in 2024, which prompted him to pursue poker full-time. He describes poker as feeling less like work compared to his previous nine-to-five job, stating, "Poker doesn't even feel like work on most days when I play."

Hellmuth III's first recorded tournament cash came in 2015, but his second did not arrive until exactly ten years later, in 2025. That year, he notched his first WSOP cash in the $800 Deepstack event, marking a significant milestone. His live tournament earnings are reported to exceed $35,000, according to The Hendon Mob. He has also played high-stakes cash games, including a session at Hustler Casino Live in January 2026 where he lost $12,040 over five hours ($2,408/hour).

Hellmuth III is described as highly extroverted and social, a trait he attributes to his father. While specific details of his playing style are not widely documented, he brings a sales background and psychological insight to the table. He embraces his poker heritage and has begun revisiting his father's classic clips, which are frequently referenced by opponents at the tables.

Hellmuth III is part of a close-knit family that includes his mother Katherine, brother Nicholas, and father Phil Jr. The family holds an annual "Hellmuth Family Poker Cup" with a small bracelet that is engraved with the winner's initials and passed to the next champion. Hellmuth III describes these family tournaments as a fun tradition, even though his father can be "a little competitive" about them.

As the son of a poker icon, Hellmuth III is determined to make his own mark. He is currently testing the waters of professional poker, uncertain of a long-term commitment but enjoying the journey. With his combination of salesmanship, psychological training, and a famous surname, he represents a new generation of Hellmuth poker talent.