Father-son duos are rare in the poker world, and it’s even rarer to see them share a table in a high-stakes tournament. On Thursday, poker legend Phil Hellmuth and his son, Phillip Hellmuth III, found themselves side by side in a $5,100 buy-in PokerGO Tour Kickoff Series event. The family pairing, however, turned into a shared misfortune as both were eliminated by the same player—John Riordan—using the same hand.
A Double Knockout for the Ages
The PokerGO Studio in Las Vegas was buzzing as the Hellmuth duo entered the fourth event of the series. Phil Hellmuth, a 17-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner, needs no introduction. His son, Phillip, a relative newcomer to tournament poker, brought intrigue to the table, playing in only his third PokerGO Studio tournament.
Fate seemed to have other plans. Riordan, a formidable player in his own right, eliminated Phil Hellmuth with ace-king against pocket jacks, catching a set to seal the deal. Moments later, Riordan faced off with Hellmuth III, who was holding pocket nines. Lightning struck twice—Riordan’s ace-king hit another set, sending both Hellmuths to the rail.
Not About the Money, But the Memories
Neither Phil nor Phillip Hellmuth came close to the prize pool in the event, which drew 126 entrants. Yet, the shared experience left a lasting impression on both.
In a post-game chat, captured on video, Phil Hellmuth turned to his son and asked, “Phillip, did you have fun today playing?”
The younger Hellmuth smiled, replying, “Yeah, it was a great time.”
For Phillip, the tournament was more about the journey than the result. As an executive at Citibank, his professional success lies far from poker tables. Yet, like his father, he’s developed a fondness for poker, albeit as more of a recreational player.
A Budding Poker Enthusiast with Big Shoes to Fill
Phillip Hellmuth III may not have his father’s storied poker resume, but he’s no stranger to the game. While his tournament results, according to The Hendon Mob database, amount to just $914, he has considerable cash game experience. This week’s PokerGO events offered him an opportunity to try his hand in the competitive tournament scene.
While his performance didn’t match his father’s storied history, the younger Hellmuth is carving his own path. Next month, he’ll trade poker chips for golf clubs when he competes in the First Chance U Inaugural Golf Tournament at Papago Golf Club in Phoenix—a testament to his multifaceted talents and interests.
PokerGO Tour: A Stage for Thrills and Surprises
Thursday’s PokerGO Tour event wasn’t just about the Hellmuth family story. The day brought plenty of excitement, with 126 players vying for glory. The tournament will crown a winner on Friday, setting the stage for the series’ $10,100 No-Limit Hold’em finale.
John Riordan, the man responsible for eliminating both Hellmuths, emerged as one of the day’s standout players. His back-to-back knockouts with ace-king showcased not only his skill but also a bit of poker’s inherent unpredictability.
The Hellmuth Legacy Continues
Phil Hellmuth has long been one of poker’s most recognisable figures, known for his dramatic table talk, strategic brilliance, and iconic bracelet collection. Watching his son step into the competitive poker spotlight, even briefly, is a testament to the game’s enduring appeal across generations.
While Phillip Hellmuth III’s focus lies outside poker, his willingness to compete at such a high level hints at a competitive streak inherited from his father. The Hellmuth name may not have added another trophy to its storied collection this time, but the duo’s story undoubtedly added a unique chapter to poker lore.
