It was a big weekend for 17-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) gold bracelet winner Phil Hellmuth, who traveled from his home in California to Las Vegas for both a high-stakes poker cash game and a celebrity-filled 60th birthday bash, though he doesn’t actually turn the big 6-0 until July 16.
Hellmuth arrived in Las Vegas on Thursday, May 9 with a full slate of festivities. That included a Friday night filming of High Stakes Poker with businessmen Chamath Palihapitiya, Jeffrey Housenbold, and Stanley Tang, as well as HSP crusher Andrew Robl, who’s Poker Hall of Fame chances was the topic of conversation on a recent episode of the PokerNews Podcast.
“It’s going to be like six people from my home game,” Hellmuth explained before getting in a private SUV at Harry Reid International Airport.
The following day, Hellmuth posted a video of himself inside PokerGO Studio before HSP started filming. Among those competing in the game that he hadn’t previously mentioned were Nik Airball and Jennifer Tilly, with whom he talked about the PokerStars Big Game.
The two had played together back in November, but the episode was set to debut on Friday night.
The poker world will have to wait and see how Hellmuth did playing High Stakes Poker, but what is known is that the following day the Poker Brat was playing on the Wynn Golf Course while filming the Sphere.
“I’m calling it the ‘Bestie Billionaire 60th Birthday Bash.’ All my friends here celebrating my 60th birthday even though it isn’t until July. Kind of fun,” Hellmuth said. “We have backstage passes for the Stones tonight, The Rolling Stones, although I don’t know if we’re going to make it. We’ve got a birthday dinner tonight.”
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Hellmuth’s next tweet showed that his friends had bought him a new wardrobe for his 60th birthday, and it also showed some sort of bronze bust of the poker legend that simply said, ‘The Greatest.”
“They think I need a new wardrobe. I’m a black and yellow guy,” Hellmuth explained. “My 60th birthday isn’t until July, but it was the only time we could get together.”
In a follow-up tweet, Hellmuth showed off his new wardrobe that included some new Tom Ford items. He then proceeded to don some of the clothing before making his way down to a birthday dinner.
Among those at Hellmuth’s birthday was NBA player Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors.
On Sunday, Hellmuth posted a video of himself on a jet set to return to Los Angeles. He revealed that he’ll be playing some tournaments at the WSOP Circuit at the Commerce while also competing in the Tournament of Champions. Additionally, he will host a $1,000 8-Game Mix on Wednesday.
“Best birthday weekend of my life here with my besties,” Hellmuth said. “So honored that our guy Elon Musk stopped by for 10 minutes. And now I’m all cocky, ‘Elon came to my birthday party, I’m so cocky.’ Shut up, Phil. No time for ego.”
The 2024 WSOP is slated to kick off on May 28 and Hellmuth will be in attendance attempting to capture his record-extending 18th gold bracelet! The WSOP will end on July 17, the day after Hellmuth’s actual 60th birthday!
Until then, happy early birthday Poker Brat!
*Lead image and tweets courtesy of Phil Hellmuth.
PR & Media Manager
PR & Media Manager for PokerNews, Podcast host & 2013 WSOP Bracelet Winner.