In an unusual twist of fate, poker legend Phil Hellmuth and his son, Phillip Hellmuth III, found themselves sharing a table during a $5,100 PokerGO Tour Kickoff Series event on Thursday. Both were eliminated by the same player, John Riordan, in similar fashion.
Riordan first knocked out the 17-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner, Phil Hellmuth, when his ace-king bested Hellmuth’s pocket jacks, thanks to a fortunate set. Shortly after, Riordan eliminated Hellmuth’s son with ace-king against pocket nines, again hitting a set.
A Memorable Father-Son Experience
The Hellmuth duo had late-registered for the event, held at the PokerGO Studio in Las Vegas. Although neither came close to reaching the money, their shared table experience created a memorable moment.
Phil Hellmuth shared the story on social media, writing:
“Like Father, like Son. Phillip raised in first position, got reraised all in by third person to act, and folded A-Q face up for 13 big blinds more. His opponent told him he had A-K! I went broke with A-K the hand before, putting 25 big blinds in pre-flop vs J-J. Somehow we were at the same table here at @PokerGO Studio. #POSITIVITY.”
Despite the disappointing finishes, the younger Hellmuth appeared to enjoy the experience. It was only his third-ever tournament appearance at the PokerGO Studio, and his father proudly documented the moment.
“Phillip, did you have fun today playing?” Hellmuth asked his son in a video.
“Yeah, it was a great time,” Phillip responded with a smile.
Phillip Hellmuth III: A Rising Star Outside Poker
Unlike his father, who boasts over $28 million in live tournament earnings, Phillip Hellmuth III has a more modest poker resume, with just $914 in recorded tournament cashes according to The Hendon Mob. However, he has significant cash game experience and decided to take his shot in several PokerGO Tour events this week.
Away from the felt, Phillip is thriving in the corporate world, holding an executive role at Citibank. He is also preparing to participate in the inaugural First Chance U Golf Tournament at Papago Golf Club in Phoenix next month.
Action at the PokerGO Studio
The $5,100 No-Limit Hold’em tournament drew 126 entries on Day 1, with the event set to crown a winner on Friday. Simultaneously, the high-stakes action will ramp up with the kickoff of the $10,100 No-Limit Hold’em finale.
While Phil and Phillip Hellmuth didn’t make deep runs, their shared experience added a heartwarming chapter to the PokerGO Tour’s Kickoff Series. The poker world will undoubtedly be watching to see if the younger Hellmuth follows in his father’s footsteps—or continues carving his own unique path.