Phil Hellmuth, Jr. Playing for the Record at Today's Final Table

Victory would give him 11 WSOP gold bracelets – all-time lead

Las Vegas, NV (June 11, 2007) – The eyes of the poker world will be on Phil Hellmuth, Jr. today in a quest for what would be his record 11 th WSOP gold bracelet.  He is a finalist in today's $1,500 buy-in No-Limit Hold'em championship.  Play at the final table will commence at 2 pm PST.    

Hellmuth's feat is truly astonishing when considering the mammoth size of the field he encountered in Event #15 at this year's World Series of Poker presented by Milwaukee's Best Light.  One of the largest preliminary events in WSOP history turned out as 2,628 players signed up for the no-limit tournament.  Now -- down to the final nine players, Hellmuth arrives ranked second in the chip count with 1,482,000.  The current chip leader is Rick Fuller from Monroe, WA with 1,779,000.

Last year, Hellmuth won his 10th gold bracelet, putting him into a three-way tie with fellow poker legends Doyle Brunson and Johnny Chan for the "all-time wins" lead.   In fact, one of the major storylines going into this year's WSOP was the race for the 11th gold bracelet and which player would get there first.  

Hellmuth appears well on his way to victory.  However, he faces a formidable lineup of foes today – including former bracelet winner Scott Clements, who is third in chip the chip count.   The final table is rounded out by David Simon, Morgan Machina, Ut Nguyen, Andy Philachack, Fabrice Soulier, and Taylor Douglas – each shooting for their first win at the World Series.  

Poker fans can tune in to watch the final table at the official WSOP website:  www.worldseriesofpoker.com.  For the first time in history, the entire final table is being broadcast with hole cards seen by the home audience.   Expert commentary will be provided by poker pro and former WSOP winner Robert Williamson and play-by-play man Scott Lauer.  Due to a one-hour tape delay, broadcast coverage begins today at 3 pm PST.