was once a 24-year-old kid with dreams of poker stardom and a computer-like brain crammed with math knowledge. He became world champion in 1989 when he defeated the legendary 'Orient Express', Johnny Chan, and changed the future of poker.
Twenty-eight years later, Hellmuth sits atop the all-time bracelet rankings with 14 to his name, four more than Doyle Brunson, Phil Ivey, and 'Chan The Master'. Hellmuth's eyes glitter as he recalls his breakthrough nearly three decades earlier.
"I thought I was the best hold'em player in the world by far," Hellmuth tells PokerNews.