The hat was made when the book Kill Phil was first published followed up by the 2nd volume Kill Everyone. Two of the best NL-Hold'em tournament books ever to be published. A few pros had the 1st name of Phil and that is what was meant of it (how to beat the pros). It was printed so even a first timer in the 10K event would have a fighting chance against the pros. The sequel Kill Everyone goes into small ball and more advanced topics.