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Phil LaakProfessional poker player
Date of Birth: 08.09.1972
Country: ![]() |
Content:
- Phil Laak: A Legendary Poker Pro
- Early Career and Breakthrough
- Rising Star in Poker
- Technological Triumphs
- Further Accolades
- "Unabombe": The Poker Enigma
- Present Day
Phil Laak: A Legendary Poker Pro
Born in Dublin, Ireland, on September 8, 1972, Philip "Phil" Laak's journey to poker stardom was a circuitous route. After graduating with an engineering degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, he pursued careers as an engineer, repossessor, stock trader, and real estate investor before finding his true calling in the high-stakes poker scene of California.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Laak's love for poker began in childhood, and his first major victory came in the Celebrity Invitational of the World Poker Tour (WPT) in February 2004. He made two other WPT final tables, finishing sixth in both the Battle of Champions and Five Diamond World Poker Classic. In 2005, he placed second in the World Series of Poker (WSOP) and emerged victorious in the William Hill Poker Grand Prix, claiming a £150,000 first prize.
Rising Star in Poker
Laak's appearances on Poker Royale, High Stakes Poker, and E! Hollywood Hold'em showcased his flamboyant style and innovative strategies. He became a champion on NBC's Poker After Dark, earning over $120,000 per episode in a tournament featuring Phil Hellmuth, Doyle Brunson, and other poker greats.
Technological Triumphs
In 2007, Laak and fellow pro Ali Eslami defeated Polaris, a poker bot developed by the University of Alberta, at the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence conference. Laak also penned a column titled "Being Phil Laak" for Bluff Magazine, sharing his insights and eccentricities with the poker community.
Further Accolades
Laak's success continued in 2009 with a victory at the Aussie Millions. In October of that year, he was crowned champion of PartyPoker.com's World Open V, earning $250,000 and outlasting Duke Schwartz and his partner, actress and poker player Jennifer Tilly.
"Unabombe": The Poker Enigma
Laak's enigmatic persona has made him a recognizable figure in the poker world. With his dark glasses, hooded clothing, and unconventional behavior reminiscent of the fugitive criminal Unabomber, he has earned the nickname "Unabombe." His signature term, "felted," describes a player who has lost all their chips. His relationship with actress Jennifer Tilly, a WSOP bracelet winner, further contributes to his celebrity status.
Present Day
Residing in Los Angeles, California, Phil Laak continues to make waves in the poker industry. His love for extreme sports, which initially drew him to the adrenaline rush of poker, remains a passion he pursues alongside his illustrious poker career.