Dr. Andy Philachack

Dr. Andy Philachack is a Lao-American chiropractor and poker player from Dallas, Texas, with $2.5 million in live tournament earnings. His best live cash came at the 38th WSOP in June 2007, where he earned $394,594. Philachack has won two WSOP Circuit rings: the first during the December 2007 WSOP Circuit and the second at the Choctaw Circuit Event in January 2016.

Outside his poker career, Philachack is a practicing chiropractor and owns Doctor Andy Chiropractic. He’s also actively involved in his community, coaching youth sports.

Andy Philachack: Early Life

Andy Philachack was born in Laos in 1974. His family was forced to flee the country to escape tyranny, grabbing only what they could carry and leaving before sunrise. His father, a bank president, faced imminent arrest along with other top officials. The family hired a guerrilla to smuggle them across the river into Thailand, but in the middle of the journey, their guide demanded an additional fee, threatening to capsize the boat if they refused. With no other choice, they paid.

When they arrived at a refugee camp in Thailand, the Philachacks had nothing left. Andy’s mother, a former doctor, and his father, a banker, had lost everything. The camp provided minimal rations—one can of tuna per day for the entire family. Eventually, a sponsor helped them move to the United States, but life remained challenging. With only $20, they survived on bread and peanut butter until they found work in the fields. The family would wake up at dawn to pick blueberries, earning $60 a day, which felt like a fortune. Later, they settled in Texas, where Andy worked as a janitor after school to support his family.

Refugee’s Path to the American Dream

Through determination, the Philachacks gradually overcame poverty. Andy learned English, went to school, and earned his chiropractic license. Arriving in America as a refugee in 1981, he went on to attend Paris Junior College, graduating with an Associate of Science degree in 1994. The following year, he received a full scholarship to the University of Texas-San Antonio, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology in 1996. He then continued his studies at Parker University, obtaining his Doctor of Chiropractic degree in May 1999.

During his time at Parker, Andy started playing poker casually with friends. He maintained his interest in the game even after opening his own chiropractic practice in 2000, balancing poker as a hobby alongside his busy career and family life.

Dr. Andy Philachack: Live Tournament Participation

Andy Philachack’s first recorded live cash occurred in January 2005 at the Sixth Annual Jack Binion World Poker Open in Tunica. He finished 2nd in a $3,100 No Limit Hold’em event, cashing $172,747.

In June 2007, at the 38th WSOP, Philachack competed in the $1,500 No Limit Hold’em event. He finished 2nd and took home $394,594—his best live cash to date.

Later that year, in December 2007, he entered the WSOPC New Orleans $5,150 No Limit Hold’em – Championship Event. Philachack secured his first WSOP ring, winning $247,860.

In June 2011, at the 42nd WSOP, he played in a $1,500 No Limit Hold’em event. There, Philachack finished 3rd, earning $345,698.

Fast forward to June 2014, Philachack competed in the 45th WSOP $1,000 No Limit Hold’em – Turbo (Event #23). He placed 2nd, collecting $155,756.

In January 2016, he returned to the WSOP Circuit at Choctaw, playing in the $1,675 No Limit Hold’em – Main Event. Philachack claimed victory and earned his 2nd WSOP ring, along with a $393,188 prize.

In a recent appearance in June 2024, Philachack joined a $1,600 No Limit Hold’em event at The Wynn Summer Classic in Las Vegas. He finished 178th and cashed for $3,575.

Conclusion

Andy Philachack’s journey from a refugee camp to a celebrated poker professional and respected chiropractor reflects a life shaped by resilience and hard work. With two WSOP Circuit rings, over $2.5 million in live tournament earnings, and a thriving chiropractic practice, Philachack has achieved remarkable success in two demanding fields. His dedication to both his career and his community serves as a powerful reminder of the possibilities that come with perseverance and an unyielding pursuit of one’s dreams.