Phil Laak

Phil Laak, nicknamed “The Unabomber” because of his distinctive sunglasses and hoodie, was born on September 8th, 1972, in Dublin, Ireland. He is well-known in both the poker world and the entertainment industry. Apart from playing poker, Laak has also acted in movies like Runner Runner (2013), The Grand (2007), and Setup (2011).

In poker, Laak has achieved a lot. He earned a total of $3,909,419 from live tournaments, with his biggest win being $265,290. One of his notable victories was at the WPT Main Event – No Limit Hold’em. He Finished in 1st position earning $100,000 in Los Angeles.

Phil Laak: Early Life

When he was four, his family moved to a nice town called Wellesley in the United States. They liked playing card games, especially Tripoli, which brought them closer together. It was on a camping trip with friends that he first tried poker. Laak took to poker very quickly and soon began to realize he was considerably better than his peers.

He went to the University of Massachusetts and studied Mechanical Engineering. But he got interested in a class called Introduction to Logic. This class fascinated him and taught him important thinking skills. With his logical thinking, he became very good at games like backgammon, spades, chess, and, of course, poker.

The Story of Phil Laak and His Wife Jennifer Tilly

Phil met Jennifer Tilly, aka “The Unabombshell”, a famous actress who won her first WSOP bracelet in the 2005 Ladies’ No-Limit Texas Hold ‘Em event.

At a poker tournament in 2004. They enjoyed each other’s company, Phil won the tournament, no doubt impressing Jennifer.

Jennifer was curious about poker and asked Phil to teach her. He jokingly said he’d teach her if she would help him accessorize. They had fun together at the tournament, and she wanted to keep in touch so she asked for his number. Phil was excited but she didn’t call for a while, which made him sad. But they eventually got back in touch and started dating. They both love poker and do exciting things like scuba diving and skydiving together.

Now they’re happily married, splitting their time between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, enjoying life on and off the poker table.

Poker Duo: Laak and Esfandiari’s TV Venture

Laak and Antonio Esfandiari are best pals and famous poker players. They became buddies during big poker tournaments like the World Series of Poker (WSOP). People loved watching them together because they had great chemistry on camera.

They decided to try something new and made a TV show called “I Bet You.” It was all about making crazy bets and doing fun challenges. People really liked it and watched it for two seasons. But then, the TV channel they were on, MOJO HD, shut down, so they couldn’t make more episodes.

Laak and Esfandiari didn’t give up. They tried again in 2014 with a show called “Underground Poker” on the Discovery Channel. It was supposed to be about secret poker games in New Orleans. But after just one episode, the channel said they couldn’t make more. Even though things didn’t work out as planned, Laak and Esfandiari aren’t giving up. They still believe in their idea and are working hard to make it better.

Phil Laak: Poker Career

Phil Laak began his poker journey on February 17th, 2002, in the United States, where he joined the $1,060 No Limit Hold’em event during the 2002 L.A. Poker Classic in Los Angeles. Despite a promising start, finishing 18th in the tournament and earning $1,720.

Moving forward to June 25th, 2005, still in the United States, he seized the opportunity to participate in the WSOP $2,500 Pot Limit Hold’em event during the 36th World Series of Poker – WSOP 2005 in Las Vegas. This time, he claimed the 2nd position, pocketing $156,400.

Expanding his horizons, on December 12th, 2005, he entered the WPT $15,300 Main Event – No Limit Hold’em during the Fourth Annual Five Diamond World Poker Classic in Las Vegas. Demonstrating consistency in his performance, he secured the 6th position, earning $160,995.

Venturing overseas on September 14th, 2010, this time to England, he took part in the WSOP £2,650 No Limit Hold’em – Six-Handed event during the World Series of Poker Europe – WSOPE 2010 in London. His journey reached a pinnacle as he emerged as the champion, claiming the top prize of $263,494.

Continuing his global poker tour, on April 4th, 2012, in Austria, he participated in the No Limit Hold’em event during the PartyPoker.com Premier League Poker V in Vienna. Once more, he secured the 3rd position and earned $175,000.

Returning to the United States on June 26th, 2013, he engaged in the WSOP $111,111 No Limit Hold’em – One Drop High Roller during the 44th World Series of Poker – WSOP 2013 in Las Vegas. Though the competition was fierce, he managed to secure the 19th position, adding $173,723 to his winnings.

His most recent appearance, on January 29th, 2024, back in the United States, saw him participating in the $600 No Limit Hold’em – 40/40 event during the 2024 Los Angeles Poker Classic (LAPC) in Los Angeles. Despite not reaching the top ranks this time, finishing 129th, he still earned $1,100, showcasing his enduring dedication to the game.

Conclusion

Phil has had a remarkable career in both the game and entertainment. Born in Dublin, Ireland, his early love for card games paved the way for success in poker alongside his Mechanical Engineering studies. Partnered with Jennifer Tilly, they share a passion for poker both on and off the felt. Collaborations with Antonio Esfandiari led to TV ventures despite some setbacks. Laak boasts victories in prestigious tournaments worldwide, showcasing perseverance and dedication. His story exemplifies success in poker intertwined with personal connections and entrepreneurial spirit.