The Idea Zone

WSOP Player Spotlight: Phil Laak

Few players have a background that’s as diverse as Phil Laak’s, although this diversity isn’t particularly the sort of thing that helps directly with poker. Prior to working his way into the professional poker scene, Laak obtained his mechanical engineering degree and worked as an engineer. Engineering didn’t last very long, however. He had other jobs where he worked as a repo man, a stock day trader, a dishwasher, an investor (real estate), and a gardener. He did have a long background in poker that began when he was a child.

Poker was not the first game where he truly honed his skills. It was backgammon, a hobby that did not turn into a profession, but it did turn him toward a focus on professional poker. He ran with a crowd that would emerge onto the poker scene, and included Antonio Esfandiari (“The Magician”). While he began earning money through poker sooner, Laak truly broke into the scene in 2004 when he won a major victory in the World Poker Tour invitational. Since that time, he has reached two additional WPT final tables.

While Laak hadn’t managed to get a WSOP bracelet by the end of 2009, he has come very close on multiple occasions. There was his second place finish in 2005 when he lost to Johnny Chan. He has had eight money finishes in WSOP events. Laak is a favorite for invitations and television shows, primarily due to his eccentric personality that draws viewers in as much or more than his card playing skills.

Due to his hooded sweatshirt and his ability to knock other players out of the game with explosive ferocity, Laak has been dubbed “The Unabomber.” However, outside his playing style, there is no resemblance to the infamous bomber of the same name. In fact, Laak frequently plays for charity events.