Net Worth Ranker
What Is Phil Laak’s Net Worth?
Phil Laak, the Irish-American professional poker player and commentator, has amassed a significant fortune throughout his career. As of March 2025, his net worth is estimated to be around $18 million to $20 million. This wealth is primarily attributed to his success as a poker player, supplemented by earnings from television appearances, endorsements, and strategic business investments.
Poker Career Earnings and Milestones
Laak’s journey in the poker world has been marked by notable achievements and consistent performance. His total live tournament earnings exceed $4.3 million, reflecting his skill and strategic approach to the game. He has cashed in the money 20 times at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) and nine times at World Poker Tour (WPT) events, demonstrating his consistent performance in major tournaments. His largest single cash prize was $380,050. He secured a World Poker Tour (WPT) title, marking a significant milestone in his career. In September 2010, Laak won his first World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet at the World Series of Poker Europe, taking home the £2,500 Six-Handed No-Limit Hold’em championship. In October 2009, Laak won the PartyPoker.com World Open V, which earned him $250,000.
Endurance Feat and Media Appearances
Beyond his tournament winnings, Phil Laak gained widespread recognition for his incredible poker endurance. In June 2010, he set a Guinness World Record by playing poker continuously for 115 hours at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. He played $10/$20 No-Limit Hold’em and finished up $6,766, half of which he donated to Camp Sunshine, a charity for children with illnesses. This feat was witnessed by over 130,000 people via live streaming video. Laak has also appeared on popular poker TV shows such as “High Stakes Poker,” where he featured in seasons two through seven, “Poker After Dark,” where he won $120,000 in a single weekly prize, and “The Big Game”. He also served as the dealer on “E! Hollywood Hold ‘Em”.
Early Life and Education
Born Philip Courtney Laak in Dublin, Ireland, on September 8, 1972, Laak moved to the United States at a young age. When he was four years old, his family relocated to Wellesley, Massachusetts. He pursued higher education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering. Before dedicating himself to professional poker, Laak explored various career paths, including working as a mechanical engineer and a day trader. He also honed his skills as a backgammon player in New York City before focusing on poker.
Nickname and Personality
Phil Laak is known as “The Unabomber” due to his signature attire of a hooded sweatshirt and sunglasses at the poker table. His unique style and engaging personality have made him a fan favorite in the poker community. He is also known for his animated table talk, unconventional playing style, and propensity for prop betting, which adds to his entertaining persona.
Relationship with Jennifer Tilly
Phil Laak has been in a long-term relationship with actress and poker player Jennifer Tilly since 2004. They met at a World Poker Tour Invitational tournament at the Commerce Casino. Tilly has also become a successful poker player, with Laak helping to improve her skills. In 2005, Tilly won a World Series of Poker bracelet in the Ladies’ No-Limit Texas hold ‘em event and has since made over $1 million in tournament winnings. While they maintain homes in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, they have chosen not to marry. In 2023, Tilly mentioned on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” that Laak paid over $70,000 in poker money bricks after he caused water damage to her apartment by forgetting to turn off the water in her bathtub.
Writing and Commentary
Laak has also contributed to the poker world through his writing and commentary. In 2015, he began writing a monthly column called ‘Being Phil Laak’ for Bluff Magazine, which was later discontinued. He co-hosted a TV show with Antonio Esfandiari on the MOJO network named ‘I Bet You’. Laak’s insights and analysis of the game have made him a respected figure in the poker community.
Guinness World Record
Phil Laak set the world record for the longest time spent playing poker in a single session on June 2-7, 2010, at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. He played for 115 hours, breaking the previous record of 72 hours and 2 minutes. Guinness allowed one 5-minute break every hour, which Laak could bank into longer breaks. He took a 30-minute nap using banked breaks, but he did not use caffeine or stimulants. Laak played $10/$20 No-Limit Hold’em and finished up $6,766. He donated half of his winnings to Camp Sunshine, a charity that helps sick children enjoy summer camp. The attempt was watched live on streaming video by over 130,000 people.
