Phil Laak is one of the most well-known poker players in the world. He can be found making regular TV appearances on just about every televised poker show out there. From the early days of the World Poker Tour, to multiple seasons of High Stakes Poker, the Unabomber is one of the most recognizable poker players around.
World Poker Tour
He was one of the earliest stars to make a splash on the TV screen when the World Poker Tour made televised poker a big hit. With his unique look and likable personality, he was one of the 1st poker superstars to light up television screens worldwide.
He burst onto the scene by winning the WPT Invitational tournament during Season 2. During the same season, he also made the final table of the Legends of Poker tournament finishing in 6th place.
He would again make the final table broadcast for Bellagio’s Five Diamond World Poker Classic during Season 4 of the WPT.
World Series of Poker
He has made two final table appearances at the World Series of Poker. In 2005, he finished 2nd to the legendary Johnny Chan in the $2,500 Pot Limit Hold’em event.
He would appear again at another WSOP final table in 2008, this time around at the $10,000 Pot Limit Hold’em event. He finished the event in 9th place after losing with JJ to Patrik Antonius’ KK in a very exciting hand.
Poker After Dark
Phil has made appearances on at least 7 aired episodes of NBC’s Poker After Dark. He has appeared on all six seasons of this popular poker TV show. Highlights of his appearances include his two 1st place wins of $120,000 each during two separate episodes as well as his appearance alongside his long-time girlfriend, Jennifer Tilly, in another episode.
High Stakes Poker
He has appeared regularly on GSN’s popular High Stakes Poker TV show. He has played in 5 of the 6 seasons, participating from Seasons 2 to 6. This high stakes cash game format has seen him take on some of the best poker players in the world with hundreds of thousands of dollars changing hands on a regular basis. He has played alongside such well known players as his good friend Antonio Esfandiari, Daniel Negreanu, Doyle Brunson, Eli Elezra, Tom “durrrr” Dwan, Patrik Antonius and many more …
I Bet You
Phil Laak even has his own TV show co-starring his great friend, Antonio Esfandiari. The show is called “I Bet You” and its opening comments say it all “The following is what happens when you give two degenerate gamblers their own TV show …”
Watch as the two of them travel around the USA making bets on just about everything that they can think of. The bets can be as large as $5,000 as they take on each other in head-to-head challenges. From a demolition derby to F1 racing, the action can be both hilarious and exciting. With real money at stake as well as pride and bragging rights, these two produce quality entertainment at its very best. I Bet You is broadcast on MOJO TV and is now entering its 3rd season.
Poker Royale
He also made many regular appearances on Poker Royale. He was a regular on many episodes and won two of the Grand Finals for a total of more than $80,000. In a special team event, there was even a team named “The Unabombers”.
The TV Star!
Phil Laak may well have more TV appearances than any other poker player around. It seems like every time you watch poker on TV, you will see him decked out in his recognizable hooded sweatshirt.
The shows mentioned are only a short list of the many televised appearances that he has made. He has also appeared in the UK on Sky Sports when he won the William Hill Poker Grand Prix for over £150,000.
He appears at Party Poker’s Big Game, at the Aussie Millions Invitational and as the champion of PartyPoker.com’s World Open V.
He is guaranteed to be a regular on TV, between his great final table results, his willingness to play the highest stakes cash games around, and his own TV show involving loads of prop bets, the Unabomber is here to gamble and entertain!