Understanding Phil "the Unabomber" Laak

The Unabomber is relatively new to the poker scene. He and his buddy/roommate Antonio "the Magician" Esfandiari burst into poker's upper echelon at just the right time to enjoy the limelight. Phil was just starting to get serious about poker in the early 2000's, about the same time that online poker and televised poker were growing in popularity.

In 2004, Phil Laak became the topic of conversation and debate in poker card rooms and online forums around the world due to his antics on the World Poker Tour. His oversized grey sweatshirt became a tool to hide his face when he pulled the hood-strings taunt. That same grey sweatshirt is what bought him the nickname Unabomber, as his look with the hood up mimics that of a police sketch of the infamous mail bomber. This poker Unabomber grabbed attention when he shadow-boxed and bounced up and down while at the table. He ran around the table harassing the dealer while calling for cards that would benefit his opponent. Basically, he did things that we've never seen before in poker. While some hated his behavior, others loved the pure entertainment value that this engaging young man provided. Whether you liked his actions or not, you had to admit he was an amazingly skilled poker player. In Season 2 of the WPT he gathered a 6th place finish, a 12th place, and an unforgettable 1st place championship at the WPT invitational. Since then he's scored 2 more WPT cashes and a 2nd place in a NLHE event at the WSOP (losing to Johnny Chan). Public interest in this captivating guy has only continue to grow after becoming the real-life love interest of famous actress Jennifer Tilly, and by playing host on the poker show called E! Hollywood Hold 'Em.

Although Phil appears to be a nearly schizophrenic wildman on many of his TV appearances, the truth is that this is a very insightful, calculated, and intelligent man. He still successfully dabbles in real estate investments and the stock market to supplement his poker income, and he has a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Phil does not subscribe to the popular theory that poker is serious business. He does not measure his success based on wins and losses or total poker bankroll. Instead, he just does a simple yet effective evaluation: am I playing good poker?? You see, Phil understands that there is natural element of luck involved with poker. With that, bad beats and losing sessions are bound to happen and will not effect his train of thought. Phil is genuinely out to have a good time. To say that Phil is outgoing is the understatement of the decade. By all reports, he has a good time at and away from the table. He's well known to be the life of the party at any function which he is a part of. His over-the-top personality simply makes Laak jump off of the screen, making even a mundane interview a roller coaster ride. Some in the poker world think he is exactly the type of character that poker needs to attract viewers and advertising dollars. Others feel that he is the type of player that is a thorn in the side of poker, with his antics overshadowing the beauty of the game.

Phil Laak: Play Profile & Prediction

PLAY PROFILE: Phil plays a lot of online poker to reportedly great success. We've seen him on TV play some fearless No Limit Hold 'Em. Phil also likes Pot Limit Omaha, a favorite with many skilled online players. He is not nearly as loose of a player as his reputation might have many to believe. In fact, he plays solid poker and truly understands tournament psychology. He knows to attack when many tighten their game as the bubble approaches. He slyly steals the blinds as they rise and antes are added, building important chip stacks for a run at the final table. Phil is supremely confident in himself and his abilities. He'd never feel intimidated at any table in the world. This helps him play great no matter the opposition. In addition, despite his appearance he is actually very much in control of his emotions. He can genuinely laugh off a bad beat in time to be ready for the next deal. His elevated demeanor makes him nearly impossible to read at the table.

PREDICTIONS: Phil loves the spotlight. Expect him to make appearances on many of the upcoming poker shows across the networks. He is still gaining experience with the best in poker, so he has a lot to learn. Like many of the rising stars in poker, his success may just hinge on the work that he puts into the game. If he engrosses himself into poker and self-improvement, he may rise to become one of the next generation of hall-of-fame caliber players. On the other hand, he could be a bright fire that might flame out if he allows himself to be sidetracked by the money, fame, and fun.

More Poker Player Profiles

♣ Andy Bloch ♣ Annie Duke ♣ Antonio Esfandiari ♣ Chris Ferguson ♣ Dan Harrington ♣ Daniel Negreanu ♣ Doyle Brunson ♣ Greg Raymer ♣ Gus Hansen ♣ Howard Lederer ♣ James Woods

♣ Jennifer Harman ♣ Johnny Chan ♣ Mark Seif ♣ Mike Matusow ♣ Phil Gordon ♣ Phil Hellmuth ♣ Phil Ivey ♣ Phil Laak ♣ Poker Hotties ♣ Sam Farha ♣ TJ Cloutier

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