Phil Laak plans to play 80 hours of straight poker in order to beat the Guinness Book of World Records’ record for Poker Endurance. The record attempt will take place on June 2nd at the Bellagio in Las Vegas.
The previous record was set by Paul Zimbler in 2009. Zimbler played for over 78 hours and 45 minutes of heads up poker and was a complete mess by the end of it.
Phil Laak’s Childhood Dream
Like most kids who get their hands on a copy of the Guinness Book of World Records, Phil had big dreams to one day make it into the book himself.
Once he got into poker and realized that he could regularly clock marathon sessions of up to 60 hours, he realized that maybe he would have a shot at a World Record.
Only a month ago he clocked almost 40 hours of televised play at Party Poker’s Big Game, although he was caught taking a catnap during the dinner break. To break the record, he is going to have to last for twice as long and do without the naps in between.
Playing for Charity
Phil Laak will be raising money for Camp Sunshine during the attempt. Half of his winnings as well as other donations will be made to this cause. Camp Sunshine “provides respite, support, joy and hope to children with life-threatening illnesses and their immediate families”.
The camp allows kids with illnesses to attend a summer camp with medical personnel on hand. This lets the children enjoy normal life that they wouldn’t be able to enjoy without these special accommodations.
It is great that Laak will be supporting a charitable cause during the event and raising both money and awareness.
Training
Phil says that he has been training for this big event over the last six months to get himself into top physical and mental shape to beat the record.
He has been exercising about 5 times a week. Exercises involve running, swimming and going to the gym. He has also been dieting and has lost about 20 lbs of excess weight in the process.
Laak is a fan of higher order thinking as has been training mentally for the event also. He says that through various mental exercises leading up to the event that his will power is at an all time high.
News and Updates on Phil Laak’s Record Breaking Attempt
We will be regularly posting updates and news on Phil Laak’s attempt at this World Record. Starting on June 2nd, you can follow his progress online right here.