Player Profile

Phil Laak – Boy in the Hood

Phil Laak – Boy in the Hood

Fact File

Age: 34

Born: Dublin, Ireland

Resides: Los Angeles, CA

Featured in: Episode 4

Key stats: One-time WPT title holder

Did you know?: "The Unabomber" earned his nickname because of the hooded sweatshirt and sunglasses he regularly wears at the table.

Also in Episode: Chris Ferguson, Howard Lederer, Jennifer Harman, Cindy Margolis, Jeremy Sisto

Fact File

Phil "The Unabomber" Laak gets his nickname from the trademark attire he wears to every game – a hooded sweatshirt and dark sunglasses. Phil is famous for employing the hood during critical parts of the game – he pulls the drawstrings on the hood closed to hide his face during big hands. Whether it’s to hide his face from opponents’ prying eyes or because he can’t bear to watch the hand, the tactic has paid off – Phil has earned more than a million dollars in tournament play.

Phil is also well-known for other antics at the poker table, such as doing push-ups to celebrate winning hands, and running behind the dealer to see which card will come up next.

Definitely a bit of a wild card, Phil’s job history includes being a repo man and brokering sports bets. Phil said that legally stealing cars was a bit dangerous and somewhat unstable; it’s easy to see why he decided to “settle down” and become a professional poker player.

However, he’s also got a more serious side. Besides being a poker player, he is a part-time stock market speculator and real estate investor. He’s also currently dating “Unabombshell” Jennifer Tilly, another contestant in the Poker Equalizer.