What is the Longest Poker Game Ever Played?
Throughout the history of poker, there have been many long-lasting games. Some have been played for centuries, and others are even longer than the length of a normal movie. Despite this, the longest poker game ever played has not been found.
Larry Olmstead
Until Phil Laak broke his record for the longest poker session ever, Larry Olmsted had the longest poker game. He played a game at the Foxwood Casino in Connecticut for 72 hours and 2 minutes.
The Guinness Book of World Records has published thousands of records every year. In addition to Olmsted’s record, another world record was set by Zach Gensler in late 2021. This record, which lasted 124 hours, was relatively unknown in the poker world until Gensler made it known.
Larry Olmstead’s poker game took place at the Foxwoods Casino in 2004. He did not use any stimulants during the game and was able to make a nice profit. He ended the game with around $1,000 in winnings. He gave most of his winnings away in tips to casino staff.
Phil Laak
During a 115-hour poker game, Phil “the Unabomber” Laak set a new Guinness World Record for the longest poker game in history. He achieved the feat at the Bellagio Casino in Las Vegas, NV. Throughout the game, Laak took four-minute breaks every hour, allowing him to stretch his legs and use the bathroom. His record-breaking game was documented by ESPN’s “E:60” crew.
Before his record-breaking feat, Laak had been playing poker for about 20 years. He first began playing at an underground club in New York City. He enjoyed poker tournaments and strategy. He was also a day trader on Wall Street. He eventually branched out into the entertainment world, appearing on TV shows such as Poker After Dark and Knight Rider. He has also dated actress Jennifer Tilly.
Bird Cage Theater
Located in Tombstone, Arizona, the Bird Cage Theater is the location of the longest poker game in history. This poker game was played over an eight-year period, and a total of $10 million was exchanged during the period.
The poker game was played in the basement of the theater. To play, gamblers had to purchase $1,000 in chips and pay a down payment of twenty-five dollars. The theater kept ten percent of the winnings, and the rest was kept as a house fee.
The Bird Cage Theater was also known for its ladies of the night. These women would draw drapes and kiss the clients. These women were known as Painted Ladies.
The theater also featured national headliners, including Lotta Crabtree, Eddie Foy, and the Irish comic duo, The Three Stooges. There were also opera singers and comedic singers.
Paul Zimber
Having played poker for over eight years, Phil ‘The Unabomber’ Laak is no stranger to the game. But he has taken his game to the virtual table and is currently the GGPoker ambassador. His latest attempt to break the Guinness World Record for longest poker game in history is scheduled for June. If he wins, he will go on to compete in the Grand Final in Monte Carlo on May 30.
Although Phil Laak was the first to break the record, it was a team effort. The game was broadcast over a livestream to a live audience of 130,000 viewers. The winning team walked away with $18,240. The money was donated to the Make a Wish Foundation.
The best part of this feat of arms is that Laak did not consume any stimulants or drink any caffeine. He did, however, rest for 30 minutes each hour he played, an impressive feat for anyone.
Legends of the Wild West
During the Wild West, poker was king. The frontier was a melting pot of colonists, indigenous peoples, and immigrants, and businessmen worked side-by-side with farmers. Many of these businessmen were well-known for their gambling abilities.
Some of these infamous gamblers met in the basement of a building in 1881. They gathered in a confined space to play poker. The game ran for 8 years, 5 months, and 3 days.
The game was played seven days a week for eight years. The gamblers paid a $1,000 minimum to play. The stakes increased with every card dealt.
The Wild West saloons were the roughest places to play. Some saloons had shootouts, and liquored-up cowboys would shoot up the winning hand.
The Bird Cage Theatre in Tombstone, Arizona, was the site of the longest poker game in history. The game ran from 1881 to 1889. The players were allowed to take four-minute breaks between rounds.