The Longest Poker Games: From 8 Years to Epic 115 Hours
We’ve all had those “marathon” sessions that lasted until the sun came up, but some of the longest poker games took the word long to a whole new level. From legendary Wild West tales to modern-day world records, these games prove that for some players, the action never stops!
1. The 8-Year Game: Tombstone’s Birdcage Theater
The undisputed champion of long games reportedly took place in the 1880s at the BirdCage Theater in Tombstone, Arizona. This legendary game is said to have run continuously for 8 years, 5 months, and 3 days!
With a $1,000 buy-in (a huge sum back then), famous names like Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp supposedly sat in. The game only ended when a local mine flooded, causing the town’s high-rollers to move on.
2. The Four-Month Heads-Up Battle
Before the WSOP even existed, two legends allegedly battled it out for four straight months. Johnny Moss and Nick “The Greek” Dandolos faced off in a marathon heads-up match in Las Vegas.
While they took breaks to sleep and (of course) play other casino games, the match itself lasted from January to May 1949. This legendary battle is often credited with inspiring the creation of the World Series of Poker !
3. The Modern World Record: Phil Laak’s Epic 115 Hours
When it comes to official, non-stop individual play, Phil “The Unabomber” Laak holds the crown. In 2010 at the Bellagio, Laak played for a staggering 115 consecutive hours. To remain eligible for Guinness World Records, he was allowed only 5-minute breaks every hour. He stayed awake for nearly five days straight, winning about $6,700 – which he famously donated to charity!
4. The Challenger: Zach Gensler
In 2021, a player named Zach Gensler attempted to smash Laak’s record at Resorts World Las Vegas . Gensler reportedly clocked in at 124 hours, making him the new king of endurance. However, due to strict verification rules, Phil Laak still officially holds the Guinness World Record title for the longest poker games ever played.
Why Do They Do It?
Whether it’s the lure of a legendary win or just testing the limits of human stamina, poker marathons are a part of the game’s soul. But remember: while these pros can go for days, for most of us, a good night’s sleep is the best strategy for winning the next day!
Via poker.org
