Kiwis Look to Break Phil Laak’s Endurance Record

A Kiwi poker player puts in a small raise.

Earlier this Summer, Phil Laak destroyed the world record for poker endurance, by playing for 115 hours. Now, a group of upstart New Zealanders are hellbent on getting their names into the Guinness Book of World Records by beating Phil.

A company called NZPokerTours is organizing the attempt, and is looking for 80 players to start play for the record attempt. Unlike Laak’s solo effort, where he played $10/$20 No Limit Hold’Em, the Kiwis will be playing tournament style, with unlimited $20 rebuys up to the point where the record is broken. After 115 hours, the blinds will go up every 15 minutes, with any remaining players vying for the tournament victory, as well as the world record.

The rules of the record attempt are the same as those used by Phil Laak. Five minutes away from the table are allowed every hour. And that time can be banked, so if someone plays continuously for, say, six straight hours, they’re allowed a 30 minute rest break.

All proceeds from the event will go to a number of charities, including the Starship Children’s Hospital and the Make-a-Wish Foundation. It’s scheduled to start on Monday, November 22nd at 5pm, and run untl Saturday the 27th, at 12pm. At that point, if all goes according to plan, the new record will belong to at least two of the New Zealand players.

If there’s any Kiwis who are sufficiently rested from defeating the armies of Sauron, and want to join in the world record attempt, they can get more info and sign up here.