Poker games typically last one to three hours, depending on the number of players and total chips in play. Tournaments, however, can last days and weeks.
There have been a variety of legendary poker players throughout history who have played for long hours and years – however none has outlasted anyone in an entire poker game longer. It’s believed that one such marathon game took place during the Wild West at an establishment called Bird Cage Theater in Tombstone, Arizona.
It was estimated to have taken eight years, five months, and three days and up to $10 million was exchanged during this game without being adjusted for inflation – an incredible achievement at the time.
The Bird Cage wasn’t the only place with an ongoing poker game, but it certainly stands out. Here, an ongoing tournament required a minimum buy-in of $1,000 with legendary Old West characters like Doc Holliday, Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, Adolphus Busch and Diamond Jim Brady taking part.
Paul Zimber from London stands out as an exceptional poker player; he allegedly played non-stop for 79 hours non-stop in 2003 – although not an official record, but nonetheless an impressive feat! This feat has since been discussed among friends.
Phil Laak played a 115-hour poker game at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas during 2010. Laak took four-minute breaks every hour during this marathon affair and did not consume caffeine or stimulants during this period of play.
Even under these constraints, he was still able to break the world record and become the longest-lasting poker player ever. Following his game, he donated all the winnings to charity.
The longest poker game ever held has become something of an urban legend over time, inspiring generations of poker fans everywhere to remain perseverant even when odds seem against them. It serves as a powerful reminder that determination pays off even in times of great adversity.
Importantly, no rules prohibit a game from lasting forever; however, it can usually be slowed down or cut short if desired by its players. In the past there was less regulation in this area; games could continue for an indefinite amount of time, potentially becoming health risks to some participants.
Today’s games are much more regulated, giving players greater control of their lives and outcomes. There are even apps which allow people to play poker online for real money and win big prizes!
Most memorable poker games involve intense head-to-head duels between two top poker players. These encounters don’t revolve around money or chips; rather, it is about pride and the satisfaction of winning an encounter.