Barry Denson Sets Poker Endurance Record

The UK’s Barry Denson recently set his eyes on a unique poker endurance record held by Phil Laak. In 2010, Laak managed to play poker for over 115 straight hours, which crushed the old record of 74 hours set by Paul Zimber. Denson, who is a former Territorial British army solider, was hoping to use his military training and mental fortitude to take down Laak’s mark.

While playing at the G Casino in Manchester, Denson lasted just over 120 hours on the poker tables and set the new endurance record. After breaking the record, Denson said that he trained for this event by gradually reducing his sleep to less than three hours a night. And while this helped, it didn’t make him totally immune to the nasty effects that accompany sleeplessness.

“At one stage I was sure I could hear small children laughing and playing around the slots, which were quite close to the table.”

Hearing Things
Barry Denson knew that attempting to beat Phil Laak’s poker endurance record was going to be rough; Laak started hallucinating towards the end of the 115 hours. Taking this into account, it should be little surprise that Denson began hearing things as he said, “At one stage I was sure I could hear small children laughing and playing around the slots, which were quite close to the table.”
Luckily the ex-solider was able to make it through the whole ordeal and raise £1,000 for Help for Heroes, a charity which helps wounded British soldiers.