"This is what you call a big early hand or a very short World Series of Poker Main Event," said Phil Laak. On the turn of a board, Laak had been faced with a bet of 3,200 that he raised to 11,700, leaving himself just 6,000 behind.
Laak's opponent didn't fold right away, but he did eventually fold. "That was the one I was looking for," said Laak. The pot increased his count to 28,000.