Scenes from (the Outskirts of) the Final Table:Dennis Phillips’ All-American victory party at McFadden’s
Dennis Phillips was the chip leader for four months — possibly the longest time anyone in the history of poker has held onto the biggest stack. And though he got off to a shaky start and would ultimately finish 3rd (winning $4.5 million) he still skillfully survived a roller coaster session to be the Last American Standing. When it was all said and done (a day earlier than he had hoped for), he threw a party for his 200 or so traveling friends at McFadden’s (formerly the Tilted Kilt) — and without a heads-up match to worry about, it was some good wholesome relaxed American fun, compliments of a good wholesome All-American player who proved even a bald, middle-aged white guy could inspire a loyal and appreciative following to wear red hats and cheer.
Barbecue sandwiches and ice cream: Really, does it get any better than this?
His friends left well-wishes and thanks to their new-richest best friend. Click below for a closer look at the personal congrats.
Even the bartenders got in on the Dennis Phillips fun.
Dennis and his publicist, Lara Miller.
Woot! There he is.
Karridy says:
November 16th, 2008 at 4:37pm
100% Class act.
Johnny Hughes says:
November 17th, 2008 at 6:38am
The publicist looked so much like a horse, I wanted to bet on her. I shouldn’t joke about the gal who lined him up with the truck center as a sponsor. Thirty-seven L.A. waiters are writing made for TV movies about Dennis already.
luckydogruss says:
November 17th, 2008 at 3:38pm
Thanks for the pics, Dan. Dennis invited me to attend the party during our one-on-one interview (I was No. 168; it’s posted on my site), but I couldn’t get out there.
Gotta agree totally with Karridy. I had phone problems at home the day I was supposed to call his cell, but he called me 20 minutes later from his home land line. Then, after an hour of awesome chat, I told him I’d never tried to record off my cellfone speaker before and he said, “That’s OK, if it didn’t record just call me back and we’ll do it again!”
A re-do wasn’t necessary, but what a generous offer to a total stranger!
First-class guy!