26,295,000 chips
The 2008 World Series of Poker chip leader has an interesting back ground and almost none of it involves poker. Dennis Phillips started playing Texas Hold ‘Em only four years ago. Phillips was a blackjack player until a college friend dragged him to a poker table at the Ameristar Casino. Phillips made his first showing on the WSOP circuit in Tunica, making two final tables, and eventually made it to the 2008 World Series of Poker through a Harrah’s satellite tournament in St. Louis.
Phillips is a humble man who almost seems as if he doesn’t care what happens at the table. Don’t let his relaxed approach to the game fool you. Phillips, 52, was born and raised on a farm in Quincy, IN. He currently lives in St. Louis, MO, and works as a truck salesman. .
“Regardless of the outcome, I intend to keep enjoying poker,” he saidl “‘I believe that my playing to have fun has truly worked to my advantage in this tournament and I have no intention to change my strategy going into the final table.”
Win or otherwise, Phillips plans to continue working and contributing to his favorite charities. Phillips spoort Put a Bad Beat on Cancer, Boys Hope, Girls Hope and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Phillips also intends to donate 1% of his winnings to Put a Bad Beat on Cancer. PokerStars has indicated it will match 100% of his donation.
Growing up with two older brothers and a younger sister, Phillips has come to value family before anything else. Phillips idolizes his brother, Duane, who is living with Multiple Sclerosis.
Phillips enteres the final table with 26,296,000 in chips.
Other profiles
Darus Suharto
David Chino Rheem
Ylon Schwartz
Peter Eastgate
Ivan Demidov
