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World series of poker 2006

Joseph Hachem

From: Melbourne

If you have been paying any attention to the World Series of Poker over the past twelve months, then you are very familiar with the name Joseph Hachem. And yet, as is so often the case in this thrilling showdown of international poker mastery, Hachem is a champion who came virtually out of nowhere.


Joseph Hachem spent his formative years pursuing an honorable but not exactly attention-grabbing life. Born in Lebanon, he moved to Australia as a young child, where he followed his dream of serving his fellow man in the medical field. A cherished career as a chiropractor was brought to a sudden and heartbreaking end in 2002, as Hachem was unable to ply his healing arts due to a rare blood disorder in his hands. Rather than be permanently sidelined by this misfortune, Hachem discovered a new passion to which he devoted all his energies. That passion was, as you probably have guessed, the game of poker.


It did not take him very long to ascend to the very upper ranks of the professional circuit. On July 16th of last year, Hachem won the main event, emerging victorious out of the largest field of players ever to enter at the World Series of Poker: a whopping 5,619 contestants. For his labors, Hachem was able to waltz away with no less than $7.5 million in U.S. currency. Not a bad day's work.


Unlike some of the competitors who have in recent years emerged from obscurity and vaulted to greatness at the WSOP (in particular, think of Chris Moneymaker and Greg Fossilman Raymer) Hachem earned his seat in the big tournament by shelling out the buy-in price of $1,000, rather than winning an Internet satellite tournament. Apparently, that ten large proved to be a wise investment on Joe’s part.


Hachem is careful to lead a well rounded life, one that is not utterly dominated by poker. Married with four children, he credits this strong family bond for keeping himself grounded. And yet, it is unlikely that he or anyone else will soon forget his stunning victory at the 2005 World Series of Poker. Indeed, Hachem continues to capitalize on that epic feat by currently serving as a universally recognized spokesperson for Poker Stars, along with previous champs Moneymaker and Raymer.

Author: Mark