In the wake of Chris Moneymaker’s stunning victory at the 2003 World Series of Poker Main Event, poker was on the cusp of a global phenomenon. Greg Raymer’s win in 2004 continued the trend, but it was Joe Hachem’s triumph in 2005 that truly transformed the game. The first and only Australian to capture poker’s grandest prize, Hachem’s journey from chiropractor to poker sensation is a remarkable tale.
Early Life and Love
Born in Lebanon in 1966, Joe Hachem and his family moved to Melbourne, Australia, in 1972. It was in Melbourne that he met his high school sweetheart, Jeanie, and their love story led to marriage and a family of their own. Even their son, Anthony, tried his hand at poker, winning an event at ANZPT Melbourne in 2013.
Poker Journey Begins
Hachem’s flirtation with poker began during his teenage years, evolving from casual play to a more serious pursuit after watching the movie “Rounders.” His interest shifted to Texas Hold’em, and he started testing his skills at the Crown Casino in Melbourne. A rare blood vessel disorder forced him to leave his chiropractic practice in the early 2000s, opening the door for his poker career.
The Vegas Mission
In 2005, Joe Hachem embarked on a mission to conquer the “Big One” in Las Vegas. Armed with $10,000 and accompanied by his brother and cousin, he entered WSOP Event 37, finishing 10th for $25,850. But the real triumph came on July 15 when he clinched the $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em World Championship with an improbable 7-3 off-suit hand. This victory made him the first Australian to win the prestigious event.
Building a Legacy
Hachem’s WSOP win earned him $7.5 million and a PokerStars contract, catapulting him into the international poker scene. Beyond his Main Event victory, he claimed his first World Poker Tour (WPT) title at the 2006 Doyle Brunson North American Poker Championship, securing over $2.1 million in winnings. Hachem joined the elite ranks of players who had won both a WSOP Main Event and a WPT championship.
Career Earnings and Versatility
While his WSOP Main Event victory remains his most substantial payday, Joe Hachem’s poker career boasts numerous accomplishments. He cashed in various international tournaments, including the European Poker Tour and Asian Poker Tour events. Additionally, he achieved success on his home turf, cashing multiple times at the Aussie Millions Championship and finishing third in the Main Event in 2012, earning over AUD$300,000. In total, Hachem’s live tournament earnings surpass $12.2 million.
Television Stardom and Ambassadorship
Joe Hachem’s charismatic presence has made him a frequent guest on poker TV shows like Poker After Dark, Poker Superstars, and High Stakes Poker. He even produced a reality TV show in Australia to discover the next “poker star.” Beyond the felt, Hachem has been an ambassador for the game, striving to create a fun and welcoming environment for newcomers. However, he has expressed concern about the trend of young math-focused players who contribute less to the game’s social aspect.
Legacy and Ongoing Presence
Though Joe Hachem’s live poker circuit appearances have lessened due to the distance from Australia, he remains a fixture at the Aussie Millions Championship, co-hosting a celebrity poker tournament with cricketer Shane Warne. He continues to participate in the World Series of Poker, where he cashed four times in 2018. His autobiography, titled “Pass the Sugar,” was released in 2009, allowing fans to delve into his remarkable journey.
Joe Hachem’s impact on the world of poker, both in Australia and globally, is undeniable. From a chiropractor to a poker ambassador, his legacy endures, leaving an indelible mark on the game he loves.