Sam Farha

Only a small number of poker players in the world have the necessary skills, knowledge, and mind-set to make their living at the game, to give up their day jobs and join the elite ranks of the professional gambler. An even smaller percentage of that group has what it takes to become an international poker champion, to build a legendary reputation at tables around the world, at a time when poker games weren't broadcast every night on ESPN.

Sam Farha has sat down with the best poker players in the world, and walked away with their money enough times to know that he's their equal, if not their better.

Sam was born in Beirut, Lebanon, where he showed an early talent for games of skill and chance. As a teen-ager, he excelled at Pac-Man, pinball, and pool, and he learned to make money on all three. He once played a single game of Pac-Man for $5,000, and his skill at pinball garnered him the cover of a Lebanese magazine.

At that time, however, it did not seem reasonable to Sam (or his father) to make a living as a gambler. Sam moved to the United States in 1977 to attend the University of Kansas, where he graduated with a degree in Business Administration.

He moved to Houston, Texas after graduating, where he worked several jobs before he found his true calling at a poker table, playing with friends for fifty cents a hand. With poker, Sam's interest in gaming re-emerged.

He began playing with his friends more often, and at higher stakes. He soon made his first trip to Las Vegas, where he turned $2,000 to $7,000. The learning process was gradual, but Sam steadily improved his game. After four years of playing, Sam felt he was good enough to quit his job and invest his money, and his future, in poker. He was right.

In 1996 Sam Farha won the Pot-Limit Omaha championship at the World Series of Poker and came in second in 2002. Last May, Sam took second place at the WSOP's No Limit Texas Hold 'Em Championship.

His aggressive and unpredictable style of play, based upon his ability to read and intimidate his opponents, has changed the way the game is played. He is recognized internationally as a renowned gambler, and at poker tables everywhere as a winner.

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