There are some rare poker personalities with whom no one wants to toil. Their appearance at the poker tables throws many of their opponents off balance. Sam Farha is a typical example of such a personality. He is known for his aggressive game style, relaxed behavior, and an ever-present signature unlit cigarette in his mouth.
Sam Farha, a three-time WSOP bracelet holder who, together with Chris Moneymaker, championed the poker boom in 2003, plays mainly cash games and just a few recorded live tournaments. He is also popular at shows like High Stakes Poker.
In today’s casino news, we will examine his life in all its facets—from his early beginnings to his various poker endeavors. Let’s jump right in!
Sam Farha: Following the Money at High Stakes Poker Games
Sam’s real name is Ihsan Farha. He was born in 1959 in Beirut. As a teenager, he found himself amid the Lebanese war with his family. This situation prompted them to move to the United States. They settled in Wichita, Kansas, where Ihsan Farha had a secondary education. He obtained his BSc in Business Administration from the University of Kansas.
His education contributed to his approach to poker and other casino games of chance, setting the stage for his future success in the poker world. Besides, Farha exhibited a natural talent for games, excelling in pool, Pac-Man, and pinball. His competitive spirit and knack for strategy allowed him to make money from these games.
After obtaining his BSc., Sam moved to Texas, where he began playing poker. Unlike other poker players who played Texas Holdem, Farha decided to specialize in the action-packed and dangerous Omaha after exploring several variants. The game was not common among players then, but his fearlessness and staunch determination to go for the maximum win propelled him. Sam plays as though he has the complete poker hands cheat sheet in his mind.
Sam Farha’s Memorable Poker Tournament Winnings
Farha graciously mastered the game’s strategies and understood poker hand probabilities, poker math, and other tactics. He knew when to bet, raise, call, or fold. After he transitioned to professional play, poker gave him a new name: Sammy Farha.
Sam Farha had his first recorded tournament in 1996—the 27th World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. There was no match for him in the $2,500 Pot Limit Omaha event, where he finished first to win his first WSOP golden bracelet and a $145,000 prize.
He came third at his second WSOP—the 33rd WSOP—in 2002 in the $1,500 Pot Limit Omaha for $48,140 in a heads-up against Lindy Chambers, who finished second, and Jack Duncan, who finished first.
2003 WSOP: Sam Farha vs Moneymaker
Farha is best known for his runner-up finish against Chris Moneymaker at the 2003 WSOP—the 34th. Though he lost to Moneymaker, his stylish and aesthetic mode of play and paired poker hands, earned him a place in the hearts of all poker fans at the time. Moneymaker took the first price of 2.5 million dollars, while Farha received 1.3 million, his most considerable live tournament cash.
Farha won his second WSOP bracelet in 2006 at the 37th WSOP in Las Vegas. He also won a $398,560 cash prize in the $5,000 Omaha Hi/Lo heads-up against Phil Ivey, the iconic ten-bracelet winner.
2010 Sam Farha made another memorable appearance at the 41st WSOP in Las Vegas. He competed with James Dempsey at the $10,000 Omaha Hi/Lo 8—Championship final table, finishing first to win his third and last WSOP bracelet and a $488,241 prize.
According to his Hendon Mob profile, Farha has earned $2,933,898 from live tournaments. However, he has accumulated much more in cash games.
Beyond the Tables
Beyond playing games that are as fun as the Joker Poker Video Poker, Farha is also a writer. He co-authored “Farha on Omaha,” which provides a comprehensive guide to Omaha’s poker strategy.
The book provides insights into his approach to the game and offers tips and techniques used in the game in which Farha is considered one of the world’s foremost experts. You can use that along with our online casino guides to start honing your best skills at the felt tables.
Winning with Flair
Sam Farha’s journey from a young refugee to a world-renowned poker icon is a testament to his calm demeanor, strategic brilliance, and unwavering commitment to poker. Farha has left an indelible mark on the game, inspiring countless players to take up the challenge of Omaha.
If you are ready to learn and master your poker games, visit Vegas Aces Casino to play online poker real money games or practice with the demo version of our games, so you can play without risking your bankroll.
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