Hachem, First poker player to sign with a major management group.

[amulet]

for about a year the major agencies, managers, and entertainment.lawyers, have not really been interested in signing poker players. several new television shows centered on poker have not made it on to the air. the speakers divisions of agencies are finding limited ability from most players to live up to what is expected when they are booked. the motion picture divisions have zero interest in these guys. most are getting turned down for representation. hechen "made the rounds" before he was eventually picked up - there was not a lot of interest. people here don't really know what to do with these guys. phil gordon is an exception. the tv dept of caa likes him, and he is very in demand as a speaker (mostly corporations). he comes across affable and knowledge, with a sense of humor. within the motion picture business several pictures centered in the world of poker are in development at the major studios, but only one really seems to have any heat on it. it is a comedy, and i think it will get made.

[StevieG]

[ QUOTE ]
[Phil Gordon] comes across affable and knowledge, with a sense of humor.

[/ QUOTE ]

Being tall and having good looks cannot hurt, either.

How huge is Hachem in Australia?

With the combination of a large population that produces many competitive players on the world stage and a focus on internal competition, the U.S. does not value international winners like other countries do.

I was in the Netherlands when Raymond van Barneveld won the World Darts championship. "Barney" became an overnight celebrity, doing endorsements, TV circuit, competition judging, etc.