Joseph Hachem...Your Opinion New World Champion

[Rianna]

What's your opinion of our New WSOP World Champion?

Here's my take...

Like many of you that have the 'poker Passion' as I do and have, I listened all night, 13 hours I believe (while playing 6 games online) to the final table of this year's Main event. I thought it was often rivitting, had some fine drama and true excitement ( considering both the bracelet and millions of dollars involved ) and will never forget the experience...can't wait til next year.

I think Hachem played outstanding poker esp. at the last table. Often being near the bottom regarding stack size,( outchipped 9 to 1) what he accomplished IMO was truly impressive. IMO he _earned_ the title.

As Joe has said since, he felt the only true 'lucky moment' was his all in with Q7 against the 99 hand. He explained, justified this move to my satisfaction.

He appears to also be a Class player and Class person as well as being personable.

Joseph has said publicly he will make an effort to expand poker and continue to help make the game many of us love, acceptable to more of the masses. He said he will attempt to raise the level of class in the game.

At this point, I like him, and feel he was one of the top 3-4 players at the final table, appreciate the integrity in the way he handles himself and feel he will represent the world of poker as the WSOP Champion well. Bravo to Joe.

Any comments pro or con or opinions are gratefully welcome, thank you.

[judgesmails]

A very likable fellow and fine gentleman. Not as deep a thinker about the game as Raymer, so therefore - not as likely to be heard from again.

Raymer is an exceptional poker mind and will win other big events. Other recent champs like Chris M and Robert V are not quite on Raymer's level. Hachem may fit somewhere in between.

But who could possibly root against such fine gentleman. I hope all goes well for the new World Champ. May I add that I know next to nothing about anything.

Although I liked the format that ESPN used this year, showing the tourney from the first day, overall the final table wasn't very memorable in my opinion. 2004 was memorable and Raymer was exciting to watch. 2003 was exciting since Moneymaker was making unbelieveable moves.

[Hendricks433]

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It's not smart. I don't see how you can justify putting all your money in when you'll only be called if you're an underdog. Just because he won't be "crushed" doesn't make it any less of a bad play.

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This is not true. Hell only be called by hands that have him beat. But the % of the time he thinks Kanter will fold out weighs the times he calls with a monster and busts him. I play sng's and in tournament play you have to push CRAP to be a longterm winner. You cant say he didnt have reads. They have been playing poker for like a week and Im sure hes seen him play a little bit to know what type of player he is.

[Rianna]

Thank your varied posts, much appreciated.

Would hate to think Joseph is stiffing dealers, hate to see him labled that way if it's not true. And yes, to my knowledge they take out a certain % of the prize pools for tokes.

He explains in his interview (I think on this forum) about the Q7 and shutting Kanter down. He said it was going on consistantly( Kanter raising _him_ and he was going to put him to the test 'the next time he did it', or words to that effect). Maybe someone can help me with his quote, sorry I don't have the link ( he also explains the JJ vs 77 hand). I'm quite sure he didn't expect to be called...the play can look good (as a 'play') or as pointed out above, make him look like a fool and cost him the tournament. Kanter this time woke up with a hand, I believe Hachem was @ a 2-1 dog with the tourney on the line. It probably shocked him when he got called. Yes, he got very lucky.

I would not have made the play ( rather wait for an ace or pair or two paint).

Other than that, I felt Joe played a very good final table( 13 hours of it ) considering it was for the World Championship and the serious money involved. He was badly short stacked and made an excellent comeback IMHO. Give him Andrew's chip lead, I don't see how he looses it (the championship). And I have all the respect for Andrew (just call with the TT hand and (maybe) go all in on the flop. Don't call with the KJ) Easy to say sitting here at home. To go from big chip leader to 4th was a shame.

Regarding my comment about his (Hachem's) "Class"...yes, you can be a Class person and not so at the table. The "Shiek 'may' fall into this catagory. I was impressed with Hachem's integrity at the table...when he said to Dannemen 'shhhh' ( final hand ), I got the feeling he felt he induced a call and felt bad about it. I'm sure they were both emotionally exhausted again, considering all that was at stake.

I feel Hachem will be a fine ambassador for poker, time will tell. At the same time, I feel it was great to see Danneman finish in second...a very nice guy coming from basically a 'home game'. Seems like a great guy and should inspire more like him to play.

As far as Fosselman goes, IMHO it was THE accomplishment of the Main Even (or one of the big ones). His finish along with the win last year was nothing but staggering in my view. I would have dumped the kings on the turn when the st8 card fell (what can I beat and this IS for the tournament) but Greg is my new tournament Super hero. WHAT a great accomplishment. Get away from the king king hand Greg outplays people to the final table. Awesome.

I would love to see Greg review Hachem's play at the final table but that probably won't happen. ( not just the hands ESPN have shown).

Thanks again for your input.

[Aceshigh7]

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A very likable fellow and fine gentleman. Not as deep a thinker about the game as Raymer, so therefore - not as likely to be heard from again.

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Umm, how would you know?

[Leaky Eye]

I don't care much for his facial hair thingy he has going. I also would rather have a Japanese or Spanish speaker win if a foreigner is going to win, but having a foreigner win is all good in any case.

[MeanGreenTT]

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I don't care much for his facial hair thingy he has going.

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LMFAO

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I also would rather have a Japanese or Spanish speaker win if a foreigner is going to win, but having a foreigner win is all good in any case.

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You have a predjudice agains Lebanese-speaking people?

[utmt40]

I didnt really see him do much out of line from what they showed on TV. I think he will be a good champ.