Where Is Sammy Farha Now? The Poker Icon’s Journey
Sammy Farha is a name synonymous with the early 2000s poker boom, largely thanks to his distinctive personality and unforgettable presence at the tables. Though not at the top of the all-time earnings list, Farha remains an emblematic figure from the golden era of televised poker—one whose legend endures even after years away from the limelight.
The Emergence of a Poker Personality
Quick-witted and always seen with a signature unlit cigarette, Farha earned fans around the world for both his style and his sharp play. His journey to international recognition began in 2003, when he clashed with Chris Moneymaker in a World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event final that would help trigger a global poker explosion.
The 2003 Main Event was more than just a tournament: it was a turning point. Farha, an experienced pro accustomed to high-stakes pressure, faced off against Moneymaker, an unknown amateur. Their heads-up battle would become legendary, epitomized as a real-life David versus Goliath matchup.
Following that iconic moment, the popularity of poker soared. Farha took his place on televised poker shows like High Stakes Poker, joining the ranks of elite players and becoming a regular presence in the new era of the game.
From Lebanon to Las Vegas: The Early Life of Sam Farha
Ihsan “Sam” Farha was born in Lebanon in 1959. At the age of 16, he and his family moved to the United States to escape the Lebanese Civil War. After settling in the US, Farha attended the University of Kansas, earning a degree in business administration. His competitive spirit shone early; he played pool for profit during his college years and, interestingly, reportedly won $5,000 playing Pac-Man.
Farha’s introduction to poker happened after relocating to Houston, Texas, in the 1980s. Searching for new challenges, he discovered the potential to make a living at the game—and soon set his sights on Las Vegas.
With few learning resources available at the time, Farha relied on natural talent and determination to master poker. He gravitated primarily toward cash games, racking up over $2.8 million in live tournament winnings, but most of his success came from high-stakes side games.
WSOP Success and Omaha Mastery
Farha built an impressive poker resume, including three coveted WSOP bracelets:
– 1996: First WSOP bracelet (Omaha event)
– 2006: Second WSOP bracelet (Omaha event)
– 2010: Third WSOP bracelet (Omaha event)
All of his bracelets were won in Omaha, a variant Farha both excelled at and passionately preferred over Texas Hold’em. Despite focusing largely on cash games, his tournament record—especially his 2003 WSOP Main Event run—made him a household name in the poker world.
Playing a pivotal role in one of poker’s most influential heads-up matches cemented his place in the game’s narrative. That showdown against Moneymaker set the stage for an unprecedented surge in poker’s popularity.
The Showdown: 2003 WSOP Main Event
Few moments in poker history are as storied as the 2003 WSOP Main Event finale. Chris Moneymaker, an amateur who qualified via a small-buy-in online satellite, battled through a diverse field to ultimately square off against Farha for the $2.5 million grand prize.
The heads-up was intense, with both players trading the upper hand. One critical hand—a massive bluff by Moneymaker—shifted the momentum. Farha deliberated for over 20 minutes before folding the best hand. This pivotal decision set up Moneymaker’s historic win, which helped ignite the global “poker boom.”
For his second-place finish, Farha won $1.3 million—the largest payday of his career. Despite coming so close to poker’s most coveted title, Farha said in later interviews that he rarely dwells on the outcome, considering it just another memory in a long poker journey.
The notoriety he gained following that match earned him celebrity status in poker circles and made him a sought-after guest for major televised cash games and tournaments.
Spotlight on High Stakes Poker
Farha became a fan favorite on High Stakes Poker, famed for his slick attire and ever-present cigarette. Audiences delighted in his table talk and friendly banter, watching him compete against iconic players such as Doyle Brunson, Eli Elezra, Phil Ivey, Jamie Gold, and Tom Dwan.
Whether he won or lost, Farha’s comportment and charm made him a beloved figure among players and producers alike. While he was often up against higher-profile players in terms of recorded winnings, Farha’s skills and attitude ensured he always belonged in the highest echelons of the game.
Having started his poker career long before the game’s televised era, Farha represented the “old school” of poker—valuing table etiquette and fair play, and discouraging any form of unsportsmanlike behavior.
Beyond the Felt: Author and Actor
Apart from his accomplishments at the tables, Farha has contributed to the poker community as an author. In 2007, he released “Farha on Omaha: Expert Strategy for Beating Cash Games and Tournaments.” This book, tailored for Omaha beginners and enthusiasts, offers Farha’s approach to the game along with entertaining tales from his adventures.
His influence also reached the silver screen with a cameo in the poker film “Lucky You.” Though the movie saw modest success, Farha’s brief appearance was considered one of its highlights.
Throughout his career, Farha managed to avoid controversies and scandals, maintaining a reputation for integrity in a scene not always known for it.
Sammy Farha in Recent Years: Life Away from the Spotlight
As the poker boom slowed and televised games became less frequent, Farha’s public appearances dwindled. According to records, his last tournament cash occurred in 2014, and in the years leading up to that, he participated in only a handful of events.
Farha has always valued his privacy, preferring to avoid media attention and celebrity status. In a 2017 PokerNews interview, he shared that he now spends most of his time in Houston and continues to play poker—mostly small stakes, and primarily for enjoyment rather than profit.
He explained that high-stakes games brought too much drama, and after 15 years at the top, he simply grew tired of the constant grind and controversies.
Farha is candid about his preferences, admitting he finds No Limit Hold’em less stimulating than Omaha and that his primary motivation for playing is fun, not fame or fortune.
While the days of seeing Sammy Farha on televised poker broadcasts may be behind us, his impact on the game is lasting. Whether he chooses to reappear in the public eye remains uncertain, but poker fans continue to hope for another glimpse of this true old-school legend.
More Stories of Poker Legends
Browse more fascinating tales in the world of poker pros:
– What Ever Happened To Peter Eastgate?
– What Ever Happened To Annie Duke?
Lead image: Wikimedia Commons
