An Orbit with 2005 World Series of Poker Champ & Crown Ambassador Joe Hachem

Chad Holloway

Level 4 : 150/300, 25 ante

When it comes to poker, no one is bigger in Australia than Joe Hachem. His victory in the 2005 World Series of Poker Main Event helped spark a poker boom in his home country, and ever since then he's been a local celebrity. As one of the most recognizable faces in poker, Hachem serves as an ambassador for the Crown Casino here in Melbourne.

Hachem, who gave the traditional "shuffle up and deal" yesterday to kick off Day 1a, waited until today to play. We recently spent an orbit observing the Aussie, who was sitting with 37,500 when action began.

Hand #1 (Small Blind): Action folded to Hachem in the small blind and he raised to 850, which inspired the big blind to fold.

Hand #2 (Button): A player in middle position raised to 800 and Hachem folded.

Hand #3 (Cutoff): Action folded to Hachem in the cutoff and he raised to 700. Brian Roberts responded with a three-bet to 2,600 from the small blind, the player in the big folded, and Hachem gave it up.

Hand #4 (Late Position): The under-the-gun player raised and Hachem folded.

Hand #5 (Middle Position): The under-the-gun player raised to 1,050 and Hachem folded.

Hand #6 (Middle Position): Hachem opened for 725 and Jason Pritchard called from the button. The big blind came along and three players saw a flop of , which they all checked. When the appeared on the turn, the big blind checked, Hachem bet 1,000, and Pritchard raised to 2,475. The big blind folded and Hachem, who had the bigger stack, moved all in.