Author: Earl burton
By the early morning of July 17th, the final table of the 36th World Series of Poker was almost 15 hours long. 5,619 players kicked off the tournament, which eventually boiled down to a bout between American Steven Dannenmann and Australian Joseph Hachem. Hachem must have hoped to lure Dannenmann into a trap when he flopped a straight with 7-3. But when Dannenmann hit an ace on the turn and made top pair and an unfinished straight with A-3, the trap fell through. But a blank came on the river, and Hachem became only the fifth non-American to win the World Championship.
What happened after that morning Las Vegas echoed extremely exciting for Joe Hachem shouts: “Ozzy! Ozzy! Ozzy! " This year's World Series was his first trip to the Mecca of poker, but rest assured he'll be back! Joe continues to fight in world poker tournaments, proudly and professionally bearing the title of World Champion. He is also very clear about his place in the modern poker world, and at the same time is very attached to those around him, to his family.
Recently, just after the California State Poker Championships at the Los Angeles Commence Casino, I had a chance to speak on the phone with Joseph, who took part in the tournament. I spoke with a man who is proud of his achievement, but who understands perfectly what it means to be a reigning Champion. He takes this title very seriously.
Hello Joseph, and congratulations on winning the Most Important Event in the poker world. Several months have passed since then, and how do you feel now being the World Champion?
Thank you very much! I can only say that it is still an absolutely incredible feeling. I was completely unknown to anyone in the poker world, and now I am at the very top of it. It's very difficult not to fly into the clouds after all this. But every day I get used to my title more and more. However, it will take some time before I fully understand what it means to be a Champion.
The championship lasted a very long time. And what was the most difficult thing on the way to victory?
Restrain yourself while playing. Usually I play very aggressively and keeping myself in control and refraining from taking risks at inopportune moments throughout the tournament was the key to success. Instead of giving in to excitement, I took my time and passed. I was actively involved in trading only when I was confident enough that I was leading, and this tactic undoubtedly paid off.
One thing I noticed during the final table was that it was very difficult to determine which style you were playing. How can you describe your style yourself?
Well, I'm a very aggressive player. Over the years of playing, I have managed to change my style, "change gear", so to speak. And this determined that I began to play better.
You have arrived at the final table with half your chips. Have you changed your tactics in this regard?
Of course. I was aggressive throughout the tournament. And once at the final table, I intended to continue in the same spirit. But when I found that I had few chips left, I adjusted my game a lot and started playing a little more conservatively. Having restored the stock of chips, he returned to the original style.
I read that you started playing online games before the tournament. How much did this help in preparing for the championship?
Very much! It was very, very important to me because I was able to play so many hands. In a short period of time on the Internet, you can play as many hands as it will take weeks to play them in a casino. I also played with a small number of players online, which helped me a lot when it came to this situation at the final table.
Where did you play on the internet?
Based on Poker Stars.
What aspects of the poker game did you want to improve in order to perform in great shape in the championship?
Oh yes, that's a good question. I've always thought that we need to work on improving every aspect of the game. But I think it was restraint. Over-aggressiveness can easily kill you. And I knew that this was exactly what I needed to work on.
I also wanted to ask you about the Australian poker arena. What condition is she in now?
We are now on the crest of a big wave. Poker has always been popular in Australia, and now its popularity will grow even more due to the fact that there is a World Champion there.
Yes, this is a big break! What about you, have you received any business offers after winning?
Yes, recently I was offered to participate in the tournament to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina, which, besides me, will be attended by such celebrities as Dennis Hopper, for example. And that attracts me. Such proposals are normal, but I am in no hurry to make decisions. I just want to make the right choice and play the game with dignity, and look back five years from now and rightfully say that I was really good.
Do you plan to play anywhere else: America, Europe, Australia?
Of course. First, because I can. Secondly, I am sure that the World Champion should play more with people. I often repeat that if I played all the time with worthy opponents here in the USA, then my game would be much better. It is definitely very important for a World Champion to be a playing World Champion.
Would you like to see competitions around the world in order to understand which country has the best players?
It would be a completely different game. Of course, some countries (especially the US) have better players than others. But that would be very interesting.
I also read that family is very important to you. Does your family help you to get distracted after playing stress?
Family is the most important thing in my life. Without my wife, my children, my brother and other relatives, everything else, including money and the title of Champion, will not be worth a penny to me. Even when I am far away from them, I always want my family to know that they are the greatest value in my life. This is probably why I mention them so often.
What else distracts you from poker?
I often go to the gym, sometimes I meet my poker friends, and we just have a drink without thinking about the game. Football is also a great outlet.
I've always found it interesting. I am a fan of Australian football and I am wondering how you perceive American football?
(laughs) To be honest, I don't perceive him in any way. Australian football is a much more mobile game, there is movement all the time, very interesting.
I see. We have it like this: ran - rested, ran - rested ...
Exactly! Australian football is much more exciting and exhausting.
What are your immediate plans?
I'm thinking about moving to America, maybe Las Vegas. After I won the Championship, I really missed Australia. And I was terribly happy to return home after the World Series, but after a couple of weeks I already wanted to go back to the USA. And therefore…
As for poker, I'm going to keep playing. I recently played at WPT in Bogota and California. I was thinking about playing next month at Bellagio, but I have agreements in Australia, with a TV tournament, and besides, I want to see my family, so I don't get to this event. The World Series Tournament of Champions and the Foxwoods tournament will take place in November, and I plan to take part in them. I also plan to participate in The Monte Carlo Millions. And I have to be in Bellagio for the next tournament in December.
Finally, Joseph, how do you see your place in the poker world?
This is a strong question. As World Champion, I am a sports ambassador. I want to present him with dignity and show that this is a community of fantastic people. Many people still think that our game is awash with swindlers and scammers. I find it important to show people that this game is not what it used to be for a long time, that it is not bad at all and that it is not bad at all to be a part of it.
Thank you for your attention and congratulations again!
No problem, please.
I would like to thank Joseph for his time with us. I would also like to acknowledge the Crown Casino in Melbourne, Australia and personally, Danny McDonagh, Tournament Manager, for his help in arranging this interview. Joseph created the impression of a calm, dignified person with an excellent vision of more than just the poker world. Even if we ourselves chose the World Champion, we would not have found a better candidate! I wish him that the Australian flag will rise above the final table more than once, as well as continued success.
English 
Russian