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In continuation with PokerStars.com Team Australia, I had the chance to sit down with Tony Hachem to see what he's been up to since his brother's WSOP win in 2005. Catch this big online player at PokerStars.com under the screen name "Tony Hachem". Tony Hachem is the brother of 2005 WSOP Champion Joe Hachem.
JENNY: Seeing your brother win the WSOP Main Event in 2005 must have been a great thing to be a part of. Was that the moment you began to take poker seriously and look at it as a career?
TONY: I was playing poker way before Joe won the main event. However I definitely took it much more seriously after he won, as did most Australians. I guess you can say that moment was the turning point of my poker career.
JENNY: There's sibling rivalry in most families. What did you and your brother compete for when you were younger - if any? And is there sibling rivalry present in poker?
TONY: My relationship with Joe wasn't the typical standard brotherly relationship like in most families. Because of the large age difference he was more like a father. I've idealized Joe since I could remember. So to answer the question, no there was no rivalry.
JENNY: What's your most memorable poker moment to date?
TONY: Winning the ANZPT player of the year in 2009 was very special. It's not easy being the brother of a World Champ & in my case I have had to handle all type of poker criticism over the years, therefore this achievement reassured my place in poker.
JENNY: Did you play at the WSOP this year? If so, what event did you play in?
TONY: Yes, I played in the main event.
JENNY: What are your thoughts on Phil Ivey's ability to win the WSOP Main Event this year?
TONY: His ability cannot be questioned as a professional poker player period. However to win a WSOP title isn't based on his ability alone. He also needs the cards to fall his way & not to get unlucky.
JENNY: How often are you playing online at PokerStars.com?
TONY: I average approximately 20 hours a week.
JENNY: Would you say that you play more in live tourneys versus online?
TONY: Prior years, I would have played a lot more live tournaments but these days I play a lot of online.
JENNY: Are you a big cash game player or do you stick to tournament games?
TONY: I used to be a big cash game player for many years but now I focus my energy on playing tournament poker.
JENNY: What's next for you?
TONY: APPT Cebu is my next destination then APPT Sydney in December. Wish me well.
JENNY: What key advice can you give someone who's just getting their start in poker?
TONY: My key advice is to learn the game first, read books and watch professional poker players on TV before hitting the green felt.
Jenny Woo, Gambling911.com Senior International Correspondent
