Freddy Deeb
Kassem (Freddy) Deeb was born in Beirut, Lebanon in 1955. In the early 70s, he traveled to the United States to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering at Utah State University. However, when the civil war broke out in his homeland in 1975, he found himself stranded in the USA without any financial support. Despite being forced to leave college, he was unable to obtain a work visa. Consequently, Freddy is said to have resorted to visiting local casinos in an attempt to win the much-needed funds.
He quickly developed an affinity for the poker tables, and before long, his fortunes began to rise as he ventured into high-stakes games. Growing up in a society that shunned gambling, which he experienced in Lebanon, he kept his poker pursuits clandestine, assuming the facade of a real estate investor.
| Land | Professional since | Favorite games | Bracelets | Highest profit | total profits | 2023's All Time Money List | Global Poker Index (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lebanon | 1990 | Texas Hold'em | 2 | 2.276.832 $ | 8.578.257 $ | 75 | - |
| Hometown: | The Vegas, Nevada |
| Interesting facts: | Deeb started playing poker as a Lebanese student at Utah State University because he couldn't get a work visa. He is famous for his extravagant shirts. |
| Key moments in poker: | In June 2007, he emerged as the victor of the $50,000 H.O.R.S.E Event, pocketing a total of $2,276,832 in winnings. |
| Number of WSOP bracelets: | 2 |
| WPT/EPT Winnings: | 2 |
| Total tournament winnings: | $ 8.578.258 |
Career, titles, and profits
In 1989, Deeb embarked on his journey into the world of tournament poker. It was during his inaugural game, a Seven Card Stud Event in Los Angeles, where he emerged victorious and pocketed a remarkable sum of over $36,000. The following year, in 1990, he achieved another notable feat by securing the second position in the WSP $2,500 No-Limit Hold'em Event, bagging an impressive $130,000 in winnings.
In 1996, Freddy emerged victorious by securing his first WSOP Bracelet. Fast forward to 2007, he clinched his second Bracelet at the $50,000 H.O.R.S.E Event during the WSOP, pocketing a cool $2,200,000 in prize money. It was only after winning his second Bracelet that he truly understood the significance of this prestigious honor. The H.O.R.S.E tournaments at the WSOP are renowned for being the most challenging in the realm of poker, as they encompass five different variations of the game. Deeb showcased his exceptional skills by playing an astonishing 14 ½ hours at the final table, culminating in a staggering win of $2,276,832 at the end of this grueling day.
Criticism and scandals
Deeb's journey in the world of poker has been met with controversy. In 2008, Deeb found himself embroiled in the Ultimatebet betting scandal (cue the mention of Super User). However, thanks to the valiant defense by esteemed poker player Barry Goldstein, Freddy emerged from the scandal unscathed. His reputation remained intact, owing to Goldstein's unwavering support and skillful advocacy.
Freddy Deeb, a prominent figure in the world of gambling, is renowned for his eccentric taste in shirts. He possesses a collection of exquisitely vibrant pieces that he believes to be his lucky charm shirts. His penchant for bold and vivid colors sets him apart in the realm of fashion, making him a truly distinctive personality among his peers.
Freddy, a carefree and worry-free individual, is known for his vibrant vocabulary when things don't go as planned at the poker table. There is a video on YouTube that captures a moment of rage from Freddy during the WSOP H.O.R.S.E 2009, where he unleashes a tirade of the well-known four-letter word upon his opponent. Thankfully, such outbursts are not a common occurrence, as Freddy typically maintains a jovial and carefree demeanor.
He resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, along with his wife and four children.
