Sam Farha

Ihsan Farha, also known as “Sam,” is a Lebanese professional poker player born in Beirut, Lebanon, and currently living in Houston, Texas. He has appeared on High Stakes Poker, with over $2.9 million accumulated total live earnings and his highest single cash being $1,300,000. Farha holds three WSOP bracelets, which he won in 1996, 2006, and 2010.

Ihsan Farha: Early Life

Born on January 1, 1959, in Beirut, Lebanon, Sam Farha demonstrated skill in games such as Pac-Man, Pinball, and Pool, earning money from these activities. With gambling not a focus, he moved to the United States to study at the University of Kansas, where he earned a degree in Business Administration. After graduating, he settled in Houston, Texas, worked in various jobs, and later returned to poker.

Sam Farha’s Poker Journey on High Stakes Poker

Farha debuted in HSP Season 1 Episode 3 on January 30th, 2006. He participated in a $300/600 +$100 ANTE ($1.2K) No Limit Hold ’em game with Amir Nasseri, Daniel Negreanu, Doyle Brunson, and others. Farha ended the night down $51,800.

He returned to the tables on February 14th, 2006 in HSP Season 1 Episode 5. Ihsan played with Eli Elezra, Shawn Sheikhan, Barry Greenstein, and others in another $300/600 +$100 ANTE ($1.2K) No Limit Hold ’em game. He achieved his biggest win taking home $219,800.

In a subsequent appearance on November 25th, 2007, Barry experienced his biggest loss. He engaged in another $300/600 +$100 ANTE ($1.2K) No Limit Hold ’em game in HSP Season 4 Episode 14. Ihsan played together with Patrik Antonius, Antonio Esfandiari, David Benyamine, and others. He lost $232,050.

His most recent appearance was in HSP Season 4 Episode 17 on December 14th, 2007. Farha competed in a $300/600 +$100 ANTE ($1.2K) No Limit Hold ’em game with Guy Laliberte, and others. At the end of the game, he incurred a $132,200 loss.

Sam Farha: Live Tournament Participation

Farha first appeared in a recorded live tournament in May 1996. He finished 1st place in a $2,500 Omaha Pot Limit event at the 27th World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. He won $145,000 and received his first WSOP bracelet.

Sam obtained his highest cash in the $10,000 World Championship Event at the 34th WSOP in Las Vegas in May 2003. He collected $1,300,000 finishing 2nd place losing out to Chris Moneymaker.

In July 2006, Sam secured his second bracelet in the $5,000 Omaha Hi/Lo event at the 37th WSOP in Las Vegas. Fatha cashed for $398,560.

Continuing his success, Farha secured another 1st at the 41st WSOP in Las Vegas in June 2010. He played in a $10,000 Omaha Hi/Lo 8 – Championship event. Winning $488,241 together with his third WSOP bracelet.

Conclusion

Ihsan Farha is a Lebanese poker player based in Houston, Texas. With over $2.9 million in total live earnings and a highest single cash of $1,300,000, he has won three WSOP bracelets in 1996, 2006, and 2010. Farha has also appeared on High Stakes Poker. His career reflects a blend of youthful gaming talent and academic background that complemented his poker career, marked by significant successes and substantial earnings