Joe Sebok

Joe Sebok is an American professional poker player from San Francisco, California, with over $1.8 million in live tournament earnings. His best live cash of $267,295 came when he won at the Festa Al Lago V in October 2006.

He also signed a sponsorship deal with Ultimate Bet in September 2009.

Joe Sebok: Early Life

Born on March 25, 1977, Joe pursued a BA in psychology with a minor in Native American studies at the University of California, Berkeley. After graduating, he explored various career paths, including working as a returns manager and in operations analysis. In June 2005, Joe made his first splash in the poker world at the 36th WSOP, finishing in 8th place. This impressive debut quickly established his reputation in the poker community.

As he built his poker career, Joe co-founded PokerRoad, a multimedia poker site, in July 2008 with his stepfather, Barry Greenstein. He also made his mark as a host, first on PokerWire Radio alongside Gavin Smith and Joe Stapleton, and later on The Circuit, a podcast produced by Card Player.

After years in the poker spotlight, he transitioned into a new role and has been serving as the Head of Recruiting at GMA Consulting since 2023.

Joe’s Journey on Ultimate Bet

After joining UB in 2009 to help rebuild its reputation after the superuser scandal, Joe became one of the site’s most visible faces, working to restore trust with the poker community. However, after Black Friday in April 2011, UB’s parent company, Blanca Games, faced financial and legal troubles, leading to Joe and the other sponsored pros being let go. He publicly apologized for not fully understanding the issues at UB, including payment problems and ownership, but he didn’t regret his efforts. After leaving UB, he stepped away from poker and focused on other ventures.

Joe Sebok: Live Tournament Participation

Joe Sebok’s first recorded live cash occurred in June 2005 at the 36th WSOP in Las Vegas. He finished in 8th place in a $5,000 Pot Limit Hold’em, cashing $33,700.

Then, on May 11, 2006, Joe entered in a $1,500 + 70 No Limit Hold’em at the Mirage Poker Showdown in Las Vegas. He finished in 1st place and won $150,165.

Just a few days later, on May 21, 2006, Joe played in the $2,425 + 155 No Limit Hold’em Championship at Heavenly Hold’em in Los Angeles. He clinched another victory, winning a prize of $209,060.

In October 2006, Joe participated in a $5,000 + 180 No Limit Hold’em at the Festa Al Lago V in Las Vegas. He finished in 1st place, winning his best live cash of $267,295.

In the following year, Joe joined in a $9,600 + 400 No Limit Hold’em Championship at the WPT Bay 101 Shooting Star. He finished in 7th place, pocketing $130,000.

Later that year, in August, Joe was eliminated in 7th place at the Legends of Poker in a $9,500 + 200 No Limit Hold’em Championship, taking home $114,310.

In November 2011, Joe competed in a $1,500 + 150 No Limit Hold’em at the HPT Mount Pleasant Championship Open. He ended up in 16th place, earning $5,313.