A stern faced Joe Hachem(credit:
runtcake)
Former chiropractor and 2005 Main Event champion Joe Hachem refused to back down, as he gave a frank assessment of the players involved in the WSOP Main Event tournament.
Hachem, who was eliminated today (Day 7), shared his thoughts on Day 6, in what initially seemed to be an innocuous interview. After briefly discussing his strategy for the remainder of the tournament, the Australian launched a foul-mouthed tirade.
After complementing the expansive structure: ‘I've never felt under pressure the whole tournament. Even at 50% of the average, you're not under pressure’, Hachem turned his attention to the new breed of ultra-aggressive players, labelling them ‘f****** idiots’, and stating, ‘You see people getting 450k into the middle with fresh air or second pair into a made hand. These guys can never win tournaments until they grow up and have a brain.’
So, just who is Hachem referring to? Most likely the influx of over-aggressive, internet players, who qualified via a cheap online satellite. Because of the monster tournament fields and rapid structures online, they have no real regard for chips in the live tournament, and are prepared to risk their tournament lives with marginal hands. Although reckless, they are harder to negate than loose, passive players because of the constant pressure they apply.
Hachem’s outburst has sparked debate across the 2+2 forums. The majority of poker enthusiasts view his comments as needless and actually detrimental to the chances of pros in big live tournaments. By criticising the aggressive internet players, Hachem is hoping to put off the very players who donate chips to the tighter, more conservative pros. The whole idea of ‘World Championship’ Main Event is that it attracts both pros and amateurs, and a blend of different playing styles.
The Australian’s diatribe will no doubt irk PokerStars, the online network giant he represents. You can check out the full interview with Joe Hachem here.