Adam Hourani
Online pot-limit Omaha specialist - aka The_Houdini
Birth date: 10/19/1981 Birthplace: Lansing, Michigan
Resides in: Lansing, Michigan
Adam Hourani, a Michigan State University alumni majoring in general business administration is a four-year letter winner. The men's tennis team co-captain earned all-area recognition in 1997, '98, and '99. His biggest tennis influence was Boris Becker.
The “L-Town” native appeared on the live poker scene in 2005 when he entered a field of 1,072 players at the World Series of Poker $2,000 no-limit hold'em event and placed an impressive 73rd. A year later he won the no-limit hold'em $1,000 Bellagio Cup II. But it was his runner-up finish at the 2008 WSOP against another popular online opponent that gave him his claim to fame as a formidable pot-limit Omaha contender.
A wild mix of styles and personalities characterized Event No. 28, the $5,000 pot-limit Omaha with re-buys event. In a field of 152 players, many of whom came with deep pockets, the final table featured poker icons Johnny Chan, John Juanda, Phil Hellmuth, Daniel Negreanu, and David Benyamine. Ironically, two online poker stars were the ones who’d go heads up for the title and bracelet. The grueling match between Hourani and Galfond lasted three and a half hours.
The marathon run ended with the crowd on their feet in anticipation of a winner. Galfond was in bad shape with Ah 7h 6c 5c against a board showing Ad Qs 8c. Hourani raised with As Kd Js 10c. But the turn gave Galfond a 6h for two pair and the lead. Hourani's hand didn't improve on the river, and the tournament was finally over. But Hourani earned nearly a half-million dollars and left an indelible mark on the industry - making the successful transition from "big online winner" to "live tournament poker player."
When asked why he chose to become a member of Team Victory, Hourani replied, “It’s because of the people. I have great respect for all of the sponsored pros as well as for Victory CEO Dan Fleyshman. If I didn't have 100% confidence in them then I wouldn't have considered it. I'm really looking forward to being a part of this.”
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