Kassem "Freddy" Deeb is a Lebanese-born professional poker player who is one of the most recognizable figures from poker's boom era. Known for his colorful personality, trademark patterned shirts, and fearless table presence, Deeb has enjoyed a tournament career spanning more than three decades.
Originally from Beirut, Lebanon, Deeb moved to the United States to study mechanical engineering at Utah State University. When the Lebanese Civil War interrupted financial support from his family, he turned to poker as a way to make ends meet. What began as a necessity quickly evolved into a lifelong profession.
Deeb captured his first World Series of Poker bracelet in 1996 by winning the $5,000 No-Limit 2-7 Draw event. More than a decade later, he cemented his legacy with one of the most prestigious victories in poker, winning the 2007 $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. World Championship for $2,276,832 after an impressive comeback from a short stack during five-handed play. He later described the victory as the bracelet that meant the most because of the strength of the field.
Away from the WSOP, Deeb has also found success on the World Poker Tour. His biggest WPT triumph came in 2005 when he won the Ultimate Poker Classic championship for $1 million, adding another marquee title to an already distinguished résumé.
Throughout the poker boom, Deeb became a familiar face on televised poker, appearing on shows including High Stakes Poker, Poker Superstars Invitational, and numerous major tournament broadcasts. His outgoing personality, table talk, and willingness to battle the game's biggest names made him a fan favorite.
Over the course of his career, Deeb has amassed more than $9.2 million in recorded live tournament earnings, highlighted by two WSOP bracelets, two World Poker Tour titles, multiple deep Main Event runs, and dozens of major final tables across mixed games and No-Limit Hold'em alike.
Freddy Deeb Top 5 Cashes
| Date | Event | Place | Payout (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun-07 | $50,000 WSOP World Championship H.O.R.S.E. | 1 | $2,276,832 |
| Sep-05 | $15,000 WPT Ultimate Poker Classic Championship | 1 | $1,000,000 |
| May-06 | $25,000 Mirage Poker Showdown Championship | 2 | $864,610 |
| Dec-06 | $15,000 Doyle Brunson Five Diamond World Poker Classic | 3 | $587,175 |
| Jun-04 | $10,000 WSOP No-Limit Hold'em Championship | 3 | $405,145 |