Tony Hachem’s company, Hachem Management Group, becomes major shareholder of the Australian Poker Tour
Melbourne businessman Tony Hachem says a chat with Shane Warne was enough motivation to pursue a multimillion dollar poker deal.
Confidential
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Melbourne businessman Tony Hachem intends to elevate the status of poker as a sport in Australia after securing a lucrative multimillion dollar deal to become the major shareholder of the Australian Poker Tour (APT) through his company, Hachem Management Group.
Hachem’s motivation for embarking on the venture stems from his friend, the late cricket legend Shane Warne.
“It was Warnie who first planted the idea of this poker venture in my mind,’’ Hachem said.
“During an APT circuit event in Brisbane back in January 2022, he turned to me in front of his son, Jackson, and said, ‘Hash, we should buy this’.
“Although I wasn’t immediately prepared, it was a cause close to his heart, and we are determined to pay tribute to his legacy by organising an event in his honour.”
Hachem also shared that Warne’s son Jackson had extended his congratulations on the acquisition of APT and expressed gratitude for naming an event after his father.
One of Hachem’s primary objectives is to challenge the perception of tournament poker as mere gambling and extricate it from the confines of casinos. He also wants to see the sport televised and develop strong media and venue partnerships.
Drawing from his experience as a former Australian Pokerstars Team Pro and the back-to-back ANZPT Player of the Year in 2010-2011, he recognises poker as a legitimate sport.
“My aim is to collaborate with influential stakeholders and position tournament poker as a prestigious sport that showcases fierce competition and skill,” Hachem said.
He emphasised the need to increase prize pools, attract international players to Australia, and stimulate tourism and employment opportunities.
In addition to his role with APT, Hachem heads to China this week to explore further opportunities for the organisation.
His brother Joe, along with his sons Daniel and Anthony, will provide invaluable support.
Joe, having achieved remarkable success in the world of poker by winning the 2005 WSOP Main Event and the 2006 World Poker Tour – Five Diamond event, expressed great excitement and enthusiasm for Tony’s ambitions, knowing the dedication he has put into elevating tournament poker.
Apart from these ventures, Tony is renowned for his philanthropic contributions to the poker community, including successful fundraisers like “Poker with the Stars” and the “All in for Charity” Gala events.
Hachem shared his plans for a Celebrity Bounty games, Deepstack tournaments, Mixed games tournaments, and a new team based tournament series alongside each APT Season 7 series. The upcoming APT Season 6 Grand Final is scheduled to take place from October 22-29 in Sydney.
“We anticipate a number of thrilling events, offering a platform for all poker players to compete and showcase their skills,’’ Tony said.
“This is a tremendous moment for the national poker community, and we are excited to be a part of it.”
Details: australianpokertour.com.au
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