2005 WSOP

Modest homecoming for poker champ

Family and friends have given new world champion poker player Joe Hachem a rousing welcome at Melbourne Airport.

Mr. Hachem, who used to be a chiropractor, says he flew economy class from the United States, despite winning $10 million at the tournament in Las Vegas earlier this month.

"I had an entourage of about 10 or 12 people and I may have a lot of money at the moment, but I'm not going to throw it away for the sake of throwing it away and I'd rather stay with my family and friends than be a hot-shot and be in first-class," he said.

Mr. Hachem took the title after a 14-hour final round.

He says he is now seeking professional advice on whether he will have to pay tax on his prize money.

"It's out of my my hands really, it's between [Australian Taxation Commission Michael] Mr Carmody and my accountant, and they can work it out together," he said.

"The initial advice is that if the tax man wants to look at it then they'll deal with it on an individual basis.

"I'm not really sure that it's not - I play poker and raise a family, and do a bit of finance on the side."

More than 5,600 players signed up for the legendary $10,000 buy-in World Series Poker main event, which began on July 7.

It was Mr. Hachem's first ever event.

A dedicated poker player, he chose to wait until his children were older before making the journey to Las Vegas to participate in the world series.
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