World Poker Tour

Joe Awada

Birthplace
Beirut, Lebanon

Hometown
Las Vegas, NV

Birthday
March 12

Total Winnings
$167,890

In a country where parents begin directing their child's future before their first breath, it's hard to find a good Renaissance man these days. That's what makes poker player Joe Awada such an interesting guy. Before you scoff, consider his qualifications. Lets start with poker.

In the past few years Joe has placed in the money at several large tournaments and won a WSOP bracelet in No Limit Hold 'em. He has made numerous final tables including the WPT event at the Bicycle Casino in 2004, and is respected by the Vegas and poker community players at large as being one of the best in the game. On to his other talents. Born in Lebanon, Joe came to America in his early teens and ended up as a juggler in a traveling circus act. His juggling abilities took him to Las Vegas and eventually on tour with the Harlem Globetrotters. After a car accident, his juggling days were ended pre-maturely, but his future had just begun. A friend suggested that he try being a card dealer. "It's all wrist," Awada said. Twirling those cards, dealing, pitching those cards. Its all with your hands, you know. This exposed Joe to the intricacies of the gaming world as well.

Since then, Joe has started his own business, creating games for casinos, and plays tournament poker. At age 46, the father of six has found a new act for his Renaissance Man repertoire. It's called No Limit Texas Hold 'em. "No-limit, there's so much excitement in it," Awada said. "An hour of doing nothing and two minutes of terror."