GALFOND 04 | The Next Challenge

In the final episode of the Galfond documentary series, Phil and Farah reflect on the next challenge they face together. Will Phil ever play again? Why did Farah start playing tournaments? These questions and more are answered today.
🎁 Phil's free e-book & weekly poker strategy: ➡️ galfond.link/s...
Through interviews with family, friends, and Phil himself, this poker documentary series provides clarity on a variety of questions, such as how Phil Galfond started playing poker professionally, the origin of the companies Run it Once Poker and Run it Once Training, where the Galfond Challenge came from as well as how it affected him personally, and even how Phil and Farah Galfond met.
In weekly episodes, people who know Phil personally like Andrew Robl, Jason Koon, Brian Rast, Matt Berkey, Nick Schulman, Maria Ho, Elliot Roe, Farah Galfond, David Tuchman, Joe Stapleton, Dan Quinn, Jason Senti, Joni Jouhkimainen, and Landon Tice share insights and highlights from their time spent with and around Phil through the years..
Whether it’s the reality of playing poker at the highest level against the best poker players in the world, operating a poker training / poker coaching site and an online poker site, or facing tough personal loss and finding the ability to triumph, this documentary aims to highlight the emotional roller coaster you may be faced within a non-traditional career path like playing professional poker.
In every poker related video on this channel, Phil Galfond is here to teach you how to think like a professional poker player.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a new or beginner poker player (or even a full time poker coach!)
Do you need the best Texas Hold ‘em poker strategy and top tier Pot Limit Omaha tips?
Do you have a high stakes poker story question that you’d like to hear from the POV of a poker professional who was THERE?
Leave a comment and your question might end up in the next one of Phil’s quick poker tips videos or inspiring one of his high stakes poker story clips!
Remember to Subscribe for more high stakes poker content and turn on notifications so you don't miss any Galfond Challenge content or other poker live streams!
Directed by: John Robinson Irwin
Produced by: Farah Galfond, Phil Galfond, John Robinson Irwin, Miikka Anttonen
Cinematography: Matti Harju, Gareth Taylor
Brand Design: Dan Deming-Henes
Creative Specialists: Quentin Cardinal-Juneau, Miikka Anttonen
***
Twitter: / philgalfond
Instagram: / phil.galfond
TikTok: / phil.galfond
3 Free training videos: galfond.link/F...

[@OGGTISM]

your son is going to be a legend at poker with you two as his parents!

[@falutzel7942]

Legend at Life

[@jasonefthim213]

Phil, you are one of the most genuine dudes I've had the privilege to watch. I use to watch you Play nose bleeds on full tilt in the early/mid 2000s and thought you were one of the best in the world. You're such a great, well rounded person, great dad, great husband. I'm proud to say I truly look up to you as a role model and I hope some day I can hire you as my poker and life coach.

[@TheSwede9]

This is so beautifully wholesome. I watched the entire thing with a smile on my face and simultaneously realized you're really living life to the fullest while I'm not. So happy for you both Phil and Farah, this is so inspiring

[@thru_and_thru]

Comparison is the thief of joy...but I do this too ; ) I'm sure you are doing a lot better than you give yourself credit for. I'm rooting for ya stranger.

[@garymckeon5410]

phil just seems like a really nice guy

[@mikemcgovern8990]

Didn't realise Farah was such an accomplished player in her own right. You guys seem to have a great balance between helping each other achieve your own respective poker goals. Great to see!

[@PhilGalfond]

She’s great! Thank you.

[@JimCpayIt4ward]

I haven’t been this moved by a story/series in a very long time. I’m a husband, a father, and have owned several businesses in my 55 years. I’ve always taken pride in the “people“ side of business and life. Treating people well and just trying to be a good human being, you think would be something everyone’s strives to do. But the world we live in today has just gotten uglier. To see a man such as yourself and the parental unit like yours and Farah’s, is refreshing. Admittedly, I’ve become more jaded over the years so seeing people and parents such as yourselves makes me realize there’s still plenty of hope for our kid’s futures. Phil, the role of a father is the most important one us men have in our lives. Your son is going to grow up always knowing the type of integrity his father has, and man, is that going to serve him well! You should feel tremendously proud of how you were brought up and in the job you were doing bringing up your own family. There is zero doubt your father is extremely proud of you. What you do for the poker world is dwarfed by the impact you have on your son and everyone you encounter throughout your lifetime. Thank you for the vulnerability and sharing all that you have shared with us. It doesn’t mean much when a stranger tells you they are proud of you lol. But I’m compelled to say it anyway. Wishing you and your family continued happiness and success.

[@1326948]

Thanks for the comment Jim, I was trying to find the words to describe the feelings and thoughts I was experiencing during this video and this one does sum it up nicely.

[@karenmcdonald6680]

This was the first KZbin video I watched today that I didn’t look at my phone once! Loved it!!!

[@scott5770]

I’m impressed with the whole family. Phil is about the only guy I would let teach me. I think it’s his sincerity that comes out when he speaks

[@lunchbox6576]

The kid is better at math than I am.

[@Lordgeb99]

Not alone my friend

[@TakePoker]

Another winner! Thanks for giving us this look into your life Phil. This is the docu-series we didn't know we needed! ❤

[@PhilGalfond]

You’re very welcome. Thank you for watching and enjoying it ♥️

[@evancramp6045]

This series is so amazing, so refreshing and honest. I’m loving it.

[@lukeforster7752]

Hands down best content you've made to date. Incredible story, thank you for sharing it. Ps: also loving the livestreams lately keep it up!

[@johnkelly4304]

Phil is like a racehorse. Quality always shows. Thank you for being a role model.

[@ArnoldMiller-ni7ti]

I have been a fan for years. I used to be a reader for a blind professional poker player named Hal Lubarsky. Thanks for letting us into your life.

[@dkizxpt-su3ze]

I loved seeing you and Hal in action!

[@swimazinguniversity5494]

What an inspiration! I am rooting big time for all three of you!

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you so much!

[@apollogreed6670]

Farrah is a tough player and legit hilarious. Enjoyed playing with for a limited time this summer

[@Farah_Galfond]

Thankyou 😊

[@popp434]

Great video Phil! ♣️ What a poker family! Definitely appreciate the well rounded highs, anxieties, and the actual struggles not just highlighting and clickbait.

[@thiagovinholo]

I press like before I watch it! Phill for President!

[@Eric-tj3tg]

2024 will right the variance-ship for Farrah. I have enjoyed all 4 of the episodes, and appreciate the look behind the man (and family). Outstanding!

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you for watching, and for the kind words. 🙂

[@JohnnyLuong-qd6kl]

This was my favorite episode! Would love to see more content like this

[@ekw555]

man, when I start watching the videos from this series, I just don't want them to end. not the individual videos, and not the series.

[@jiamonx2]

Great series once again Phil, it's nice to get a glimpse into your lives

[@jeremiahpierson6553]

"are you impressed?" hahahahah

[@BOnYTB]

Amazing stuff. After the first episode I immediately was anticipating every episode. We had a short exchange about E2 which really resonated with me and I related to on so many levels. I appreciate that you go out of your way to reply to so many comments, even though you can’t reply to them all and don’t have to reply to any. Also as I said in that comment, I’ve been around poker for almost as long as you, and while I’ve never had some one on one chat with you or anything, we have friends of friends of friends and I’ve had short exchanges whether online or briefly in group settings. I’ve played with you online maybe a handful of times. That was MANY years ago, but I always feared you at the tables while having a massive amount of respect for you as a person and player. I’ve always looked at you as one of the gold standards of how to carry yourself in the poker world, I’ve admired just how much respect you have and have had for SO long. It’s rare that you never hear literally anything but good things about someone from so many different kinds of people, as we know the poker world is made up of quite the mix of characters. Never have I heard about any negative stories. Usually even the most respected people, you hear second or third hand (or see firsthand) some kind of not so great thing. At LEAST a bad moment or two, treating someone poorly on a bad day or something. And while I’m not saying you’re some perfect person, we are human, and I don’t truly know you personally…but throughout all of the years it’s incredibly impressive to watch you from afar do awesome things and I’m glad you’ve started to share more as you make content. I was a kid when I first got in to the poker scene, and some people I looked up to treated me a certain way, or I had some negative interaction with for no real reason. I don’t hold any grudges, again it was so long ago, but it sticks out when I think of certain people like you and some others where I have zero things negative that come to mind. Even through “the grapevine” if you will. One of those people you may have known, THAY3R, Thayer Rasmussen. An incredible person and one of the OGs. RIP. I don’t want to end this on a somber note so I’ll say again how much I enjoyed this series, and look forward to content you put out in the future. Also as someone in a legal regulated state, I look forward to eventually play on BR. Right now I play on PS in the MI NJ pool, I hope the company you represent can come in and partner with an establishment that will allow for joining the MSIGA pool, and play with at least ppl from MI/MJ/DE. Then eventually places like WV, CT, who afaik have legalized online poker specifically, and have online CASINO gambling (seems like states that legalize both are more likely to do poker too, though I’m sure there are and will be exceptions) and either signed the agreement or are 100% willing to, but have no operators. Then PA is a massive one, I’ve read it’d increase the pool by up to 50%+. Even with falling poker revenue, they haven’t signed the MSIGA, and I truly don’t understand why. I’ve heard of some strong pushes from poker playing politicians there, and I see no reason why they wouldn’t join it sooner than later. I believe there might be a bill right now but I never get excited about anything like that until it’s actually signed by the governor. I hope in the next few years a realistic thing would be a pool of MI/NJ/DE/PA and at least one other state that isn’t in the MSIGA yet, (like CT or WV) on a couple sites, then WSOP with NV/MI/NJ and one or two other states. So a pool of say MI/NJ/PA/DE/CT on Stars and BR, and MI/NJ/NV/DE on WSOP. Something like that. PS with MI/NJ is pretty decent, so I can’t imagine how awesome it’d be even with just the additions of a big state like PA, and even 1-2 smaller ones. I’d expect traffic to nearly 3x. Sorry for a bit of a tangent there at the end. Best wishes Phil and Farah!

[@dkizxpt-su3ze]

Sorry, your comment was way too brief. Could you make it longer please? Thanks.

[@777Poker_]

Thank you for the wonderful short series and letting us outliers into your personal life. GL to you and your family for your next adventures

[@zach5304]

love this series. grew up watching you battle at high stakes online. ive found a new love for poker and love seeing the old school legends stories

[@carlosmedina6302]

Excellent series Phil. Amazing what you have achieved. Lovely family. Wish you the best in all of your projects.

[@jennifernewell2530]

This series has been such a roller coaster to watch - a good thing. And this episode was a joy because it shows what you're both up to now and focused more on Farah. You two are beautiful people.

[@rongroom70]

An awesome episode. Thank you for showing us your life and wonderful family. Keep crushing the tables Farah!

[@lancewilber5852]

You are a role model not only at the poker table, but in life as well. Thanks for doing what you do and being who you are. You will always be my favorite player ❤

[@GronkMexico]

Im in awe on how you handle things, but by far IMO that family and those core values are your greatest acomplishments, and like farah says as long as you stay together everything is going to be ok, o Wish i had more friends like you, not even a poker fan and this series and episodes are by far the best ive seen in a long time 🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@swardmusic]

These docos are really great Phil. Well done. Very insightful. We appreciate it!!

[@KateWillDo]

Thank you for this series. All the episodes were great, but this one touched me especially deeply since I can relate not only to Phil, by being into poker-adjacent things lately and kind of not playing poker, but also to Farah, by being a woman in poker and having the desire to see what Farah can do and accomplish. I've been burned out for a few years now, but seeing how Farah and Phil are not giving up on doing the things they love gives me hope and a surge of motivation. Thank you. 💞

[@PhilGalfond]

You’re very welcome! ♥️

[@blankoblanco]

I wish Phil Galfond was my dad. Your kid is already so smart, it's unreal!

[@daaaaaaaaniel]

Love this. Do this for every poker player and/or gambler. Someone should pick this up for streaming.

[@loriannpersinger7749]

My favorite episode so far. As someone who studied math in college the math quiz segment made me smile.😊

[@matryan3532]

Phil, this series was incredible. Thanks for all the hard work you put in to not only this series, but to all of us students. Your work ethic is unparalleled. I’ve been following you since the bluefire/OnTheTable days. Keep up the excellent work, love you 👊

[@WarmDeck]

Wow I have a 5 year old and cannot believe your son is that intelligent. That is mind blowing to me dude. This was very inspirational to me in so many ways!!!

[@GauravSood21]

This is the most well layed out poker content/show I have watched in a long time. Taking so much inspiration from this one. Thank you for rolling this gem out!

[@MRTatsaa]

This was super wholesome feel good video. Thanks for that

[@alocksw]

This is awesome, be my father, Phil! Jokes aside, it really inspired me on how to raise my own kids in the future, thanks for that!

[@MaximusMerideus]

Math was one of the few things I excelled at and was always fun for me. To see Spencer knock those math problems out of the park was so cool. I can promise you that Spencer knows more mathematics than many of my adult friends. Also I have to say, coming second to Farrah as a parent means you're still an awesome dad, she's just a superstar mom and that always trumps being a superstar dad.

[@Rockett86]

I wish these could go on forever 😩😩

[@ZalexMusic]

This was great! I loved the whole series. You have an amazing family rich with talent. Spencer's calculating face at 12:34 is hilarious. The series will become a wonderful snapshot of life in 2024 for your family as you all continue your journey. I was on 2p2 in 2004, and it's honestly filled me with pride to have seen you come up, find success, keep it, and continue to evolve as a person. I've said it a million times, the poker world needs many many more like you.

[@Spown00]

You guys are the best! Loving it that you share your journey! Keep it up with the good work! Wishing you a wonderful life full of joy and happiness!

[@PhilGalfond]

😊 thank you so much. Wishing you and yours the same!

[@aidinb6790]

Really loved this video, so real and inspiring too. ❤

[@Robertayala79]

I recognized that Laugh at the end 😇 BB!!

[@xpx1236]

This video warms my heart! ❤ Spencer is awesome! So are Phil and Farah! 💖 Rooting for u guys! 💪🏻

[@ethanbennett3557]

people with this sort of innate kindness and intelligence are destined to be bright spots in whatever they choose to pursue; we in poker are so lucky to have you both

[@alanfpoker]

Beautiful episode!

[@Declan4253]

Thanks for sharing. I think many of us don't think we have the resources to try something on this level and be able to fail without causing life altering damage. I enjoy watching you guys get out there and give things a shot and succeed or fail, but tell the story honestly. Thank you.

[@KingsCrosss]

❤ love this episode again! Hope it aint the last...

[@LilySaysHi]

Apart from the appealing story I really like how you guys managed to make this production so slick, the "click" in the beginning when Chapter 4 arrives says it all, a pitch perfect production

[@fredrikzels2637]

I look forward to what's instored in your future! Best of luck to you, Farah and your son!! Wish you all the best and thx so much for this mini series!!

[@madman5556]

Can't wait to see what your next chapter has instore! Wishing you all the best in you and your families future! Also can't wait for your poker to launch in PA so I can play!

[@JasonHall1984]

Thanks for sharing your story! Very inspirational and I can't wait to show my young girls how good your son is with his math facts!

[@garethowen7457]

what a beautiful family . Fair play Phil

[@JankyJimmy]

This was an absolutely brilliant documentary!! 👏👏👏

[@Heyitsmax85]

You are a legend Phil 👊

[@diogovieiradasilva]

That's incredible Phil, I could easily watch 200 episodes.

[@TrippyCollector]

wow! incredible video. hope its a pilot for a reality show

[@le9335]

Great parents, great kid, great family. Cheers and wish you all the best. Thanks for sharing your story. 😃

[@WrldFamousPlus1]

The math quiz was not good for my self-esteem. Still currently wearing the face Spencer initially made when asked "what's 5 cubed"

[@ApocalypseNowWithEli]

Really? Let me guess. You’re under 30 years old? My guess is you also don’t know how to make change, this is not a personal attack but a reflection of your generation’s ineptitude

[@PhilGalfond]

😂

[@parapokwins]

Your son is a mini genius well done both of you , your obth the perfect parents aswell as great poker players ! God bless you all x

[@SolaceAndBane]

Awesome series, really enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing yourself and your family’s lives with us! It’s inspirational

[@ph34poker]

Phil your awesome!!

[@tytythefly]

Amazing dude!

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you!

[@renomarc9413]

You all have some great art !

[@teambaspoker]

Awesome series both. Was sad to read this was the last expisode. Best of luck in 2024 and beyond and thank you both for sharing :)

[@JacobFortson]

been waiting for this

[@mihaidiaconescu6593]

Very interesting, congratulations 🎉

[@emilabadgiev246]

I love it ❤

[@michaelshail8791]

Awesome video and great insight. Phil is so well balanced in life. No pun intended. 😂 looking forward to all the other videos of the docu series. Keep up all the good work.

[@erospavia8763]

Lovely family ♥️

[@PaulWhite-my7vl]

Great video, Phil! The mini-series has been brilliant, thanks for putting it together and sharing 👍

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you so much!

[@ExBeeOne]

This is a great series. Thank you guys, for sharing. Regards from Denmark.

[@patrickleahy9534]

You are one of the best, really enjoyed the wsop time as well as this glimpse. You are a beaut Phil keep it up man.

[@williamlamar-boone227]

This was very thought provoking Phil… thank you for this :) You are a phenomenal poker player and an even better man. I believe you and I have that in common. Look forward to hearing from you in the future brother. - LAMBO

[@mattymcsplatty5440]

Yr wee boy might just be the next math gewnius or poker star.......u all are lovely people. Good luck in your lives.

[@kennygpokerstrategy4917]

Not enough episodes!!!! Loved these!!!

[@ubpoker6969]

awesome content phil. inspiring to see someone whos basically at the top of the poker chain. inspiration for us on the start of the journey

[@shamirbrown8160]

It's hard not to want our kids to extract all of our best skills and be something like us. Very good segment where babyGalfond showed his math aptitude. Gotta love it!

[@davidcapeeko7376]

Spencer is too much Phil, he's blessed to have you two as his parents!

[@nitthegrit7544]

Who cares at this point whether you're winning or losing at the poker table. You're crushing life, dude. Family, financial stability, life goals... That's where it's at. Poker is just the icing on the cake.

[@busomite]

What a lovely experience, thank you for sharing

[@PhilGalfond]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jack42011]

Thanks for this tender insight into your home life. You Rock

[@markcunningham1513]

we are all going to have to play this kid HU at some point 20 years from now :)

[@TP_Gillz]

real question, how did Farah after a full year of live MTT's only have $5k in expenses plus $6200 in Addtl? Im someone who would love to someday give the live MTT life a serious shot, always been a dream of mine, but don't understand how expenses could ever be so low with all that travel. As a former cash game pro, even my expenses staying locally added up pretty big at the end of year. (not life expenses like rent, but game related expenses, food drink gas tips rooms coaching etc) Btw, loved this series. Your both awesome and live a dream life. What I wouldn't give for a 100k bankroll to hit the circuit!!! Ahh. Someday. Or likely never but who knows. Good luck to you both! Phil, you've been an inspiration to so many of us on a number a different levels, thanks again for what you do for the game!!

[@Saskabreeze]

An amazing series Phil and Farah. Really well done. And Spencer is cute as hell.

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you 😊

[@reverseit9778]

I love these videos! Hope you post infinitive of episodes🥳

[@YTSparty]

My number one question, do you have to be named Phil to win at poker?

[@ksun8462]

this should be a netflixs series

[@TP_Gillz]

oh and wow your son is a str8 genius lol that is the most impressive thing I've seen on YT in a long time haha

[@gonnaw1n]

I got a challenge for ya! Take a 43yr dad of 3, basically keeping his head above water with bills and time with family. A history of being a winning poker player who doesn't study and doesn't use Huds who has always hated cash games....turn him into a cash game player from micros to where he can support his family comfortably :). All that aside, I have loved watching your journey from the FTP nosebleed days and trying to internet search your name and find out who you are, to playing on your site, to now watching your documentaries and wishing it becomes a weekly Galfond show!!

[@fuchs1520]

PHIIIIIL - where is nr. 5? love it! greets from austria

[@BC-wg5pq]

So good ,ty for putting the yourself out there, nuch respect..too both of you,you are a team,sorry 3 of you 😀 😉

[@_antwonTT6]

Simply beautiful 👏👏👏

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you! 😊

[@marcsomething4701]

Hey Phil, you’re the best, from your favourite fan

[@sheriefelsayad5578]

Phil got himself a good wife 👏 its funny because my sisters name is also Farah 😂 greetings from Egypt.

[@Farah_Galfond]

Tell Farah Farah said hi 👋🏼😃

[@sheriefelsayad5578]

@@Farah_Galfond haha I will do that. Thanks! Good luck to both of you

[@ChonkySlotDonkey]

Spencer 2045 WSOP Main Event champ confirmed!!!