GALFOND 02 | A Bad Day

After success in high-stakes poker, Phil Galfond took on the business world, his toughest opponent yet. Watch Phil experience something new: Failure.
🎁 Phil's free e-book & weekly poker strategy: ➡️ galfond.link/s...
Welcome to episode 2 of 'GALFOND', the poker docuseries!
Ambitiously combining documentary-style storytelling with reality TV elements, the series offers an unprecedented behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lives of poker’s power couple and covers several never-before-heard stories. Each episode reveals the raw, unfiltered reality of what it takes to stay at the top of the poker world while navigating family life and personal hardships.
Through interviews with family, friends, and Phil himself, this poker documentary series provides clarity on a variety of questions like (but not limited to); 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.
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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...

[@what_thc9609]

Wow, this seriously can be a netlfix documentary 1000%. Well done Phill.

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you!

[@OGRE_HATES_NERDS]

even better, its on youtube!

[@solomonleyva3046]

Most entertaining thing I’ve seen on you tube in months

[@CRAIG5835]

@@valid-sounds Some Obama, Prince Harry hiring snowflakes.

[@tommyfu9271]

​@@valid-soundsWow you're so funny!

[@busomite]

As a fellow business owner who has been in a similar though not nearly as costly position, hearing how you stood fast by your people when bailing would have saved you the most money and brought you the least stress really speaks to your character. You’re a good man, Phil.

[@PhilGalfond]

Business is hard! Thank you for the kind words. I think, though, it was the least I could do. So many from our team had been working passionately for years without seeing the comp increases they and I expected them to because of how much we continued to struggle. Losing in poker is one thing. Losing in business… you can bring so many people down with you. We were in it together.

[@cronstrubzo]

I'll tell you guys the only galfond story i personally experienced. I was railing him at HU high stakes, i think 25/50nl, and a medium stakes (5/10nl) grinder named GASSSIT sat down and started spewing hard. Looked like he was on massive lift tilt. He was losing buy in after buy in just shoving. Instead of taking advantage of this Phil stopped playing and asked in chat if he was alright and told him he should stop etc. It was that day that i knew phil was a good dude.

[@JICM25]

What happened there ? Was the guy alright, did they keep playing ?

[@tommyfu9271]

Combination of a good person and also being an absolute crusher. Most players even who are super nice can't afford to give up that spot

[@skendler]

It can’t have been easy to share a story that was mostly filled with tough times and heartbreak. Really impressive that they did and with such openness.

[@JohnnieVibes]

This was an emotional watch for me. I know I’ve said this before but want to say again that I’m so sorry for your loss. Rooting for you.

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you, Johnnie ❤ Rooting for you, too!

[@shamirbrown8160]

Took a page out of your book... where you let 'em see the game isn't all peaches & cream.

[@vader6203]

Agree… was an emotional re-telling. Losing a parent is a pivotal life event - glad you could find (and accept) help for the grief.

[@shanepinkerton9295]

You broke me Phil. I ugly cried so hard. I lost my Dad shortly after his 60th birthday. It happened in April and I haven't let myself feel it either. I am still having to be strong for my grandmother and siblings. Thank you for sharing this part of your life. It has helped me more than you could ever know.

[@PhilGalfond]

I’m so sorry 😢 Hang in there. It gets less hard. ❤️

[@adragonro]

😢 my father is still alive beeing 72. I can hardly imagine how u felt. But knowing he will die some day and seeing your story and the comments make cry❤😢

[@CRAIG5835]

@@PhilGalfond Life gets real serious once you have kids, and once your folks or family pass away. You don't get over it you just have to adjust and run with it.

[@tommyfu9271]

​@@PhilGalfondmy dad died died 11 years ago at 54 from cancer. He was an awesome father. You're right. It's gets better.but on some level it always sucks.

[@shaddow3456]

I have a newfound appreciation/respect for the struggles you’ve undergone and persevered through. Its easy to look at a guy who I’ve seen crush the highest stakes for years on end and enviously think, “What a life…”. Hardship falls on all of us, no matter how healthy, wealthy, or intelligent. Rest in peace to your father sir.

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you so much! Nobody (that I’ve ever met) is above struggle.

[@edwinenriquez5152]

I get frustrated when I don’t see 10k+ views in the first couple hours of a drop, this content is absurdly good.

[@PhilGalfond]

❤️ thanks for rooting for me!

[@brianrowcroft-ivy5152]

Two months ago, I didn’t know who you were - I’ve enjoyed your videos and been really impressed and appreciative of your insights and advice since then. These videos though, make me feel like I know you, and I can’t say how much respect I have developed for you as a person now. Looking forward to more, buddy.

[@PhilGalfond]

Wow, I appreciate that so much! Thank you for being here and enjoying the videos ❤️

[@leebp9106]

The quality level of this editing once again shows the consistency of this guy that whatever he does has to be as good as he can do it. What a story.

[@cmt1919cmt]

This is shaping up to be a great series. Ive had my ups and downs in business and it can be extremely tough sometimes. After having a life and death experience 7 years ago I have a newfound appreciation for life and it takes less to make me happy. I no longer allow myself to get into stressful situations and take on too much in the pursuit of money. I heard a quote from the Dalai Lama that resonated with me, “Man. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived.” Now I just enjoy every moment and I’m thankful for what I have. Sometimes all we need is right in front of us. Keep the great content coming Phil!

[@michaelnash1090]

Phil , all I can say is , your a man of you the highest integrity & and the level of dedication and devotion you have put towards this endeavor is unfathomable and without a doubt this will at some point in the near future reward you a hundred fold!!! Phil you are the MAN ! Don’t ever forget it !

[@c0l3slaw]

Damn, the humility and candor it takes to share a story like this is amazing. I am very interested to hear more. And props for taking care of the people who were involved in your business, that takes integrity.

[@therealrobbycrash]

Phil, if you are reading this, just wanted to telll you what a great person you are...always so balanced and relaxed....looking foward to every video you put out and love to watch them...greetz from Amsterdam in The Netherlands.

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you 🙏🏻 I appreciate it ❤️

[@iceecee9820]

This epsoide has prompted my deep reflection. Often, we become consumed by the pursuit of moeny and career, constantly striving to achieve what hasn't been attained. In doing so, we overlook what we already have, only recognizing its value once it's lost or when we encounter obstacles. Life is a journey, and its meaning lies in the everyday experience, not just the destination.

[@jorgevidaurre3762]

This was a great documentary to watch. It shows a lot about how someone can push through in even worse times. Appreciate you letting us into your life. Good luck in the main event.

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you!

[@AlexScott-WPTG]

Oh man. I empathised a great deal with the struggles of running and closing a poker business. But to do all that while grieving... I can't imagine. I have so much respect for what you've done.

[@Roversfan95]

Phil Galfond is not only an awesome poker player but he's also a fantastic human being exhibiting empathy, humility and dedication to all around him. Major respect to Farah for her support and strength during what must have been extremely difficult times. Much love to all the Galfonds.

[@davidabdala4126]

Phil, you are one of the gratest minds of this generation. Congratulations for all your achievements and enjoy life!!

[@slivy4402]

Always enjoy listening to mr galfond. I have been a rio member for years. I find watching people play helps me alot. I can be the opposite of him in that i get emotional. Everytime i see mr galfond i just wish i could be as calm and repectful as he is. Wishing u and your family the best. Enjoy everything u do.and sorry to hear about your dad.❤

[@ubpoker6969]

i love how your honest about wanting to make more money. to many people are fake online and say that isnt the goal etc and true money isnt everything but the thing that comes with alot of money is freedom and being able to look after your family and upgrade your lifestyle. especially if you come from a poor background then yes making more money is the goal. also the people that say this are either mega mega rich already or in a decent paying job not struggling. if you are in the trenches you will understand the struggle. were all chasing a better life. awesome production here nice work

[@demetridutch84]

Excellent series you have made here. I am glad you are finally seeing the fruits :)

[@PhilGalfond]

Glad you like them! Thank you ❤️

[@Saskabreeze]

Not going to lie... I'm loving this series. Was always a Phil fan, but I'm all-in on this series.

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you 😊

[@DexterAbraham]

Phil as a lifelong entrepreneur and somebody in Venture Capital that deals with founders daily I'll say this is one of the best things I've ever seen on the truth of entrepreneurship I applaud you and I sure hope those who watch understand the true value of your transparency here Thank you

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you so much. ❤️😊

[@dustinstaats3372]

Commenting for the algorithm because this is good stuff. Just got back into poker and Phil is quickly becoming one of my favorite players!

[@Dzijeve.avanture]

Woooow. This is such a high production quality and story is great. Well done! Since I am pro for many years and follow you since forever I remember being super excited when you announced Run it Once room. I knew it will be super fair with normal rake and normal rakeback and no super users or other scams. I actually tried to play there for some time but there was no fish on the site. Only other fellow pros so I quit. I am sorry that business gave you so much headache it would have been a dream situation if you and other guys could get wider player pool it would have been a best room and now we are still stuck with scumbags from GG and Stars raising the rake and destroying rakeback constantly :(

[@SuperSissen]

This is the best start of a poker-documentary type thing I've seen since Nosebleed. Keep it up, can't wait for the next episodes.

[@falutzel7942]

Phil is simply the best human being out there in the Poker industry. ❤

[@TheSwede9]

I wish I had an ounce of your determination and emotional self-control. The line Dan said about how the angriest he saw you was picking your mouse up a little bit and sighing, gave me flashbacks to going to Wal-Mart to buy cheap keyboards 4 at a time because I knew I would snap them over my knee after bad days back in my SNG grinding days haha! I've gotten better of course, but you're just a great dude. I really root for you in every walk of life.

[@jeremychoong5792]

Congratulations bro for the wonderful story. Netflix should buy the whole series.

[@tubingyouallday]

Absolutely loving this series of videos. Unbelievably good!

[@PhilGalfond]

Awesome. Thank you! The most ambitious work we’ve ever done on the channel so I’m glad they’re being so well-received.

[@kathiereynolds6501]

I started watching this because I love Farrah but now I’m hooked. This needs to be on Netflix!!!!

[@Beriuzy]

Hey Phil. We met 12 hours ago as part of the BTG group in Vegas. I gave you a big hug as a thank you for everything you did for us the last year. I didnt know this part of the story yet & I wish I hugged you longer. This was a very difficult watch yet I know your father would be so proud of your ability to change the lives of others. Thank you for being you & sharing these difficult moments that a lot of us would not be able to deal with. You are an inspiration to many of us❤

[@PhilGalfond]

This one made me smile 😃. I’ll take the even bigger hug next time, man ❤️🤗 Thank you 😊 You’re awesome, and it was my pleasure to work with you!

[@markelkhoury8168]

Your entire journey is nothing short of inspiring. In life, we either win or we learn - you’ve done both at a very high level. Your comeback will be even greater than your world class character. Wishing you and your loved ones a lifetime of good health, happiness and prosperity. Thank you for sharing, Phil.

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you so much 😊 And I agree. I’m always aiming to win or learn. Usually both!

[@markelkhoury8168]

Both are ideal! 😎

[@andrewpayette621]

Thank you. This is a breath of fresh air in the poker community in regards to quality, honesty, and transparency. You have my support for life ❤

[@PhilGalfond]

❤️

[@Eric-tj3tg]

Could've been a "60 Minute" segment, or a Netflix Series. Glad you came through feeling stronger, and glad it "worked out." These are really interesting and well-produced!

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you so much!

[@aikenpublishing]

Quality and integrity will get you a long way in this world, especially in the growing poker stratosphere. Authenticity, honesty, character are more than just buzz words. Such traits are necessary for our survival. You appear to have those traits in spades. Congratulations on what I know will be a massive comeback.

[@dd3161]

What a struggle. And this episode is just called "a bad day". Great mindset and appreciaton for life! Thank you for sharing.

[@pkrpro84]

Now it makes sense why you stopped playing as much poker. As a business owner I understand the stress and responsibilities of taking care of your people. It’s not only the employees but it’s their family as well. Their children etc. a lot makes sense now after this episode. Glad things look to be going in the right direction. Don’t ever forget about the bread and butter business!

[@ian_poker4709]

Phil Galfond, the legend ! Got no words to describe the feeling watching the documentary.

[@thru_and_thru]

This was 10/10!! Fantastic work telling an incredible. I have been very out of touch with poker over the last decade and had no idea all of this happened. Very sorry for your loss Phil. ♥

[@badblood44]

So I realize that some of this is certainly promotional, but regardless of that, I think you have a universal fan club rooting for your success. Lots of courage to post this honest retrospective. And, just as importantly, for Farah to keep undying support for you in what is likely the worst of times was so amazing to see. Continued strength and support to you, her, and your team of colleagues!

[@LogozRR]

Such a heavy Episode. Extremely well told and produced. Can't wait to see more!

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you!

[@EngleFolk]

Man this gave me the feels. You already had my respect, now you have even more of it. So glad you're in a better place now.

[@Alex-Bunin]

Sorry for your loss Phil. And mad props for sharing this out there like this. Can't imagine what that's like. Respect.

[@mitchellcongrove3413]

Holy cow. Put this on as background noise but it’s so good I had to turn if off until I could watch episode 1 and pay attention properly. Great work!

[@vitorseifert]

I follow some Poker stars and a huge part of them is selfish/greedy and alienated. You're right the opposite. You truly deserve all the respect the community has for your person. Greetings from Brazil, Phil.

[@BerardiOhio94]

Phil we love you, youre a hero in this community. 👏 Youre an inspirational human.

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you very much 😊❤️

[@MaxRho]

this is truly an incredible series. so inspiring and emotional. really great job, phil and team!!!

[@fhsambuichi]

This content is absolutely fantastic. Feels wrong that I'm watching this for free!!

[@ZalexMusic]

wow that was heavy, compelling, and really well put together. you're a good human, mr. galfond.

[@richardsoto5408]

Watched you for years, watched the million dollar come back HU Prays to you and your family! You are right, in passing your dad is teaching you the most important things in life! Money and Poker will come and go! Thank You for being so open, you are teaching us! Always a fan!

[@Michael-hw1gp]

Such a humble and genuinely nice human being - and I have never even met you - that’s just my instinct- love the galfond !

[@draewilly]

Amazing as always Phil. You deserve so much credit for all you've done for poker and it's players the past 20 years

[@jiamonx2]

I think this was well produced like the last one. It's awesome to see & hear "behind the scenes" content. I felt a stone on my chest for a few minutes watching 14 minutes in. It's insane how much was put on you Phil. Thank you Phil and Run It Once for trying. Can't wait for the next episode :)

[@PhilGalfond]

❤️

[@askforalawyer7181]

Great production/editing/structure, this is truly great work. Sidenote, the poker industry is filled with leeches and scammers, and even if I never met him, Phil always felt like the one guy you could always trust no matter what (a feeling that is shared by most of the HS community). I send you support and love through the internet Phil!

[@KiiroiSenko1]

Wow wow wow. What an amazing story. I was really moved.

[@liamwilson5199]

Amazing video and production. Sorry for your loss Phil. Everyone associated at RIO and spouses etc are clearly just really good people. Good on you for sticking it out and maintaining who you are, despite the challenges grief and loss give you.

[@PhilGalfond]

I’m lucky to have such great people around me. Thank you!

[@adragonro]

I love the series and how it touches me.❤ I cannot possibly imagine how hard it can be to produce such a product. What is so expensive about it? And with that the unexpected loss of your father. May you and your families and friends strength be much greater going through this!🙏♥️

[@jaysmith7810]

Happy for you that it worked out in the end. You kept yourself together even through the loss of your father. Well done Phil one of the gentlemen poker and thank you for everything you do for the poker community.

[@branttmyhres74]

Incredible story Phil.... as they say, what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger.

[@anka042]

I've been following you for so long now. What a nice series this is. You being honest like always. I also lost my father a couple of years ago. It has been so hard and it is forever a journey to accept and deal with. Cheers from Sweden

[@PhilGalfond]

I’m so sorry for your loss ❤️

[@АндрейПоляков-к7з]

How emotional, I cried a lot. Thank you for such a frank story.❤

[@johnristheanswer]

Cried ? Really ?

[@YTSparty]

This is why it's good to have a life experience where you waste a ton of time in a money pit project, but for a lot less money. So the next time you see a daunting project you immediately recognize all the time and money you're going to lose and simply avoid it. And be happy with what you have.

[@evanthomsen3724]

Another great episode. You could feel the weight of what you all went through. Can’t wait for the next episode (hope it’s a little happier 😂).

[@bullyboy131]

Hope you're still crushing the Main Event!

[@nikitakucherov5028]

That was VERY WELL DONE. Anyone who is an entrepreneur will really relate.

[@cyw1234]

I can also feel the stress when I watch this documentary. The most difficult part is insisting on doing the right thing while you have multiple different responsibilities and burdens. It is relatively easy to handle it in poker but it is extremely hard in real life. Glad you are still what you are after all of this. What does not destroy you make you stronger.

[@best7993]

Wow… what a story my condolences to you and your family. when you see your beautifull childeren, realise part of him lives on through them. And he is watching you from above my friend and i bet he is so proud. You will see him again someday.. souls live on forever. I wish you all the best phill❤❤❤❤

[@PhilGalfond]

❤️ thank you

[@vortexsurfer2078]

Wow...this was so empathetic. Thank you, Phil.

[@Hello_I_am_Jeff]

This story is absolutely devastating to hear. Had no idea this is how the Run It Once venture went down. Since I live in the US, I just assumed it was working out and building up in other markets. I was always a fan of yours, not only as a solid player but just a someone who seemed like a nice person. Had been rooting for your success because online poker really needed to restore trust with its customers and I thought you would be the best person possible to do that. Really sucks to learn how stressful /sideways things went. Variance in poker is rough, but this is a whole other level of turmoil most people could never endure. Amazing to hear that you somehow weathered the storm and found investors. Much continued success in life to you and your family.

[@Callmeakshaykapoor]

OMG Phil, This is so relatable and I can't imagine how much courage it took you to absorb everything that you went through and then open up infront of the world. Loving the series and love every bit of your personality I got to see through your videos. Wishing you nothing but the success :)

[@antonioabrego5713]

Clicked on it to watch while cleaning the house. Cleaned nothing. Well done team. New appreciation for run it once.

[@_antwonTT6]

This is simply beautiful... That's all I can say til I process this episode.

[@D3cast]

Its really nice to see into the deep details of your story. Its so relatable. Thanks for making this.

[@PhilGalfond]

My pleasure. We’re all human, and we all struggle sometimes. No reason not to share the struggles.

[@izz_to_the_wizz]

All the messages in chat are positive and wholesome, just like you. The world needs more Phils. Very touching video, and really pleased you found a way to succeed when it looked like all was lost. On a lighter note I remember when you had a slide in your apartment ha, every big kids dream 🤣

[@vaibsss1]

Top notch !! This teaches so much about burn rate during the acquisition which very few management schools can.

[@BrettMcNary]

Soooo heavy. I really feel for you. I'm in a similar situation in the sense of having a 4 year project where many things have gone wrong, and I've sank every resource I have into it. I'm in the same position of not knowing what is going to happen, and that I could lose everything. Having a family to support makes everything that much more difficult to navigate. I really can empathize with your story. I hope you're in a much better place now. Thanks for the edit.

[@1vienigs]

holly sheats ... this is why we need these docomentarys!!!

[@teambaspoker]

Incredible first couple of episodes. Look forward to watching the rest. Thank you for sharing

[@abshire04]

The story resonates with me on a deep level. The specifics are much different but the lived experience of business/poker/family balance mixed with having so much and losing huge portion of net worth (for a while my self worth with it). Thanks for sharing the story with us.

[@cowardlederer1]

Thanks for leaving around the spare change Phil

[@3rjc11]

Jesus dude this story is insane. Doing my part to push this to the top of the algo.

[@MaxwellSmart086]

Great insights into the behind the scenes of the most genuine and likeable human in poker. Kudos to all involved! thoroughly enjoying watching this in tandem with some WSOP from New Zealand! cheers, Max

[@ruanoosthuysen5002]

Awesome mate, all love and GL to you and your fam, from South Africa!

[@browncity]

This could be a Netflix documentary!

[@Soberman13]

Impressive! Short, but enough to let us a good idea in the end.

[@hellocyrax]

Amazing story

[@nyrdzwebsite]

This was amazing. Thank you for sharing this personal experience with us.

[@PhilGalfond]

You’re very welcome.

[@Pokerfarhang]

Watching this episode brought me to tears. I was deeply saddened to learn about the tough times you went through, especially with the personal hardships like the passing of your father. In the end, the glimmers of hope for better days ahead were what uplifted my spirits. 💚

[@PhilGalfond]

❤️ thank you. It was a tough, tough year - this video couldn’t really capture the stress - but I’ve come out on the other side of it better and stronger, truly. Life is good!

[@markcummings3146]

Loved watching these Phil and all your free content is some out of the best out there, for that I'm going to sign-up for run it once training 😀

[@adrianoalves20]

Phil, I respect you so much. You should be really proud of all your achievements as a man, husband and businessman / player.

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you, Adriano ❤️

[@zamanski7094]

This was great! Really liked it. You really find who you are and what your made of when you get stomped into the mud. Just gotta get up clean yourself off and keep pushing forward. Also hope there’s gonna be more of these

[@PhilGalfond]

We’ve got two more on the way. Thank you!

[@garfield2193]

Thank you for this vid, I really enjoyed it - honest, heartfelt & informative, with no BS whatsoever. A great watch.

[@kennygpokerstrategy4917]

These are so incredible. I can't wait for episode 3

[@jamienicholl9412]

Incredible content! It was so inspiring, emotional, and genuinely informative. Truly impactful, stand up guy, I appreciate your candour, respect!

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you 😊

[@michaeloporto5202]

My most sincere condolences to you and your family.

[@Larxy_]

damn man, didnt know it got that low. this documentary is really interesting man im glad ur uploading this

[@richiekemp6986]

Outstanding story. Hope there’s more to come.

[@frochi]

Cannot even phatom the stress this might have caused, and sorry for your loss.. Keep up the good work, Phil! Love the content

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you 🙏🏻 ❤️