GALFOND 01 | "Who Is This Guy?"

What does it take to stay at the top of the poker world while navigating family life and personal hardships? Phil and Farah Galfond offer a rare behind-the-scenes look into the lives of poker’s power couple in their new poker docuseries.
🎁 Phil's free e-book & weekly poker strategy: ➡️ galfond.link/subscribe
In the first episode of their poker documentary series, personal friends of the Galfonds and professional poker players explain the origin story of Phil Galfond, also known as 'OMGClayAiken''.
Through interviews with family, friends, and Phil himself, this documentary 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 docuseries aims to highlight the emotional rollercoaster 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/Free-Poker-Training

[@PhilGalfond]

Thanks for the support on our biggest production yet! This is a four-part series. Episode 2 comes out next Friday, July 5th! We set the stage with this one, and go deep in the next. Enjoy!

[@phesser411]

Love this, great series, keep it going!

[@Jesters_Thorny_Crown]

Not bad at all production wise. Nice hook at the end.

[@mackmeter]

This is awesome, you've always been a highly regarded member of the poker community! I look forward to the next releases!

[@MazieHavanese]

DAMN!!! Best 13 minutes of content I’ve watched

[@xancypillosi]

So you’re admitting online poker IS RIGGED?? How else could pokerstars “make sure there is no profitable players”?? Obviously they did what you were concerned with. Stop the silence and scamming people selling them a fake dream

[@RandyWatson69]

The brightest and nicest guy in poker.

[@michaellester1775]

Happy for you Phil. So glad you have Farah. I was a Pro Poker Player and Sports Handicapper/Consultant lived in Summerlin near Red Rock Casino in Vegas for 15 years (2005-2020). My partner Sara was with me for about 8 of those years. She had bipolar disorder and she unfortunately died by suicide when I went away one weekend by July 4th to visit my parents in Laguna Beach. The love of my life was gone. She never could handle my unique lifestyle gambling, my crazy hours always focused on the games, it was a huge stressor, even though it paid for all our bills and much, much more. I miss her every day and wonder what would have been different had I not been focused on the gambling all day everyday 7 days a week. I am so glad you have this support system, including your parents. It is so important. Again, so happy for your success and happiness man. I left Vegas when Covid hit, I felt it was time for some changes. I will be watching your episodes from a bit north now in Lake Tahoe.

[@JohnSmith-su3ze]

Bro, your story is insane. Can't imagine what you've been through.

[@michaellester1775]

@@JohnSmith-su3ze Thanks John. It was insane, including my own Cancer diagnosis in 2015. My Dr in Summerlin completely misdiagnosed me too. I am lucky, I am a survivor. I appreciate every day, my health, my family. I have learned now that life is more than just the constant pursuit of money and riches. That is all gambling was to me, a personal gratification/fulfillment, made me feel more significant and important. That is not what produces the happiness in the end. Took me like 20 years to realize that. Now I feel more satisfaction helping others and helping society

[@davidholender6855]

So sorry man. My heart goes out to you.

[@michaellester1775]

@@JohnSmith-su3ze Thank You man

[@michaellester1775]

@@davidholender6855 I appreciate it David. It sure has been hard mentally

[@brianauman1057]

Im a simple man. I see Phil, I hit like.

[@PhilGalfond]

❤

[@camspianosink]

Greatest poker player in the world (ranked by humanity and contribution to the game)

[@PhilGalfond]

😊♥

[@D3cast]

True!

[@julianhodgson1961]

There are so many great things one can say about Phil but for me I just love to hear his calm and very soothing voice 😀

[@Witnessdomaining]

His voice sings me AI generated lullabies every night

[@Pokerbabbo]

Happy to be part of the video being a fanboy 😂😂

[@hungryhorsepoker]

babbo!

[@cloudcitydigital]

Phil's incredible run at the end in the Galfond Challenge was one of the all time greatest gaming moments of my lifetime, that was SUCH a fun day. Also such a kind and nice dude, good for poker all around. Great teacher of the game, and it's really cool to get Farah's insight as well.

[@corycosta6257]

One my favorite “sports” moments I’ve ever watched live.

[@MazieHavanese]

So sick!! I will actually always remember watching it and where I was there. He needed to win this one hand (like 10 from the end) or it was OVER and he freaking won it!!

[@MazieHavanese]

@@corycosta6257same!!! I was watching Joe Ingram commentate it live

[@jeffk3746]

To have so many famous poker players willing to come on your video and rave about you just show how appreciated Phil actually is by the community

[@MrGuitarbhoy]

Hey, there's me! Great work Phil and the team. No matter how highly Phil is regarded by the poker community, it's not enough imo.

[@Welcome-oj4qs]

So happy to be here for episode 1. Just got done playing one of the craziest poker sessions of my life and see this. Youre the man Phil

[@Bakbanana]

High quality production. Deserving of a feature length version. Watching it while laying back on my couch, running it once. Ty Phil and team.

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you! The next episode (next Friday) is 20 minutes and so is the one following that. I think you’ll really enjoy them!

[@joeingram1]

This should be good

[@CRAIG5835]

Pretty groovy so far Joe.

[@LongNguyen-ho9qf]

Its real cringy

[@nbaNUTCASE]

watch it and report back lol

[@Fatboypool]

It’s cool 😃 locked in💪💪

[@330miggs]

15" POKER HAAAAARRRRDDD

[@user-bd4vx9uv4t]

Didnt see a single second and liked

[@PhilGalfond]

😂❤️

[@ji3817]

I saw two seconds and liked

[@jasonwright2291]

Same

[@Matzes]

I saw 3 seconds and i liked 2 of them, still liked

[@yadigg4437]

Lmao literally did that like 10 hours ago finally got around to watching

[@300lbcanary2]

Nice piece about someone we definitely look up to in the poker world. His integrity is just as important as his top playing and coaching ability. Good stuff Phil.

[@tomtsu5923]

This is awesome Phil! So pumped for this series! Sending it to the poker crew... Thanks for everything you do man.

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you!

[@Tobi-pn2xs]

I love how Galfond can just make a video full of praise for himself and nobody bats an eye because there's really nothing else to say. You're a true inspiration and the best ambassador for the game. People don't see the struggles but you can be truly proud of everything you've achieved, Phil!

[@joebazooks]

it is a little bizarre if we r being honest about it

[@yrudonking]

Poker reddit hates this

[@troshko1]

I see a Phil Galfond video, i press the like button and then start watching. This was so good i actually shredded a tear. Love you Phil. Best of wishes to you and your family.

[@miketang8719]

Normally I don’t like people who make documentaries about themselves but the fact that for some reason myself and no one else cares at all speaks volumes to your career, your personality, and just how damn well this video was produced can’t wait for part 2

[@KmartPoker]

Really awesome piece of content. Can see the effort that went into it

[@PhilGalfond]

Thanks, man! You’ll enjoy the future episodes more!

[@1312Mork2]

THIS WAS SICK CANT WAIT FOR Ep2

[@TheLamaprod]

I've been following poker since the 2000s, as have many others, and I can say that in the end, there aren't many players who can be described as serious and respectable, and you're definitely one of them phil.

[@beauf4]

OMG this is THE series of the summer BY FAR what a first episode men⭐️ Keep going💎

[@anthony-po2tx]

great quality. very enjoyable to watch. cant wait for more!

[@kennygpokerstrategy4917]

This is incredible. Can't wait for episode 2.

[@cmt1919cmt]

Cant wait for part 2!

[@asehigh]

Top-notch production Miika & can't wait for ep2 Great job!

[@jamesgrant9858]

Phil this was a great part One . I can’t wait for the other 3 parts to drop . Great job from one of the best .

[@aceofcubs]

Loved every minute of this and can’t wait for the next episode!

[@jiamonx2]

This was a huge treat! Thank you Phil😁

[@utb1239]

This is fantastic content! Sick we have to wait another week for the next episode!! 😳

[@shanesinnott]

Awesome video. Can’t wait till the next one!

[@henrykilbane5704]

Glad to see everyone got a chest and arm pump in pre-filming 💪😅 Awesome production - can’t wait to see the rest of the series! Congrats team Galfond 🔥

[@PhilGalfond]

Thanks, man 😃

[@vader6203]

…except Phil 😂

[@iguanaassassin9893]

Im watching this to support the highest quality of man in poker. The whole world knows if you wanna be able to trust someone with anything its galfond. God bless you bro, you always do the right thing and thats why you are where you are in life.

[@MatrixCyPoker]

Pure class! sincerely wishing you all the best for you and your family Phil. You deserve it

[@D3cast]

You a legend Phil. Thanks for putting out so many quality videos, such high value for free omg :D

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you 😊

[@juancuenca6804]

I could watch 8 hours of this, easily! thanks Phil!

[@Callmeakshaykapoor]

Goosebumps - all throughout the episode Looking forward to more ❤

[@fredrikzels2637]

A great episode Phil!! Looking forward to the rest of the series!! 👍

[@shanejett3550]

One of the best poker players, and debatably the most respected. A genuinely nice guy. I wish I could say more convey my feelings about Mr Phil Galfond.....

[@Vib0aka0Vitek]

So much information and content in such a short video. Amazing! Should be a great mini-series!

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you!

[@Spherex]

Definitely one of the guys I've always looked up to since I began poker. Loving the series!

[@geoffl]

I have so much respect that you put skin in the game and built a competitor. You will always have the respect of the community. GGWP Phil.

[@ChristianHegele]

Love it! Been a big fan of your content for a bit now -- your approach to teaching poker is both deeply analytical yet extremely humane, which is a rare combination these days. I'm excited by the opportunity to learn more about the man behind the hands!

[@PhilGalfond]

Much appreciated! Thank you 😊 I’m excited for the next episodes to go a bit deeper.

[@zykoseppuku]

This was great! Looking forward to the next episode.

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you 😊

[@darrellirwin8412]

Completely a humble guy, can’t think of a bad word to say. I lost a lot of interest in poker but this guys content vids all interesting to me

[@JohnnieVibes]

Top notch production. Great work.

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you, Johnnie! Always love your production value, so that means a lot.

[@MaximusMerideus]

I need more! This content is so good. More, please, soon.

[@PhilGalfond]

See you next Friday!

[@pferdferd]

This got me hooked. Production. Storytelling. Great guests. Can’t wait for more!!!

[@PhilGalfond]

Awesome! Thank you! They get better!

[@chancelorpalmz2048]

Amazing content, I feel like i know you I watch every video ty for your energy

[@Jimiish]

Thanks for sharing this Phil, it was amazing! You will always be an idol in poker's history! 100

[@AlejandroBravoC]

And this is how Poker content should be displayed on KZbin. 👏👏👏As always amazing work Phil

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you 😊

[@aikenpublishing]

Well done. Looking forward to Part 2.

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you! Launching in a few minutes!

[@zach5304]

Love the game of poker and love documentaries like this

[@gruntskilling]

Amazing work Phil. Alway been one of my favourite players and I modeled how I play and learn poker as he plays and learns poker.

[@WoodgynTrooper15]

“Has done nothing over the years to lose that respect, which is saying a lot for a poker player” in the current climate where every day it seems like someone is getting exposed on socials for scams/not paying people back this is so important

[@ericbush1544]

Looking forward to the next episode.

[@wesyoung9150]

I remember watching Phil play on full tilt and when I saw him on high stakes poker for the first time and go for it I knew he was that guy. Always love your content.

[@VVeZoX]

Phil Galfond is quite literally a gift from God for the poker world. Thank you for all that you've done Sir!

[@PhilGalfond]

I wouldn’t go that far 😃 but thank you 😊

[@ericaplumhoff6561]

“Accepted me for all my faults and still managed to fall in love with me” girl, what? Farah, you are the prize and he knew that. ❤

[@diogovieiradasilva]

I remember when I started the tournament grind in 2011 and Phill was the top of what existed online and a reference, today in 2024 and he continues to be that for me. Inspiring.

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you so much 😊

[@williamjames2717]

Great vid! Would have loved to have seen those little early KZbin thought process videos mentioned in their pre-training site... those things were so ahead of their time!

[@Geyeeza]

Really a testament to your character and poker prowess that you're able to get big names within the poker world to sit and share their own reflections of you. Top quality production as per also. Hopefully catch you on the felt one day.

[@PhilGalfond]

❤️

[@malt3aserz]

Galfond going next level with production value there!

[@therealexquisiteexistentia4743]

This was incredible, Phil

[@georgeseinfeld4150]

I've been depressed lately but this put a smile on my face.

[@PhilGalfond]

Happy I could put a smile on your face and I’m sorry you’re going through it right now. Moving my body helps me when I’m feeling down or stressed - even just a walk. It’s usually the last thing you feel like doing, but when I can, I thank myself. Feel better ❤️‍🩹

[@georgeseinfeld4150]

@@PhilGalfond Thanks Phil.

[@hakannorlings2439]

Thank you for a very nice video!

[@KristDC]

Great production quality. Interesting and intriguing. I want more of it please and thank you 😂

[@PhilGalfond]

Sorry to make you wait until next week 😂. It’s gonna be great!

[@DvdStennis]

Cool to see that old 2+2 STTF forum homegame picture from the early days. I spent at lot of time in STTF section between 2007 and 2011 and the longest members would always reminisce that photo with all the legends that were once there.

[@PhilGalfond]

The good ol days.

[@deniseberkowitz8878]

Phil has forever changed my poker game for the better. I find him to be very inspirational and I’ve been having much better results with my poker game. Thank you Phil you are a true champion!

[@PhilGalfond]

You’re very welcome! And thank you for letting me know I’ve made a difference. That means a lot to me!

[@theclanetv2786]

Very well done. It s like a short series on netflix. Phil is one of the most amazing ppl in the poker world. A master of the game and a kind humman.

[@PhilGalfond]

❤️

[@Alex-Bunin]

Love it!! Also sick you got Mikka on your team :)

[@Harbz]

Very well put together

[@josephlawlor7458]

Thank you for the video 👍

[@samuelbrand1624]

This is great Phil! Thank you!!

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you and you're very welcome!

[@paulpunts]

Loved the first episode ❤❤❤

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you 😊

[@ismael4you]

Great work! Thank you.

[@joshuapatrick682]

Very high production value!

[@MrSimonvk]

Great stuff, a long time ago I remember playing heads up 10/20 PLO against you whilst you were waiting on the airport. To you that meant nothing but I really enjoyed it because I also watched a lot of your videos and saw you playing for way higher stakes. It's great how you are handling yourself and did not dedicate your whole life to earning as much money as possible from poker but also trying out other things. You are also blessed with such a wife.

[@Soren.A]

Good cliffhanger Phil, you have a new subscriber ;)

[@cloudartwork]

great episode thanks for doing this. you are a great voice in the community and i have admired yall since holla balla!

[@PhilGalfond]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@derekn1284]

Wow, I loved the first episode. Great content, as a poker player/dealer/dad/husband I find you highly relatable. I think I'm older than you, but still look up to you as a person a aspire to be like 👍 Really excited for Ep2

[@PhilGalfond]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@thomasverschraegen8776]

Great work !!!!

[@Lorddonkey]

Can't wait for GALFOND 02! "I am THE Guy!"

[@scottmartin7874]

2 seconds in, and I’m enthralled

[@julianbarth2978]

I haven’t played a single hand of poker since I finished my professional career over 10 years ago. But Phil, I’ll support you whatever you do

[@BC-wg5pq]

Good for you we need a rep to usher us into the next area in poker, can't think of a better candidate, much respect

[@butcho7492]

This is gonna be a fun series. ☺️☺️☺️👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@prescriptivegrammarian8721]

The man’s glow-up was real

[@philpowell3416]

Thank you Phil.

[@mauromarino7202]

Loved it

[@jofacoca]

nice production! love the story telling, the background music, the video quality....well done....cant wait to see the other EP......is this going to be a poker player for season?....would be great a jason koon or jungleman!

[@moniquecopeland5711]

I’ve followed your career since the beginning. Always one of my top 10 favorite players. I just like your style and demeanor. I have to say you are looking great! It shows that you’ve been working out😊 watching you right now at one of the feature tables at the main. That is how I heard about your YT channel. Really enjoying it and looking forward to more. Good luck to you both at the main.!

[@PhilGalfond]

Awesome! Welcome to the channel; and thank you for the kind words and the long-time support!

[@scottywade9662]

You’re a good dude Phil! Keep grinding and keep pacing

[@bigmikefishin4663]

Phil you are an amazing human keep it up you are inspiring the most and have helped inspire me through a tuff year

[@PhilGalfond]

Wow, thank you. I hope things are getting better for you. Spoiler: Next week’s episode talks about a tough year for me.

[@wesleyb1458]

This is awesome! Thanks Phil!

[@PhilGalfond]

You're very welcome!

[@jakechadwick1878]

Please never stop making videos Phil

[@TheDrawingDeadVlog]

Very, very, very well done

[@best7993]

Much love brother❤

[@reach4therim2410]

This is fire content 🔥