- More than $2.3 million in Career Tournament Earnings
- 12th on the Canada All-Time Money List
- Finished 2nd in the EPT €10K No-Limit Hold ‘em Grand Final, 2007, for more than $1.4 million
Marc Karam plays online at Full Tilt Poker.
Marc Karam knows that aggressively taking advantage of a window of opportunity can lead to a big payoff. In late 2005, after years of playing at a high level, he considered taking a leap of faith into the world of professional poker. His boss was kind enough to offer a leave of absence, just in case things didn’t work out. Marc took this chance to pursue his dream and hasn’t looked back since.
Born in Montreal, Marc has lived in Ottawa since the age of two. He cut his teeth in small home games and charity games, before building his bankroll by playing $1/$2 No-Limit Hold ‘em games online. He believes bankroll management is one of the most important disciplines for the serious poker player. "You can be the best player in the world but if you play stakes that are too high for your bankroll, the variance will get you," he explains.
Having entered the realm of pro poker, Marc made an immediate impact on the live tournament circuit. In March 2006, he placed 4th in the EPT €10K No-Limit Hold ‘em Grand Final, taking home €195K ($234K). Later that year, he finished 6th in the WPT CA$10K North American Poker Championships, winning over CA$169K ($150K).
Marc gained momentum throughout 2006 and went on to have his best year to date in 2007. He started with a bang in January, placing 6th in the Aussie Millions AU$10K Main Event for AU$300K (over $238K). Then, in late March, Marc bagged his biggest payday to date – he took 2nd place in the EPT €10K No-Limit Hold ‘em Grand Final for more than €1 million ($1.4 million). In late 2008, Marc once again made the final table at the WPT CA$10K North American Poker Championships. This time he placed 5th, taking down a prize of over CA$196K ($174K). His career tournament earnings currently stand at more than $2.3 million.
Marc looks to the world’s most successful players for inspiration – but what one player has influenced him most? "A lot of pros have influenced me over the years," he says, "and I have a lot of respect for them. If I had to choose one – I mean, who doesn’t want to be Phil Ivey?"
Away from the tables, Marc is obsessed with golf, which he describes as “the most frustrating thing I’ve ever tried, but it’s very rewarding to see the improvement every time you play.” He also enjoys playing squash, chess and Call of Duty.
Look for Marc at the tables at Full Tilt Poker.