Phil Galfond

Phil Galfond was born on January 16, 1985, in North Potomac, Maryland. He attended Thomas Sprigg Wootton High School and later studied philosophy at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He began playing poker professionally in his early twenties and quickly rose through the ranks of online poker.

Galfond is best known for his online play, primarily at high-stakes cash games on Full Tilt Poker under the screen name "OMGClayAiken." He also played on PokerStars as "MrSweets28" and was a prominent figure on the Two Plus Two forums as "Jman28." He chose "OMGClayAiken" as an ironic alternative to the macho screen names common in poker, hoping opponents would be embarrassed to lose to him. As of May 2011, he had a lifetime net profit of over $8 million in online poker. After Black Friday (April 15, 2011), he moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, to continue playing online legally.

Galfond has won three World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets:

• 2008: $5,000 Pot-Limit Omaha with Rebuys – $817,781
• 2015: $10,000 No-Limit 2-7 Single Draw Championship – $224,383
• 2018: $10,000 Pot Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship – $567,788

He also finished runner-up in the 2013 $25,000 No-Limit Hold'em Six-Handed event for $744,841. As of February 2020, his total live tournament winnings exceed $2,900,000. He has two World Poker Tour money finishes, including 24th in the 2012 WPT Five Diamond World Poker Classic ($31,714).

In 2020, Galfond launched a series of high-stakes heads-up challenges against top players, including "Venividi1993," Chance Kornuth, Bill Perkins, and Brandon Adams. He staged a famous comeback against "Venividi1993" in Pot-Limit Omaha, winning after being down over €900,000. These challenges showcased his skill and sportsmanship.

In 2012, Galfond co-founded Run It Once, a poker training site offering videos and coaching. He later launched Run It Once Poker, an online poker room that operated until 2021. The site was known for its player-friendly policies, such as low rake and transparent operations.

Galfond married actress Farah Fath in May 2015; they have a son, Spencer, born in December 2018. He formerly lived in New York City, where he installed a slide connecting his two penthouse apartments. He is known for his thoughtful and honest approach to poker and business.

Galfond is regarded as one of the most analytical and balanced players in the game, particularly in Pot-Limit Omaha. He emphasizes range thinking and frequency-based strategies. He continues to teach through his newsletter "In Position," YouTube channel, and coaching program Beyond the Game.