Won WSOP gold two years in a row, and wrote Ace On The River
Poker's outlaw reputation is as old as the game, and continues today through the outrageous behavior of a few big-name players. Look past the hype and you'll find that most players are easygoing and generous. Look further and you'll discover players like Barry Greenstein who are downright inspiring.
Barry was born and raised in Chicago. His first "home game" was playing cards with his mom when he came home from school. His dad, who was a poker specialist in the Army, taught his son the finer points of the game. Years later, while working on his PhD in mathematics, Barry supported his young family with the money he made in card rooms. Even when he took at "respectable job" at the then start-up company Symantec, he checked out the local poker scene before agreeing to relocate.
Barry earned his nickname, "The Robin Hood of Poker," through his tireless gift giving. His adventure in philanthropy began as a lesson to his kids. He wanted to instill in them the same compassion for others that his parents gave him. He researched different charities, and quickly became overwhelmed by the tremendous need everywhere he looked. Not satisfied by just writing a check, he decided to get personally involved in lives of people who needed help. Ultimately, what started out as an exercise in character building, became the work that he's proud to say defines his life.
Barry's success in tournament poker has earned him two WSOP bracelets, two WPT victories, more than $5 million, and most importantly, the thanks of thousands of people around the world.
