Barry Greenstein American professional poker player Date of Birth: 30.12.1954 Country: USA

1. Barry Greenstein: The Poker Legend
2. Education and Career
3. Achievements and Charitable Contributions
4. Mentoring and Contributions to the Poker Community
5. Hall of Fame and Personal Life

Barry Greenstein: The Poker Legend

Barry Greenstein is an American professional poker player, renowned for his numerous bracelet wins in prestigious tournaments such as the 'World Series of Poker' (WSOP) and the 'World Poker Tour' (WPT). Born in 1954 in Chicago, Illinois, Greenstein developed a passion for poker at a young age, learning the game from his father. Little did he know that this childhood fascination would later become his profession.

Education and Career

After completing his schooling, Greenstein attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he earned a degree in Mathematics and Computer Science. Although he began working on a dissertation, he never defended it. It was during his time at the company 'Symantec' that Greenstein became engrossed in poker. As he started earning significant amounts through the game, he made the life-changing decision to leave his job and dedicate himself entirely to poker.

Achievements and Charitable Contributions

Greenstein began participating in major poker tournaments in the 1990s, but it was in the 2000s when he achieved his greatest victories. Today, Barry is recognized as one of the few players with an impressive list of accomplishments at the poker tables. He has reached the final tables of the WSOP thirteen times and secured substantial winnings in over thirty events. Greenstein holds three WSOP bracelets and has emerged victorious in three WPT tournaments.

However, what sets Greenstein apart is his philanthropic spirit. He has donated all of his winnings to charitable causes, particularly supporting the organization 'Children Incorporated'. His generosity has made him highly regarded in the poker community, not only for his exceptional playing skills but also for his extensive contributions to society.

Mentoring and Contributions to the Poker Community

Besides his charitable endeavors, Greenstein is known for mentoring and teaching several young poker players. One notable mentee is his adopted son Joe Sebok, with whom he co-founded PokerRoad, a website dedicated to poker enthusiasts. Another student of Greenstein is Mimi Tran, who taught him Vietnamese in exchange for poker lessons.

Moreover, Barry's book, 'Ace on the River: An Advanced Poker Guide', published in 2005, has been influential in shaping the strategies of numerous successful players. Tuan Le, the champion of the 3rd season of WPT, credits Greenstein as his poker mentor. Online, Greenstein goes by the pseudonym 'barryg1' and is an active member of Team Pokerstars Pro.

Hall of Fame and Personal Life

In 2011, Greenstein was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame, solidifying his status as a poker legend. He is often referred to as the 'Robin Hood of Poker' due to his philanthropic endeavors. As of 2011, his total tournament winnings amounted to $7,500,000. Greenstein currently resides in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, with his wife and their two biological children and four adopted children.