Barry Shulman, the publisher of Card Player Magazine, has played a pivotal role in the mainstream acceptance and growth of professional poker. Beyond his successful career in real estate development, Shulman’s passion for poker and the business of magazine publishing have been driving forces in his life.
A Driven Entrepreneur
Barry Shulman is renowned for his strong work ethic and drive. He confesses, “I wasn’t psychologically suited not to be working very hard.” His fascination with poker and the business aspects of Card Player Magazine propelled him to new heights in the industry.
Card Player Magazine’s Ascension
Under Barry Shulman’s guidance, Card Player Magazine has flourished, boasting 126 pages per issue and a circulation nearing 50,000. Shulman takes pride in the magazine’s achievements, claiming the top spot as the premier print media outlet in the poker world. He anticipates that mainstream publishers will soon venture into the poker magazine market, which motivates Card Player to maintain its appeal to a broader readership by enhancing its content quality and visual appeal.
A Family Affair
Barry’s son, Jeff Shulman, a respected poker player himself, manages the daily operations of Card Player Magazine while Barry increasingly dedicates his efforts to the magazine’s website, CardPlayer.com. What began as a single-page website has evolved into a comprehensive online hub for poker enthusiasts. Barry proudly notes that CardPlayer.com now attracts over 10,000 daily visitors, a significant leap from its early days.
Poker’s Rising Reputation
Barry Shulman acknowledges the positive transformations in the poker landscape, particularly the game’s growing reputation due to televised tournaments. Card Player Magazine played a role in shaping this evolution, emphasizing a more welcoming and health-conscious poker environment. The magazine’s stance on issues like smoking and negativity reflects its commitment to being a responsible influence in the poker community.
Businessman First, Poker Player Second
Despite participating in 50 to 100 tournaments annually, including prestigious events like the World Series of Poker and World Poker Tour, Barry Shulman doesn’t label himself a professional poker player. Instead, he sees himself as a businessman who happens to enjoy playing poker. His multifaceted career reflects his dedication to both the business and poker worlds.
Barry Shulman’s journey is a testament to the enduring appeal of poker and its integration into mainstream culture. As he continues to influence the poker media landscape, his impact on the industry remains a prominent feature of his legacy.