Barry Greenstein, hailing from Chicago, Illinois, is not just a professional poker player but also a renowned philanthropist known as “The Robin Hood of Poker.” He has made significant contributions to both the poker world and charitable causes. With three World Series of Poker bracelets and two World Poker Tour titles under his belt, Greenstein has left an indelible mark on the poker community.
Background
Barry Greenstein’s poker journey began at a young age when he was introduced to cards by his father. While he initially enjoyed games like gin rummy and hearts, poker soon became a way for him to earn extra income during his formative years. After graduating from high school, Greenstein pursued a computer science degree at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He also embarked on a mathematics Ph.D. program, although he did not complete it. Instead, he moved to California and worked for Symantec. By the age of 36, he realized that poker could become his full-time profession.
Greenstein’s hard work and dedication to poker eventually paid off. In 2003, he achieved a significant milestone by winning the Larry Flynt’s Poker Challenge Cup, earning an impressive $1 million in prize money. Notably, he chose to donate a substantial portion of his winnings to charity, earning him the nickname “The Robin Hood of Poker.” This philanthropic spirit continues to define his poker career.
World Series of Poker
Barry Greenstein boasts three coveted World Series of Poker bracelets in his poker resume. In 2004, he secured his first WSOP bracelet in the No-Limit Deuce-to-Seven Lowball event, pocketing nearly $300,000 in prize money. In the following year, he clinched his second bracelet by winning the $1,500 Pot-Limit Omaha event, earning over $120,000. Greenstein’s third WSOP victory came in 2008 when he emerged victorious in the $1,500 Seven Card Razz tournament, adding nearly $160,000 to his cash winnings.
World Poker Tour
In 2004, Barry Greenstein triumphed in the Jack Binion World Poker Open WPT Event, capturing his first World Poker Tour title and a substantial prize of over $1.2 million. Two years later, he secured another WPT title by winning the L.A. Poker Classic No-Limit Hold’em Invitational event, adding $100,000 to his growing list of achievements.
European Poker Tour
While Greenstein has conquered the World Series of Poker and World Poker Tour, he aimed to complete the poker “Triple Crown” by achieving success in the European Poker Tour (EPT). Although he secured first place in an EPT tournament in 2008, he did not clinch the EPT championship. His victory came in the €10,000 Stars of Poker event at the EPT Grand Final in Monte Carlo, which earned him a €50,000 payday.
Other Achievements
Beyond WSOP and WPT successes, Barry Greenstein has achieved notable victories elsewhere. In 2003, he won the $125,000 Million Dollar Seven Card Stud Tournament at Larry Flynt’s Poker Challenge Cup, securing a hefty cash prize of $770,000. A year later, he claimed the top spot in the $2,500 No-Limit Hold’em tournament at the Bellagio Five-Star World Poker Classic, earning $215,969 in prize money. Greenstein is also recognized as a regular participant in the prestigious “Big Game” at the Bellagio, playing alongside legendary figures like Chip Reese, Doyle Brunson, Phil Ivey, and Chau Giang.
Barry Greenstein’s legacy in the world of poker extends far beyond his impressive tournament victories. His philanthropic endeavors, earning him the moniker “The Robin Hood of Poker,” underscore his commitment to making a positive impact. With a career marked by calculated play and analytical precision, Greenstein remains a revered figure in the poker community, both for his strategic prowess at the tables and his generous contributions to charitable causes.