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Sasha Barrese (born Alexandra Barrese) is an American actress and professional poker player. Best known worldwide for her role as “Tracy Billings” in The Hangover trilogy, she has successfully transitioned from the big screen to the felt, becoming a respected grinder in the Las Vegas tournament circuit.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
According to The Hendon Mob, Sasha Barrese has accumulated over $120,000 in total live earnings. Her consistent play has placed her 93rd on the “Celebrities All Time Money List,” ranking her alongside other famous enthusiasts like Steve Davis.
Her career-best live cash occurred at the World Poker Tour (WPT) Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown in 2014. She navigated a massive championship field to finish in 22nd place, earning $25,372 and proving she could compete deep in major events against top pros.
She also holds a significant cash from the WPT Choctaw Main Event, where she finished 46th for $14,703. While she has yet to capture a WSOP bracelet, she has recorded multiple cashes at the World Series of Poker, including runs in the “Millionaire Maker” and various No Limit Hold’em side events.
Biography & Poker Background
Born in Maui, Hawaii, and raised in Paris and the United States, Barrese had a successful acting career with roles in The Hangover, Let Me In, and American Pie before shifting her focus to poker.
Her affinity for strategy games began in childhood; she grew up playing chess, backgammon, and gin rummy, citing her Russian heritage as a driving force behind her love for intellectual games. She announced her intention to turn professional in 2014 and has since become a regular face in Las Vegas card rooms, particularly at the Wynn and WSOP events.
She currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, allowing her to balance motherhood with a semi-professional poker schedule.
Play Style & Strategy
Barrese is often described as a tight-aggressive player who relies on a solid fundamental understanding of the game rather than “celebrity gamble.” Her background in chess suggests a strategic, mathematical approach to tournament poker. Director Todd Phillips famously noted her skill on the set of The Hangover, describing her as one of the best players among the cast.
