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Barry Greenstein is an American professional poker player and a 2011 Poker Hall of Fame inductee. Known as the “Robin Hood of Poker” for his history of donating tournament winnings to charity, he is a legendary figure who bridged the gap between the software industry and high-stakes professional gambling.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
With total live tournament earnings of $8,636,366 (according to The Hendon Mob), Greenstein has established himself as one of the most successful all-around players in history. His career-best live score of $1,278,370 came from his victory in the 2004 WPT Fifth Annual Jack Binion World Poker Open. A three-time WSOP bracelet winner, he has secured titles in diverse disciplines including No-Limit Hold’em, Seven Card Stud, and Razz. Beyond tournaments, he has earned millions in the world’s most exclusive cash games, contributing to an estimated poker net worth of over $15 million.
Biography & Poker Background
Born in 1954 in Chicago, Illinois, Greenstein earned a PhD in mathematics and worked as a software engineer at Symantec before becoming a full-time professional player. He was a central figure in the early years of televised poker, appearing in nearly every season of High Stakes Poker and Poker After Dark. He is the author of the influential poker strategy book “Ace on the River,” which he famously gifts to players who eliminate him from tournaments. His transition from a successful Silicon Valley career to elite poker made him a role model for the analytical generation of players that followed.
Play Style & Strategy
Greenstein is recognized for a disciplined, mathematically grounded, and exceptionally calm play style. His strategy centers on deep-stack proficiency and an expert understanding of mixed games, where he is considered one of the world’s premier specialists. Unlike many of his more volatile peers, he is known for his steady emotional baseline and his ability to navigate marathon sessions in “The Big Game” at Bellagio. In 2026, he remains a respected voice in the community, often sharing his vast knowledge of game selection and bankroll management with the next generation of professionals.
Social Media & Online Presence
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