Barry Greenstein
There are many ways to define a poker champion. You can
look at the number of tournaments he has won. You can look at the amount of
money he has earned in his career. You can look at the number of World Series
of Poker bracelets he has to his credit. Under any of these definitions, Barry
Greenstein fits the definition.
Since he started playing poker for a living, Greenstein has won untold
millions playing in cash games and tournaments. The one-time software designer
realized many years ago that he could make more money playing cards than he
could in the software industry. After leaving software company Symantec,
Greenstein rose through the poker world to become one of its most well-known
players.
Greenstein is among the top money-winners on the World Poker Tour circuit.
With more than 11 cashes, four final tables, and two first place finishes on
the WPT circuit, Greenstein has won more than $1.7 million. Greenstein's two
first place titles came at the 2005 World Poker Open in Tunica, MS and at the
2006 WPT Invitational.
His winnings extend beyond the World Poker Tour. Greenstein has won two World
Series of Poker event bracelets and has cashed in more than 20 WSOP events.
What's more, Greenstein is a top cash game player and plays in the biggest
side games anywhere in the world.
With all of the money Greenstein has earned in his career, one could be
justified in wondering what the poker player does with all his money. The
answer is simple enough: he gives a lot of it away.
Known as the "Robin Hood" of poker, Greenstein has developed a much-deserved
reputation as one of poker's most prolific philanthropists. While he still
makes a good living playing in cash games, Greenstein makes it a habit to
donate 100% of his net tournament winnings to a variety of charities. The
biggest beneficiary of Greenstein's giving has been
Children Incorporated,
a charity that provides for more than 15,000 children in 21 countries.
Greenstein is also the author of the celebrated book "Ace on the River." If
you are fortunate enough to knock Greenstein out of a live poker tournament,
there is a good chance he'll sign one of his books for you on the spot.
