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May
/ June 2006:
Poker
Pro: Barry Greenstein
As the "Robin Hood
of Poker" he's made a name as much for his charitable
work as for his play, but never underestimate him. Greenstein
is one of the best in the game.
by Bradford R. Pilcher
Barry Greenstein was already well-off financially. He had worked to build up Symantec into one of the biggest computer software companies in the country, then retired at the age of 36. In fact, he'd taken the computer job as a detour away from poker. A certifiable computer whiz kid, he met and fell in love with a woman who already had three children. In order to get custody, he needed a "respectable" job.
When his wife developed multiple sclerosis and liver problems, necessitating a transplant, he left Symantec so he could have the time and freedom to help in her care. Nevertheless, some years later, when Barry and his wife got a divorce, he offered her everything he had; All he wanted was custody of their children (which he got).
Having gained financial security through his work at Symantec and his exceptional poker skills, Greenstein made a decision. He began to donate every cent of his poker tournament winnings to charity, and those winnings were not small. Aptly nicknamed "The Robin Hood of Poker," Greenstein proceeded to tear up the tournament circuit. He has to date won more than $4.5 million, all of it being donated to charities included Children, Inc. (which provides food, medical and other supplies to children in 21 nations), March of Dimes, Guyana Watch, and various educational initiatives.
His reputation for charity extends beyond monetary giving. He helped teach Mimi Tran to play poker in exchange for her teaching him to speak Vietnamese. He's also authored a book on poker remains one of the most respected "gentlemen" of the poker world.
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