Barry Greenstein is also called the Robin Hood of Poker. He has a very long poker career, and has been playing the game since the 70's, winning many games but he became famous only in 2003. What is remarkable about him is that he doesn't keep the money he wins; he donates it all to charity, and that's where he got his nickname.
His Childhood
His childhood was normal and happy. A loving mother and a loving father, who sustained him in everything he does especially in poker. His father was a good poker player so he thought him what he knew about the game. He used to play the game with his parents almost every night, and by the time he was 13 he managed to beat them and win 30 - 50 dollars per night. Barry knew since he was a child that this is what he wants to become: a poker player.
The Programmer
When he was only 15 Barry developed his own software. He received a Bachelor degree at the University of Illinois. After the graduation he continued playing poker and he started working on his PhD thesis.
In 1985 he became one of the first employees at the firm that is now known as Symantec, the firm that developed Norton Antivirus. The salary wasn't very big, he could have make much more from playing poker, but he loved the job and he continued working there, playing poker, and working on his PhD.
The Charity Contributor
He wanted to teach his children about helping other people so he bought clothes for donation. He then contacted Children, Inc, an organization which helps children. The children are helped by coordinators who manage the charity money, but they are also poor.
In 2003 at Hustler Casino at the Stud events, Barry won $1million, and he decided to donate to each of the Children, Inc employees $1000. He sent the money in different parts of the world, and there were places where the money couldn't be received through check, but Barry managed to send them the money. The money was very important for that people and he received very many letters of gratitude.
On his site can be seen all the organization Barry has helped. He says he wants to give his money to children not to poker players.
The Gambler
He makes big money at the table, by playing a very aggressive style, even if he is a very shy person. He likes to mix the games, saying is a strategy he is comfortable with but his opponents aren't.
