Barry Greenstein

Barry Greenstein, known as “Robin Hood,” is an American professional poker player and philanthropist born in Chicago, Illinois, currently living in Los Angeles, California. He has earned over $8.6 million in live tournament winnings, with his largest cash prize being $1,278,370 from winning the WPT title at The Fifth Annual Jack Binion World Poker Open in January 2004. Greenstein also holds a second WPT title from winning the WPT Invitational – No Limit Hold’em at the L.A. Poker Classic in February 2006.

He has won 3 WSOP bracelets achieved in 2004, 2005, and 2008. In 2011, he was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame.

Additionally, Greenstein appeared on High Stakes Poker and is the author of Ace on the River: An Advanced Poker Guide. He was also a previous member of Team PokerStars.

Barry Greenstein: Early Life

Born on December 30th, 1954, Barry holds a degree in Computer Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He began a PhD in Mathematics but did not complete his thesis. He then worked at Symantec from 1984 to 1991 before pursuing poker professionally.

Barry is known as the “Robin Hood” of poker due to his frequent donations of winnings to children’s charities. Another gesture involves him giving away signed copies of his book when he is eliminated from a tournament. Sales from his book allowed him to support various charitable causes.

Barry Greenstein’s Poker Journey on High Stakes Poker

Greenstein debuted in HSP Season 1 Episode 1 on January 16th, 2006. He participated in a $300/600 +$100 ANTE ($1.2K) No Limit Hold ’em game with Amir Nasseri, Daniel Negreanu, Doyle Brunson, and others. Greenstein ended the night down $34,900.

He returned to the tables on March 22nd, 2007 in HSP Season 5 Episode 4. Greenstein played with Eli Elezra, Tom Dwan, Peter Eastgate, and others in a $400/800 +$200 ANTE ($1.6K) No Limit Hold ’em game. He achieved his biggest win taking home $274,200.

In a subsequent appearance on April 8th, 2009, Barry experienced his biggest loss. He engaged in another $400/800 +$200 ANTE ($1.6K) No Limit Hold ’em game in HSP Season 5 Episode 6. Barry played with Illari Sahamies, David Benyamine, Peter Eastgate, and others. He lost $219,300.

His most recent appearance was in HSP Season 7 Episode 13 on May 15th, 2011. Greenstein competed in a $400/800 +$100 ANTE No Limit Hold ’em game with Phil Laak, Phil Galfond, Bill Klein, and others. At the end of the game, he collected $31,900.

Barry Greenstein: Live Tournament Participation

Barry Greenstein first appeared in a recorded live tournament in May 1992. He competed in a $10,000 No Limit Hold’em World Championship at the 23rd World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. He finished in 22nd place and earned $8,080.

Greenstein achieved his largest cash during The Fifth Annual Jack Binion World Poker Open in Tunica in January 2004. He won the $10,000 + 200 Main Event – No Limit Hold’em receiving a grand prize of $1,278,370.

In May 2004, Greenstein finished 1st place in a $5,000 No-Limit Deuce to Seven Draw event at the 35th WSOP in Las Vegas. He won $296,200 and received his first WSOP bracelet.

Continuing his success, Barry won bracelet number two in a $1,500 Pot Limit Omaha event at the 36th WSOP in Las Vegas. He added $128,505 to his live earnings.

During the 39th WSOP in Las Vegas in June 2008, Greenstein secured 1st place. He joined in a $1,500 Seven Card Razz event. He won $157,643 and obtained his third WSOP bracelet.

Most recently, Greenstein participated in a $3,000 Limit H.O.R.S.E. event at the 55th WSOP in Las Vegas in July 2024. He finished in 18th place and cashed for $8,042.

Other Notable Live Tournament Achievements

• March 2003: $125,000 + 2,000 Million Dollar Seven Card Stud Tournament at Larry Flynt’s Poker Challenge Cup in Gardena. Finished 1st place and won $770,000.
• June 2003: $500 + 40 No Limit Hold’em at California State Poker Championship in Los Angeles. Finished 1st place and won $100,815.
• April 2004: $2,500 + 100 No Limit Hold’em at WPT Championship in Las Vegas. Finished 1st place and won $215,969.
• February 2006: WPT Invitational – No Limit Hold’em at L.A. Poker Classic in Los Angeles. Finished 1st place and won $100,000.
• April 2008: €10,000 Stars of Poker – No Limit Hold’em at EPT Monte Carlo Grand Final in Monte Carlo. Finished 1st place and won $79,117.

Conclusion

Barry Greenstein is a prominent professional poker player and philanthropist known as “Robin Hood.” With over $8.6 million in live tournament earnings, his biggest win was $1,278,370 at the WPT The Fifth Annual Jack Binion World Poker Open in January 2004. Greenstein has also won three WSOP bracelets and was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2011. 

Additionally, he has appeared on High Stakes Poker and authored Ace on the River: An Advanced Poker Guide. He is renowned for his charitable donations to children’s causes.