Brent “Buffalo” Hanks

Brent “Buffalo” Hanks is an American poker player and sports commentator, who has made a significant impact in both fields. Alongside Jeff Platt, he co-hosts the YouTube channel “No Gamble, No Future,” focusing on the intricacies of gambling. Also, he currently serves as the Director of Programming for PokerGO.

His poker career highlights include total live earnings of $1,959,884. Notably, he achieved his best live cash win of $517,725 on May 28, 2012, during the 43rd World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas. Hanks emerged victorious in the $1,500 No Limit Hold’em (Event #2).

Brent “Buffalo” Hanks: Early Life

He grew up in upstate New York, where his father introduced him to poker during weekend home games with friends. Even during his teenage years in high school, Brent’s father would bring him along and patiently teach him the rules.

After graduating from St. Bonaventure University in 2007 with a Master’s Degree in Elementary Literacy, Hanks embarked on a career in education, teaching fifth and sixth-grade math and social studies. Despite his passion for teaching, Hanks recognized the growing profitability of poker and the limitations he faced in his career. Determined to explore his potential in poker, he made a bold decision before the new school year: he resigned from his job at the elementary school.

Brent “Buffalo” Hanks: Family

Brent married Liz in 2013. They have three boys: Ryan, Andrew, and Jonathan. Brent loves spending time with his family. One of their favorite things to do together is watch the Buffalo Bills. On game days, Brent always has tasty food in the smoker for everyone to enjoy.

Brent “Buffalo” Hanks: Poker Career

Hanks began his tournament career on December 2nd, 2006, at the East Coast Poker Championships in Verona, United States. He made his mark with a 7th place finish in the $1,060 No Limit Hold’em – Finals event, earning $6,233.

His success continued on June 7th, 2008, at the 39th World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, where he finished 5th in the $2,500 No Limit Hold’em event, winning $178,327.

In a notable victory on February 11th, 2013, at the WSOP Circuit in Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, he clinched 1st place in the $365 No Limit Hold’em II event, adding $23,255 to his achievements.

On October 27th, 2017, at the Aria High Roller 76 in Las Vegas, Hanks secured 2nd place in the $26,000 No Limit Hold’em – High Roller event, pocketing $150,000.

Most recently, on June 2nd, 2024, Hanks competed in the World Series of Poker Online Bracelet Events (MI/NJ/NV) in the $400 No Limit Hold’em – PKO (Online Bracelet Event #2). Despite finishing 317th, he still managed to earn $424.

Brent “Buffalo” Hanks’ Poker Journey on Champions Poker Live

He made his debut in CPL Episode 2 on May 16th, 2023. He was seated with Daniel Cates, Phil Hellmuth, and others. They engaged in a $5/10/25 No Limit Hold ’em game. By the end of the game, he pocketed $759.

He returned during CPL Episode 69 on December 4th, 2023. He played with Kasey Lyn Mills, Mark Piatti, and others. They engaged in a $10/25 +$25BBA ($50) ($100) No Limit Hold ’em game. He gained $7,813 at the end of the game.