Dan Harrington

Dan Harrington is an American professional poker player from Santa Monica, California, with over $6.6 million in live tournament earnings. His best live cash of $1,635,365 came when he finished in 1st place at the Legends of Poker in August 2007. Dan earned the nickname “Action Dan” due to his tight-aggressive style of play. Dan holds two WSOP bracelets: both won at the 26th World Series of Poker in May 1995. He is also a member of the Poker Hall of Fame.

Dan Harrington: Early life

Dan Harrington was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on December 6th, 1945. Both of his parents were born in Ireland. Growing up, he developed a passion for strategic games, becoming a state chess champion and excelling at backgammon. His journey into the world of poker began at Suffolk University, where he first learned the game. He often made his way to Harvard to challenge notable players like Bill Gates and Paul Allen, sharpening his skills along the way.

While he immersed himself in poker, Harrington also focused on his education, eventually earning a degree in government and history. After graduating, he worked as a bankruptcy lawyer, which provided him with financial security outside the poker scene. Despite being nicknamed “Action Dan,” a nod to his reputation for a tight-aggressive playing style, he has always approached the game with a thoughtful strategy. His signature Boston Red Sox cap is a familiar sight at the tables, a symbol of his Boston roots.

In addition to being a skilled poker player, Dan Harrington is also a published author. He has written or co-authored seven books on Texas Hold’em, including three best-selling strategy guides.

Dan Harrington: Live Tournament Participation

Dan Harrington’s poker career features several key tournaments and cashes. To begin with, in January 1986, he entered a $2,500 No Limit Hold’em event at the Grand Prix of Poker in Las Vegas, finishing 4th and earning $13,050.

Years after, in May 1995, he won the $10,000 No Limit Hold’em World Championship at the 26th World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, taking home $1,000,000 for 1st place.

In addition, in May 2003, Harrington placed 3rd in the $10,000 World Championship Event at the 34th World Series of Poker, cashing $650,000.

Moreover, in May 2004, he again demonstrated his skill by finishing 4th in the $10,000 World Championship Event at the 35th World Series of Poker, earning $1,500,000.

Later, in October 2005, he competed in the $10,000 + $200 No Limit Hold’em event at the 2nd Annual Doyle Brunson North American Poker Championship at Bellagio’s Festa Al Lago IV in Las Vegas, where he finished 2nd and cashed $620,730.

Furthermore, in August 2007, Harrington won the $9,500 + $200 No Limit Hold’em Championship Event at the Legends of Poker in Los Angeles, earning $1,635,365.

Most recently, in June 2024, he participated in the $1,000 No Limit Hold’em Super Seniors event at the 55th World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, where he finished 346th and cashed $2,001.

Conclusion

Dan Harrington, known as “Action Dan,” has made a significant mark in the poker world with over $6.6 million in tournament earnings and two WSOP bracelets. His strategic, tight-aggressive style, honed from a background in chess and law, has led to impressive finishes in major events, including a $1 million win at the 1995 WSOP. A published author on poker strategy, Harrington continues to be a respected figure in the game, demonstrating his enduring skill and passion for poker.