Jeff Shulman

Jeff Shulman is an American professional poker player from Las Vegas, Nevada. known by his nickname “Happy.” Before making a name for himself in poker, he worked as a real estate investor. His journey in the poker world gained significant momentum when he became the president and chief operating officer of Card Player Media LLC, where he oversees the magazine’s everyday operations. Under his leadership, Card Player magazine has become one of the most well-established and respected publications dedicated to poker.

Shulman’s poker career flourished as he participated in numerous tournaments. Notably, his best live cash came in July 2009, when he finished 5th place at the 40th World Series of Poker (WSOP), earning an impressive $1,953,452. during his career, he has accumulated over $3.5 million in live tournament earnings, solidifying his reputation in the poker community.

In addition, he is the son of Barry Shulman, the CEO of CardPlayer Magazine.

Jeff Shulman: Early Life

Jeff Shulman was born in 1975 in Seattle, Washington. He started playing poker in the third grade, honing his skills by playing with friends at summer camp and receiving valuable advice from his father, Barry Shulman. After attending the University of Washington, Jeff initially worked in land acquisition in Seattle. However, in the late 90s, his father, Barry Shulman, recruited him to help with the family business, CardPlayer magazine, in Las Vegas.

Upon moving to Las Vegas, Jeff played poker on the side while focusing on growing the magazine. Together, he and his father transformed CardPlayer from a niche publication into a leading media company in the poker industry in just a few years. During this time, Jeff gained recognition as a skilled poker player. Notably, he finished seventh in the 2000 World Series of Poker main event, an experience that was documented in James McManus’s book “Positively Fifth Street.” He also celebrated victories at the 2003 L.A. Poker Classic and the 2004 no-limit hold ’em event at the Plaza Ultimate Poker Challenge. Additionally, he was featured on Poker Superstars III on FSN.

While Jeff consistently cashed in major poker tournaments, his primary focus remained on expanding CardPlayer and contributing to its success.

Jeff Shulman: Live Tournament Participation

Jeff Shulman recorded his first live cash in February 2000, he entered a $100 Half Hold’em Half Omaha event at the Spring Pot of Gold in Reno, securing 8th place and taking home $386.

Then, in May 2000, he competed in the $10,000 World Championship No Limit Texas Hold’em at the 31st World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, finishing 7th and earning $146,700.

His accomplishments continued in April 2005 when he placed 12th in the $25,500 Main Event No Limit Hold’em Championship at the Third Annual Five-Star World Poker Classic in Las Vegas, which netted him $94,355.

Following this, in April 2007, he achieved 2nd place in a $2,500 + 120 No Limit Hold’em event at the Fifth Annual Five Star World Poker Classic, resulting in a payout of $122,465.

In April 2008, Shulman participated in the $25,500 No Limit Hold’em Championship Event at the World Poker Tour World Championship in Las Vegas, where he took 17th place and collected $105,525.

Furthermore, his most impressive achievement came in July 2009 when he finished 5th in the $10,000 World Championship No Limit Hold’em at the 40th World Series of Poker, earning a substantial $1,953,452.

In July 2024, he played in the $1,000 No Limit Hold’em – Super Turbo event at the 55th World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, where he ranked 230th and cashed $2,004.

Conclusion

Jeff Shulman has made a strong mark in the poker world by combining his love for the game with his role at Card Player Media. His impressive tournament winnings and strong finishes, especially at the World Series of Poker, show his talent and hard work.