Barry Greenstein Net Worth: How Much Is 'Robin Hood' Worth?

(Featured image: courtesy of WPT)

There are too many professional poker players worldwide and it’s hard to keep your name on top of the list.

But for Barry Greenstein, this came as a prize for being one of the best players of all time, even earning him a spot in the Poker Hall of Fame.

For the duration of his entire poker career, he managed to get 3 WSOP bracelets and 2 WPT championships.

Not only is he an outstanding player, but he is also a philanthropist which gained him more fans than other bigger stars.

Let’s uncover the story behind Barry Greenstein net worth and how his poker winnings and generosity have combined to define his legacy.

Full Name: Barry Greenstein
DOB: December 30, 1954
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois
Profession: Pro poker player, author, philanthropist
Spouse: N/A
WSOP Bracelets: 3
Net Worth and Career Earnings: $10+ Million

Disclaimer: Only Barry knows his actual net worth. We can only estimate based on publicly available sources and the usual stakes he plays.

Who Is Barry Greenstein? (Bio)

First things first, who is Barry Greenstein?

Born on December 30, 1954, in Chicago, Illinois, the “Robin Hood” grew up in a close-knit, comfortable household as the third of four children, with two older sisters and a younger brother.

From a young age, Barry was immersed in an environment that valued games and intellect. His father introduced him to poker at just four years old.

With the training done by his father coupled with his sharp intellect, it was almost inevitable that he’d end up in the game.

While other children played with toys, Barry was already being taught strategic thinking through card games.

Being academically gifted, he skipped a grade in school and nearly skipped another, but his father declined to preserve his son’s social development.

He originally set his sights on academics and even worked in software development while pursuing a PhD but, poker kept calling him back. Over time, it became clear where his real passion lay.

Aside from making waves at high-stakes tables, he also became known as a philanthropist. He donates a significant portion of his winnings to charity, which earned him the nickname: The Robin Hood of Poker.

Before diving fully into poker, Barry married Donna, who had three children from a previous relationship. They had two children together, but divorced in the early 1990s.

Following the separation, Barry took full custody of all the children, balancing his role as a parent with his growing poker career.

After a certain amount of time, Robin Hood played a key role in mentoring fellow poker player Mimi Tran, with whom he had a romantic relationship after his divorce.

He taught her poker while she taught him Vietnamese, and encouraged her to enter tournaments. Since his relationship with Mimi Tran, there have been no publicly known romantic relationships, and he is currently believed to be single.

Barry Greenstein Net Worth 2025

Now…

Let’s talk about Barry Greenstein net worth, keeping in mind that only he himself could provide the exact figure.

As for our analysis, it is a reasonable estimate based on publicly available sources, like his tournament winnings, private high stakes cash games, and various business ventures.

So, how much is Barry Greenstein worth?

His net worth is widely estimated to be over $10 million. A big chunk of that comes from his recorded live tournament earnings, which have surpassed $8.5 million.

But that’s just part of the story. Barry also played in high-stakes cash games, many of them off-camera, where the real money often flows quietly.

On top of that, he earned royalties from his book, Ace on the River, and had a solid income from his earlier career as a software developer before going full-time in poker.

The Robin Hood of Poker

If I could pinpoint what put Barry Greenstein on the map, it would be his 2005 victory at the World Poker Tour’s 5th Annual Jack Binion World Poker Open, where he took home over $1.2 million.

That win announced him as a serious force in the poker world. Not long after, he followed it up with another big win at the 2007 WSOP, earning nearly $489,000.

But the truth is, Barry’s legacy goes far beyond tournament cashes.

He’s best known (and loved) for how he uses his winnings.

Nicknamed the “Robin Hood of Poker,” he donates much of his prize money to charity, focusing largely on child development programs.

One of his main beneficiaries is Children Incorporated, an organization supporting about 15,000 children across 21 countries.

He’s also given back locally, funding new computer labs at his old high school, helping upgrade their technology to better serve future students.

In one interview, he explains why he chooses to give most of his winnings to charity. You can check it out below:

Barry doesn’t seek attention or headlines for his giving. It’s a consistent part of his life that has already exceeded $5 million donated to over 14 organizations and causes.

Beyond money, he’s invested time mentoring younger players and sharing his insights in Ace on the River, a poker strategy book that also explores the psychological and ethical sides of the game.

He’s even known to give a signed copy to players who eliminate him, treating every game as a chance to teach.

Robin Hood didn’t get where he is by standing still. As poker changed fast around him, he learned new strategies and kept up with the game instead of relying on past glory.

He’s had his share of tough times, both personally and financially, but he keeps playing simply because he enjoys it. And that is a legacy to remember.

Poker Career Highlights

Barry Greenstein learned to hustle card games as a kid, making $50 a night by age 12. He left his tech job at Symantec when he was 36 to focus on poker full-time.

After practicing at the Cameo Club, he entered his first major tournament at the 1992 WSOP Main Event and finished 22nd for $8,080. From these early steps, Barry quickly built a remarkable career.

Here are some of his most defining poker accomplishments:

Authored “Ace on the River,” an advanced poker strategy guide.
Won three WSOP bracelets across different poker game variants.
Inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2011 for his poker contributions.
Cashed in over 100 WSOP and other major events throughout his career.
Donates his winnings to various charities, hence the Robin Hood nickname.
Two WPT titles including the Jack Binion World Poker Open for over $1.2M.
Dominated Larry Flynt’s Million Dollar Seven-Card Stud game, taking first place and $770,000 in prize money.

Greenstein proved that poker could be both profitable and purposeful, earning millions and giving away millions, as well.

His elite play and charitable giving truly set him apart from other professionals of his era. (By the way, Bill Klein is a huge philanthropist as well.)

Top 5 Tournament Winnings

Building on his impressive tournament foundation, Greenstein secured some truly massive scores throughout his career.

Here are his top 5 tournament cashes that define his legacy in competitive poker:

1st Place 2004 Jack Binion World Poker Open

This remains his biggest tournament win yet and marked the peak of his competitive career.

Greenstein faced Randy Jensen in the heads-up finale, with Jensen ultimately finishing second for $656,460. The victory represented his first WPT title.

The win came during the WPT’s explosive early years when the television coverage was bringing poker into mainstream consciousness.

Greenstein’s composed play and strategic brilliance throughout the final table demonstrated why he earned respect from both peers and fans.

The victory also provided him with the financial resources to continue his charitable donations, staying true to his “Robin Hood” reputation even after his biggest score.

Other Notable Tournament Cashes:

1st Place Larry Flynt’s Poker Challenge Cup – $1,000,000
6th Place 2009 39th Annual World Series of Poker – $355,200
4th Place 2007 North American Poker Championship WPT – $306,388
1st Place 2004 35th Annual World Series of Poker – $296,200

Aside from tournaments, he’s a monster on cash games, as well.

You also likely saw him on many televised cash games in the past, including the Big Game, hosted by Amanda Leatherman.

To see Robin Hood in action, you can watch the video on his top 4 biggest cash game pots below:

All in all, on Big Game, he’s played with very well known names like Daniel Negreanu, Phill Hellmuth, Phil Laak, Antonio Esfandiari, Doyle Brunson, Phil Ivey, David Williams, Scott Seiver, and so forth.

Next, let’s move on to his life beyond the felt.

Lifestyle, Sponsorships & Side Ventures

Away from the felt, Barry Greenstein has maintained a relatively private life focused on family and strategic business interests.

But here’s what we know on his life outside poker:

Innovations

Greenstein worked at Symantec from 1984 to 1991, where he developed the Q&A database and word processing program that became a major success in 1986.

The software was widely featured in tech magazines and remains one of his notable achievements outside of poker.

His experience at Symantec also gave him valuable insights into technology investments, which have appreciated considerably over time.

Despite his millions, Greenstein maintains a relatively modest lifestyle compared to many high-profile poker players.

He has been open about prioritizing financial security over flashy spending, which contributes to his ongoing success both at and away from the poker tables.

Sponsorships

Between 2008 and 2012, Barry played online as “barryg1” and was sponsored by PokerStars during the height of online poker.

The deal brought in extra income and helped him reach more players, but Barry didn’t turn it into a marketing gig. He kept his focus on playing solid poker and supporting his charities.

Personal Life

Barry Greenstein has been married and is a father to two biological children, as well as having adopted four stepchildren.

Family has always been a central motivation in his life, influencing both his poker career and his charitable efforts. He is notably private about his personal life, rarely discussing family matters publicly or on social media.

Though he pursued advanced studies in mathematics, he never completed his PhD. Nevertheless, his strong analytical background continues to shape his approach to poker and other aspects in life.

FAQs About The Robin Hood of Poker

How did Barry Greenstein make his money?

The poker star made his money through a combination of professional poker winnings and his early career in technology.

He worked at Symantec from 1984 to 1991 as a software developer where he helped create the successful Q&A program.

After leaving Symantec at age 36, he transitioned to professional poker and has earned over $8.6 million in tournament winnings throughout his career, plus additional income from cash games and strategic investments.

How many WSOP bracelets does Barry Greenstein have?

Barry Greenstein has won three WSOP bracelets during his career. His victories came in different poker variants, highlighting his versatility as a player.

He won his first bracelet in 1993, followed by another in 2004, and his third in 2007, demonstrating consistent success across a range of games over more than a decade.

What is Barry Greenstein’s book?

Barry Greenstein authored “Ace on the River” in 2005, an advanced poker strategy guide that became essential reading for serious players.

The book covers both technical poker concepts and the mental aspects of professional play, drawing from his extensive experience in high-stakes games.

Where is Barry Greenstein now?

He currently resides in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. As of 2025, Barry Greenstein continues to be active in the poker community.

His most recent tournament cash was a 47th-place finish in the $1,500 Big O event at the 2025 World Series of Poker, earning him $6,941.

Barry Greenstein Poker Net Worth (Wrap Up)

Let’s face it…

Barry “Robin Hood” Greenstein built a remarkable poker career that spans over three decades, transitioning from tech professional to poker legend.

His career shows that aside from the cards you play, how you use that success off the table also matters.

He’s managed to balance a long-lasting competitive presence with a commitment to giving back, setting an example in a game often focused solely on winning money.

While he may no longer be in the spotlight as much as before, you can still feel his impact on the poker community and beyond.

Barry Greenstein Net Worth: How Much Is ‘Robin Hood’ Worth?