Daniel Negreanu

Daniel Negreanu was born on July 26, 1974, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to Romanian immigrant parents. Growing up in a working-class neighborhood, he developed a passion for gambling early, often playing pool and cards for money. He dropped out of high school to pursue poker full-time, moving to Las Vegas at age 21 with big dreams and limited bankroll.

Negreanu's breakthrough came in 1998 when he won a WSOP bracelet at age 23, becoming the youngest bracelet winner at that time. His friendly demeanor and incredible ability to read opponents' hands earned him the nickname "Kid Poker." He went on to win WSOP Player of the Year twice (2004, 2013) and became the first player to surpass $30 million in live tournament earnings.

Negreanu is famous for his "small ball" strategy - playing many hands with small bets to see flops cheaply, then using superior post-flop play to outmaneuver opponents. His uncanny ability to put opponents on specific hands, often calling out their exact cards, has become legendary. He combines technical excellence with exceptional people skills and table talk.

Daniel Negreanu has been poker's greatest ambassador. His approachable personality and willingness to share strategy knowledge through blogs, vlogs, and MasterClass courses have made poker accessible to millions. He has been the face of major poker sites and has used his platform to advocate for players' rights and game integrity.

As one of the most recognized poker players in the world, Negreanu has helped shape modern poker's image. His consistent performance over 25+ years, multiple Player of the Year awards, and status as the all-time live tournament money winner (over $50 million) cement his place among the all-time greats. His influence extends beyond the tables through his educational content and media presence.