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Daniel Negreanu, Nickname:
"Kidpoker"
Birth Place: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Favorite Food:
Pasta, no sweets, no fried foods, no sodas
Favorite Music:
Bob Marley and often listen to the sounds of the ocean and birds chirping
Hobbies:
Hockey, Fantasy, Comedy, Impressions, Writing, and Golfing |
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How I Started Playing Poker:
In his younger days, he aspired to be a pool player, but moved on to poker. He dropped out of high school and became a rounder looking for illegal games in his area. When he became 21 he moved to Las Vegas to play poker professionally.
Birthday:
July 26th
Daniel Negreanu is one of the most recognizable faces in the game of
poker. He is extraordinarily well-respected and well-liked by all who
know him. He works hard, grants interviews to almost every news outlet
that puts in a request, and he spends a great deal of time with his
family and friends. Others describe him as funny, dedicated, generous,
insightful, and extremely passionate about poker. He has won more
tournaments and been bestowed with more awards than he can immediately
recollect.
And this young, spirited thirty-year old man goes by the name 'Kid Poker'. The propensity for Daniel Negreanu to achieve great things is in his genes. He'll be the first to talk about his 'perfect parents' and how much they contributed to his achievements. From his parents' efforts to provide the best opportunities for their two sons in North America to their own personal successes, Constantin and Ann Negreanu set an example for Daniel that he was compelled to follow. Moving from Romania to Canada, Daniel's parents wanted to leave the hardships of their Communist homeland and make a better life for their children in America, though they ended up settling in Canada where they found steady work and affordable living. They made a modest but loving home for their two sons in Toronto, ensuring that they received healthy meals and a good education. For good measure, they added an abundance of support and encouragement that would allow the Negreanu boys to pursue their dreams. At the impressionable age of sixteen, Daniel found that he had a knack for sports betting, pool hustling, and eventually poker. Craving the competition and watching the money being exchanged at the basement games around town, he let himself be drawn into the world of poker. He then brought his growing interest to high school, where he challenged fellow students to cash games. Within a relatively short period of time, he began acquiring the skills to beat those students, as well as the adults he played in back room games. Though his parents were a bit apprehensive about his newfound occupation, they realized that Daniel had an income and a passion for poker. Constantin and Ann watched him leave for Las Vegas when he turned 21, return to Toronto when his winnings tapered, build his bankroll again in Canadian card rooms and private games, then travel to Vegas again. At the age of 22, a series of life-changing occurrences took place. One that affected him deeply and remains a somber memory was the death of his father, which came in the spring of 1996. Almost in direct contrast with this great loss, or possibly because of it, something clicked for Daniel. He came to the realization that he was truly taken with the game of poker, so much so that he was prepared to permanently leave his home in pursuit of it. He set out to make a serious living by playing poker with the cautious blessing of his mother, and the story of Daniel Negreanu's life kept getting better from there. He began his winning ways in 1997 with three tournament victories, the most prestigious being the World Poker Finals at Foxwoods where Daniel was named the best all-around player. He also won the Heavenly Hold 'Em tournament at Commerce Casino in Los Angeles. Those wins created a substantial bankroll and validated his decision to pursue a poker as a full-time career. One year later, Daniel entered the World Series of Poker and won the $2,000 Pot Limit Hold 'Em event to earn his first winner's bracelet, a $20,000 prize and the title 'youngest WSOP champion' at the age of 23 (a designation that he held proudly until 2004 when Gavin Griffin secured the title). Daniel's winnings continued at an accelerated yet steady rate of speed. Along with the WSOP bracelet in 1998, he won three other tournaments, including the California State Poker Championship. The following year, he claimed that honor again, combining it with four other wins, including the distinguished United States Poker Championship. 'Kid Poker' was not only gaining notoriety and respect on the tournament circuit, he was also on the road proving that his poker skills were quite diverse, his ability to read other players was uncanny, and that he was a force to be reckoned with at any poker table. All the while, befriending his opponents, charming poker fans, and catching the favorable eye of every gaming journalist. Daniel's ever-growing bankroll and accomplished tournament play were the strong suits, so to speak, of his public image. His private struggles, however, were escalating and becoming a potential obstacle to his career. As evidenced by his lack of significant tournament wins in 2000, Daniel was experiencing some difficulties. When asked, candid answers are given about his personal conflicts that included loneliness, excessive drinking, and careless money management. While nothing too grim or scandalous occurred during this period in his life, it was a learning experience that changed him. Learning from his own mistakes is something to which Daniel proudly admits. And 2001 was a year that proved his point. Four tournament wins in four different categories ' Stud Eight or Better, No Limit Hold ?Em, Seven Card Stud, and Omaha Eight or Better ' reestablished him as a winning poker player who was more prepared and focused than ever. That intensity carried over to 2002 when he captured eight titles. Daniel's relationship with the World Poker Tour started in 2003 when he began dominating tournaments. Not only did he secure almost $1 million in the television show's second season, he incorporated himself into the fabric of the show. By demonstrating skill, class, and a passion for poker, he quickly became one of the fans' favorite players to see at a final table. He was even asked to sit in for Vince Van Patten as a commentator with Mike Sexton during a Hollywood Home Game, where his analysis of the game and entertaining dialogue with Mike made him an instant hit. And it seems that Daniel can't be stopped. Winning over $3 million during WPT's third season he was crowned 'Player of the Year'. In addition to continuing to earn one tournament win after another, he has become involved in an online poker venture, the management of his own website where he writes a journal for his fans, and the development and promotion of a video poker game. Moreover, he signed a contract to be the ambassador of the poker room at the new Wynn Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Besides the constantly maturing and advancing career of this amazing poker player, his personal life has grown in ways that simply make Daniel grin from ear to ear. Solid friendships with fellow players, his mother as his biggest fan, his fianc饒s support and love, and the companionship of an energetic puppy combine to make one happy Kid Poker. And there is no end in sight to Daniel Negreanu's personal and professional success. Amarillo Slim Carlos Mortenson Doyle Brunson Gus Hanson Huck Seed |
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