Daniel Negreanu

Toronto-native Daniel Negreanu is arguably the most successful poker tournament player in history. His passion for poker and his knack for reading the reactions of others have landed him atop the highly competitive world of professional poker. Otherwise known as "Kid Poker," Negreanu is a light-hearted, popular player, respected for always telling it like it is and dominating the various styles of poker he loves to play.

His many professional accolades include being named the 2004 CardPlayer Magazine Player of the Year, 2004 Champion Player of the Year, 2004 ESPN Player of the Year, and 2004-2005 World Poker Tour (WPT) Player of the Year.

Born July 26th, 1974, Negreanu discovered he had a gift for betting, pool, and poker at an early age. His parents, Annie and Constantin, moved from Romania in 1967 and always encouraged their two sons to chase their dreams. Heeding this advice, Negreanu left high school one credit short of graduation and sought out poker games where he built his bankroll by regularly beating adults twice his age.

At 21, Negreanu moved to Las Vegas to pursue professional poker full-time. "The Strip" provided stiff competition, and shortly after moving, Negreanu was dealt several defeats that forced him to return to Toronto and re-establish his bankroll. In 1997, Negreanu's luck changed at the World Poker Finals at Foxwoods where he was named the tournament's best all-around player. In 1998, he earned the title of World Series of Poker (WSOP) "youngest WSOP champion," a designation he held until 2004. That same year, "Kid Poker" made 11 final tournament tables, won two World Poker Tour events, and won his third World Series of Poker bracelet in Limit Hold'em. Last year alone, his total winnings topped $4.4 million dollars.

Consistently winning since the age of 23, Negreanu exudes the confidence of a new generation of poker players, who were raised on video games, the Internet and MTV and are committed to poker as a sporting competition. Negreanu is one of the most highly visible young poker stars, appearing regularly on the Fox Sports Network and ESPN, and offering his expertise as a poker author in Super System 2 and poker columnist in CardPlayer Magazine. Aside from cards, Negreanu's other passions lay with hockey, comedy, writing, and golf.

Negreanu has a fun-loving and social style, and embraces poker's new image as a clean, competitive sport in the company of friends. He is a leading voice within the upcoming generation of pro poker players.

Negreanu currently lives with his wife in Las Vegas where he plays in some of the biggest cash games in the world.