- Is a former United States Army Paratrooper.
- WSOP Bracelet winner.
- In 2006, he donated $560,000 to the Special Olympics, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis, Children Inc., Wounded Warrior Project, Ohio State University, and other charities.
- Graduated from Ohio State University where he earned a degree in Public Recreation.
- Inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2008 for both his accomplishments in the poker and his "lifetime of stewardship of the game.".
- Taught classes on Contact Bridge and Ballroom Dancing.
- In 2017 he was named a recipient of the WPT Honors, the organization's highest distinction awarded to the most vibrant and vital members of the poker industry, in celebration and appreciation of his exceptional contributions to the World Poker Tour and the poker community as a whole.
- Parents were ballroom dance teachers.
- As a teenager had a paper route for the Dayton Jones Herald.
- Earned a gymnastics scholarship to Ohio State University.
- Brother Tom also died of prostate cancer.
- Wrote two books, Life's A Gamble and Shuffle Up & Deal: The Ultimate No Limit Texas Hold 'Em Guide.
- Was chairman of PartyPoker.com, an online gaming platform.
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content