Dan Harrington is a professional poker player with quite an impressive resume. Though he has racked up a significant number of wins, he is not what most would consider a poker “character.” He doesn’t talk loud, doesn’t really wear funny clothes or do anything to “stick out.” He is a bit of throwback, a ‘talk soft, carry a big stick’ kid of guy.
Harrington won his first WSOP (World Series of Poker) Main Event in the mid 1990’s (1995). For those unfamiliar with the organization, the WSOP is one of the most prestigious poker franchises in the world. Winning the Main Event solidifies ones place in poker history, even if it is their only major win.
Though 1995 was his first Main Event win, it wasn’t his first time getting close. He made it to the final table one time prior to 1995 and two times afterward. In 1987 he finished in 17th place, 3rd in 2003 and 4th in 2004. The WSOP is not the only place Harrington has had success. In 2007, he was the winner of the World Poker Tour (WPT) Legends of Poker.
Along with his excellent play on the felt, Dan has also written several great books on poker. Each one of them has been well received by poker insiders. Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1945, Harrington is one of the game’s oldest, premiere poker players.
Even though Harrington has become an excellent poker player, the game wasn’t his first love. Chess was. He actually excelled at it. He would become a state champion in both New Jersey and Massachusetts. Though he reportedly enjoyed the game, there just wasn’t enough money in it for him. It appears that he made the right choice. Harrington has racked up an impressive $6.5 million in tournament wins.
Fun Fact: Dan Harrington once played poker with Paul Allen and Bill Gates (yes, that Paul Allen and Bill Gates!).