Bryn Kenney is a name that resonates with anyone who follows the world of poker. He is one of the most accomplished and respected players in the history of the game, having won over $56 million in live tournament earnings, as well as countless online titles. He is also the founder and CEO of his own clothing brand, Bryn Kenney Apparel, and a philanthropist who supports various causes. But how did he get to where he is today? What are the secrets behind his success? And what are his plans for the future? In this article, we will explore the life and career of Bryn Kenney, from his humble beginnings to his current status as a poker legend.
Introduction
Who is Bryn Kenney?
Bryn Kenney is an American professional poker player who was born on November 1, 1986, in Long Beach, New York. He is widely regarded as one of the best players of all time, having achieved remarkable results in both live and online tournaments. He holds the record for the most money won in a single tournament, having earned $20.5 million for finishing second in the Triton Million event in 2019. He also ranks first on the all-time money list, ahead of legends like Daniel Negreanu, Phil Ivey, and Justin Bonomo. He has won three World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets, one World Poker Tour (WPT) title, and numerous other prestigious events. He is known for his aggressive and fearless style of play, as well as his charisma and confidence at the table.
The significance of Kenney in the world of poker
Bryn Kenney is not only a successful poker player, but also a influential figure in the poker industry. He has helped to popularize the game among new generations of players, especially through his online presence and social media platforms. He has also contributed to the development and innovation of poker strategies, having mastered various formats and variants of the game. He has inspired many aspiring poker players to pursue their dreams and goals, as he has proven that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. He has also used his fame and fortune to support various charitable causes, such as animal welfare, environmental protection, and education. He has shown that poker can be a positive force for good in the world.
Early Life
Birth and upbringing
Bryn Kenney was born on November 1, 1986, in Long Beach, New York. He grew up in a middle-class family with his parents and two brothers. His father was a stockbroker who taught him about finance and business from an early age. His mother was a homemaker who encouraged him to pursue his passions and hobbies. Bryn was a bright and curious child who excelled at school and sports. He attended Long Beach High School, where he was a star athlete in soccer, tennis, and hockey.
First introduction to card games
Bryn’s interest in card games began when he was around seven years old. He learned how to play Magic: The Gathering (MTG), a popular collectible card game that involves strategy and creativity. He became obsessed with the game and spent hours playing it with his friends and brothers. He also started to compete in local and regional tournaments, where he displayed his talent and potential. He won several prizes and trophies, as well as money that he used to buy more cards or save for his future.
Influences and inspirations
Bryn’s influences and inspirations came from various sources throughout his life. One of them was his father, who taught him about finance and business from an early age. Bryn learned how to manage his money wisely and invest it smartly. He also learned how to take calculated risks and deal with uncertainty. Another influence was his mother, who encouraged him to pursue his passions and hobbies. Bryn learned how to follow his instincts and express his personality. He also learned how to balance his work and leisure time. A third influence was his older brother Tyler, who introduced him to poker when he was 12 years old. Tyler taught him the basic rules and strategies of the game, as well as some tips and tricks. Bryn learned how to play poker for fun and profit. He also learned how to compete with other players and improve his skills.
Beginnings in Poker
First professional tournament
Bryn’s first professional poker tournament was the 2007 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event, the most prestigious and lucrative event in the poker world. He qualified for the tournament through an online satellite, paying only $109 for a chance to win millions. He was 20 years old at the time, and had to use a fake ID to enter the casino, as the legal gambling age in Nevada was 21. He managed to survive the first day of the tournament, but was eliminated on the second day, finishing in 503rd place and earning $20,320. He was disappointed with his result, but also motivated to improve his game and try again.
Early challenges and obstacles
Bryn faced many challenges and obstacles in his early poker career. One of them was his age, as he was too young to play legally in most casinos. He had to use fake IDs or travel to other countries where the gambling age was lower. He also had to deal with the pressure and stress of playing for high stakes and against experienced opponents. Another challenge was his bankroll management, as he often played above his means and risked losing everything. He had to learn how to be disciplined and responsible with his money, as well as how to cope with variance and swings. A third challenge was his lifestyle, as he had to balance his poker career with his personal life. He had to deal with the temptations and distractions of the gambling world, such as drugs, alcohol, and women. He also had to maintain his health and well-being, as poker can be physically and mentally demanding.
Major Poker Achievements
World Series of Poker (WSOP) Highlights
Bryn’s first WSOP bracelet came in 2014, when he won the $1,500 10-Game Mix event for $153,220. This event tested his versatility and adaptability, as it involved playing 10 different poker variants in rotation. He beat a field of 445 players, including some of the best mixed-game specialists in the world. His second WSOP bracelet came in 2016, when he won the $100,000 High Roller for One Drop event for $1,854,000. This event showcased his skill and courage, as it involved playing for huge stakes and against some of the toughest opponents in the world. He beat a field of 28 players, including some of the richest and most famous poker players in the world. His third WSOP bracelet came in 2020, when he won the $25,000 Pot-Limit Omaha High Roller event for $1,785,499. This event demonstrated his mastery and dominance, as it involved playing one of his favorite and strongest poker variants. He beat a field of 120 players, including some of the best Pot-Limit Omaha players in the world.
World Poker Tour (WPT) Achievements
Bryn’s only WPT title came in 2017, when he won the WPT Five Diamond World Poker Classic for $1,938,118. This event was one of the most prestigious and competitive events on the WPT circuit, attracting some of the top players in the world. He beat a field of 812 players, including some of his closest friends and rivals in poker. He also set a record for the largest first-place prize in WPT history at the time.
Other notable victories
Bryn has won many other notable tournaments throughout his career, both live and online. Some of them are:
- The 2017 PokerStars Championship Monte Carlo Super High Roller for €1,784,500
- The 2017 PokerStars Championship Barcelona Super High Roller for €1,946,911
- The 2018 Aussie Millions Main Event for A$1,272,598
- The 2019 Triton Poker Super High Roller Series Montenegro Main Event for HK$21,300,000
- The 2019 Triton Million for Charity (2nd place) for £16,890,509
- The 2020 Aussie Millions Challenge for A$1,850,000
Playing Style and Strategies
Kenney’s unique approach to the game
Bryn has a unique approach to the game of poker that sets him apart from other players. He is known for his aggressive and fearless style of play that puts pressure on his opponents and makes them uncomfortable. He is not afraid to bluff or gamble when he feels he has an edge or an opportunity. He is also known for his creative and unconventional style of play that surprises and confuses his opponents. He often plays hands differently than most players would expect or recommend. He is also known for his adaptive and flexible style of play that allows him to adjust to different situations and opponents.
Memorable hands and decisions
Bryn has played many memorable hands and decisions in his poker career, some of which have been captured on video and broadcasted to millions of viewers. Some of them are:
- The bluff against Joe McKeehen in the 2015 WSOP Main Event. Bryn was facing the eventual champion Joe McKeehen, who had a huge chip lead and was dominating the table. Bryn decided to make a bold move and bluff all-in on the river with nothing but ace-high, putting his tournament life at risk. McKeehen had a pair of queens, but he folded after a long tank, giving Bryn a huge pot and a boost of confidence. Bryn later said that this was one of his favorite hands ever, as he felt he had outplayed McKeehen and showed him who was the boss.
- The call against Justin Bonomo in the 2019 Triton Million for Charity. Bryn was playing heads-up against his friend and rival Justin Bonomo, who had a slight chip lead and was trying to close the deal. Bryn faced a tough decision on the river, when Bonomo bet all-in with a flush. Bryn had a full house, but he also knew that Bonomo could have a bigger full house or even a straight flush. Bryn decided to trust his instincts and make the call, winning the biggest pot in poker history and securing second place in the tournament. Bryn later said that this was one of his hardest calls ever, as he had to risk everything on one hand.
- The fold against Dan Smith in the 2020 Aussie Millions Challenge. Bryn was playing in the final table of the high roller event, when he faced a tricky situation against Dan Smith, who was one of his toughest opponents. Bryn had pocket kings, but he folded them pre-flop after Smith raised all-in. Smith had pocket aces, so Bryn made an amazing fold and saved himself from losing a huge pot. Bryn later said that this was one of his best folds ever, as he had to rely on his reads and experience to make such a difficult decision.
Rivalries and Relationships
Iconic matchups in tournaments
Bryn has had many iconic matchups in tournaments against some of the best players in the world. Some of them are:
- The duel against Fedor Holz in the 2016 WSOP High Roller for One Drop. Bryn was playing heads-up against Fedor Holz, who was considered one of the hottest and most talented players at the time. Bryn managed to overcome Holz’s skill and aggression, and won the tournament for his second WSOP bracelet and $1.8 million. Bryn later said that this was one of his most satisfying wins ever, as he felt he had proven himself against one of his toughest competitors.
- The battle against Stephen Chidwick in the 2019 Triton Poker Super High Roller Series Montenegro Main Event. Bryn was playing heads-up against Stephen Chidwick, who was regarded as one of the most consistent and respected players in the world. Bryn dominated Chidwick throughout the match, and won the tournament for $2.7 million. Bryn later said that this was one of his most impressive wins ever, as he felt he had outclassed Chidwick in every aspect of the game.
- The clash against Justin Bonomo in the 2019 Triton Million for Charity. Bryn was playing heads-up against Justin Bonomo, who was his friend and rival for many years. They had played against each other countless times before, both online and live, and knew each other’s strengths and weaknesses very well. They put on a spectacular show for the fans and the media, exchanging chips and blows for hours. Bryn eventually lost to Bonomo by a narrow margin, but still won $20.5 million for second place. Bryn later said that this was one of his most memorable matches ever, as he felt he had shared a special moment with Bonomo on the biggest stage of poker.
Friends and foes in the poker world
Bryn has made many friends and foes in the poker world over the years. Some of them are:
- His friends include Justin Bonomo, Daniel Negreanu, Jason Koon, Nick Petrangelo, Dan Smith, Isaac Haxton, Steve O’Dwyer, Erik Seidel, Phil Hellmuth, Phil Ivey, Tom Dwan, Patrik Antonius, Daniel Colman, Doug Polk, Fedor Holz, Stephen Chidwick, David Peters, Mikita Badziakouski, Timothy Adams, Sam Greenwood, Christoph Vogelsang
- His foes include Tony G, Phil Galfond, Dan Bilzerian, Antonio Esfandiari, Mike Matusow, Jamie Gold, Scotty Nguyen, Chris Moneymaker, Gus Hansen, Viktor Blom, Bertrand Grospellier, Vanessa Selbst, Liv Boeree, Maria Ho
- His friends are those who share his passion and respect for the game, as well as his values and vision. They often play together, support each other, and learn from each other. They also have fun together, enjoy life, and give back to society.
- His foes are those who clash with him on or off the table, either due to personal or professional reasons. They often challenge him, criticize him, or provoke him. They also have different opinions, styles, or goals than him.
Bryn’s Business Ventures
Investments outside of poker
Bryn has invested some of his poker winnings in various businesses and projects outside of poker. Some of them are:
- Bryn Kenney Apparel: This is Bryn’s own clothing brand that he launched in 2018. It features stylish and comfortable apparel for men and women, such as hoodies, t-shirts, hats, and accessories. It also reflects Bryn’s personality and philosophy, as it has slogans like “Be Fearless”, “Live Your Dream”, and “Never Give Up”. The brand is available online and in selected stores around the world.
- Cryptocurrencies: Bryn is a believer and supporter of cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. He has invested in various coins and tokens, as well as platforms and projects that use blockchain technology. He thinks that cryptocurrencies are the future of money and finance, as they offer more freedom, security, and efficiency than traditional systems.
- Real Estate: Bryn is a savvy and smart real estate investor who has bought and sold properties in various locations around the world. He has a portfolio of luxury apartments, villas, and penthouses in places like New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, London, Monte Carlo, Dubai, and Hong Kong. He also rents out some of his properties to generate passive income.
Brand endorsements and sponsorships
Bryn has also received various brand endorsements and sponsorships from companies and organizations that want to associate with him and his image. Some of them are:
- GGPoker: This is one of the leading online poker platforms in the world that offers a variety of games and tournaments for players of all levels. Bryn became an ambassador for GGPoker in 2020, joining other stars like Daniel Negreanu, Fedor Holz, and Bertrand Grospellier. He promotes the platform through his social media accounts and live streams, as well as participates in exclusive events and promotions.
- Triton Poker: This is one of the most prestigious and elite poker series in the world that hosts high-stakes tournaments in exotic locations around the world. Bryn became a partner of Triton Poker in 2019, joining other legends like Phil Ivey, Tom Dwan, Patrik Antonius, and Jason Koon. He represents the series through his appearances and performances in the events, as well as contributes to its charitable causes.
- PokerGO: This is one of the most popular and innovative poker media platforms in the world that produces and broadcasts high-quality poker content for fans and enthusiasts. Bryn became a featured player on PokerGO in 2017, appearing in various shows and documentaries, such as Poker After Dark, High Stakes Duel, and The Big Blind. He also provides commentary and analysis for some of the events, as well as shares his insights and stories with the viewers.
Personal Life
Interests outside of poker
Bryn has many interests outside of poker that he enjoys and pursues in his spare time. Some of them are:
- Fashion: Bryn has a passion and flair for fashion, as he likes to dress well and express his style. He often wears colorful and trendy outfits, as well as accessories like sunglasses, watches, and jewelry. He also designs and produces his own clothing line, Bryn Kenney Apparel, which reflects his personality and philosophy.
- Music: Bryn has a love and appreciation for music, as he likes to listen to different genres and artists. He often plays music while he plays poker, as it helps him relax and focus. He also attends concerts and festivals, as well as supports emerging musicians. He has a preference for hip-hop, rap, and R&B music, as well as some rock and pop music.
- Sports: Bryn has a fondness and talent for sports, as he likes to play and watch various games and activities. He was a star athlete in high school, excelling in soccer, tennis, and hockey. He also enjoys playing golf, basketball, and bowling. He follows several sports teams and leagues, such as the New York Yankees, the New York Knicks, the New York Rangers, the NFL, the NBA, and the NHL.
Contributions to charitable causes
Bryn has a generosity and compassion for charitable causes, as he likes to give back to society and help those in need. He has donated some of his poker winnings to various organizations and initiatives that support various causes, such as:
- Animal welfare: Bryn is an animal lover and advocate who cares about the well-being of animals. He has donated to organizations like PETA, ASPCA, Humane Society International, World Wildlife Fund, Animal Equality International, Mercy for Animals
- Environmental protection: Bryn is an environmentalist and activist who cares about the preservation of nature. He has donated to organizations like Greenpeace, Sierra Club, Environmental Defense Fund
- Education: Bryn is an educator and mentor who cares about the development of young people. He has donated to organizations like UNICEF, Khan Academy, Teach for America, and The School Fund. He has also sponsored scholarships and grants for students who want to pursue higher education or vocational training.
- Health: Bryn is a health-conscious and humanitarian who cares about the well-being of people. He has donated to organizations like Doctors Without Borders, Red Cross, World Health Organization, and The Global Fund. He has also supported research and awareness campaigns for diseases like cancer, AIDS, and COVID-19.
Controversies and Challenges
Moments of contention in his career
Bryn has faced some moments of contention in his career, where he has been involved in disputes or conflicts with other players or entities. Some of them are:
- The lawsuit against Leon Tsoukernik in 2017. Bryn sued Leon Tsoukernik, the owner of the King’s Casino in Rozvadov, Czech Republic, for $2 million. He claimed that Tsoukernik had borrowed money from him to play poker, but refused to pay him back. He also alleged that Tsoukernik had cheated and colluded with other players in the game. Tsoukernik denied the allegations and countersued Bryn for defamation and fraud. The case was eventually settled out of court in 2019.
- The dispute with Tony G in 2018. Bryn had a heated exchange with Tony G, a famous poker player and politician from Lithuania, during the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series in Jeju, South Korea. They argued over a hand that Tony G had won against Bryn, where Tony G had made a questionable call with a weak hand. Bryn accused Tony G of being lucky and disrespectful, while Tony G mocked Bryn for being salty and sore. They continued to trash-talk each other throughout the event, creating tension and drama at the table.
- The controversy with Phil Galfond in 2020. Bryn had a controversial opinion about Phil Galfond, one of the most respected and admired poker players in the world, during his famous heads-up challenge against VeniVidi1993, an online poker legend from Malta. Bryn tweeted that he thought Galfond was overrated and overhyped, and that he would lose the challenge badly. He also offered to bet anyone who disagreed with him at 2:1 odds. Many poker fans and players were outraged by Bryn’s tweet, as they felt he was being rude and arrogant. They also defended Galfond’s reputation and achievements, as well as his comeback and victory in the challenge.
Overcoming personal and professional hurdles
Bryn has also faced some personal and professional hurdles in his career, where he has had to overcome difficulties or setbacks. Some of them are:
- The loss of his bankroll in 2009. Bryn lost his entire bankroll of $2 million in 2009, due to a combination of bad luck, bad decisions, and bad habits. He had played too high for his bankroll, gambled too much on sports betting and prop bets, and indulged too much in drugs and alcohol. He was broke and depressed, and had to borrow money from his friends and family to survive. He decided to take a break from poker and focus on rebuilding his life and career.
- The injury of his shoulder in 2015. Bryn injured his shoulder in 2015, when he fell off a scooter while traveling in Thailand. He suffered a torn rotator cuff and a dislocated shoulder, which required surgery and rehabilitation. He was unable to play poker for several months, and had to deal with pain and discomfort. He also had to adjust his lifestyle and habits, such as exercising more and eating healthier.
- The pandemic of COVID-19 in 2020. Bryn was affected by the pandemic of COVID-19 in 2020, like many other people around the world. He had to cancel or postpone many of his plans and trips, such as playing live tournaments or visiting exotic places. He also had to cope with the lockdowns and restrictions that limited his social interactions and activities. He also had to deal with the uncertainty and anxiety that the pandemic caused for himself and others.
Legacy and Impact
Influence on aspiring poker players
Bryn has a huge influence on aspiring poker players who want to follow his footsteps and achieve success in the game. He has inspired many players with his story and journey, as he has shown that anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and passion. He has also taught many players with his skills and strategies, as he has shown how to play the game at the highest level, with creativity, adaptability, and courage. He has also motivated many players with his achievements and results, as he has shown how to win the game at the biggest stages, with consistency, dominance, and excellence.
Recognition and awards
Bryn has received various recognition and awards for his outstanding performance and contribution in the poker world. Some of them are:
- The GPI Player of the Year Award in 2017. This award is given by the Global Poker Index (GPI), which ranks the best poker players in the world based on their results in live tournaments. Bryn won this award after having an incredible year in 2017, where he won over $8 million in live tournaments, including a WPT title and a WSOP bracelet.
- The Hendon Mob All-Time Money List Leader in 2019. This list is maintained by The Hendon Mob, which is the most comprehensive database of poker players and results in the world. Bryn became the leader of this list after finishing second in the Triton Million for Charity event in 2019, where he won $20.5 million, the largest single payout in poker history.
- The Poker Hall of Fame Inductee in 2021. This is the highest honor in poker, which recognizes the most influential and respected players and contributors in the history of the game. Bryn was inducted into this hall of fame in 2021, after being nominated by his peers and voted by a panel of living hall of famers and media members. He became one of the youngest and most deserving members of this elite group.
Future Prospects
Plans for the future of his poker career
Bryn has many plans for the future of his poker career, as he wants to continue playing and winning at the highest level. Some of them are:
- To win more WSOP bracelets and WPT titles, as well as other prestigious events around the world.
- To break more records and milestones in poker history, such as reaching $100 million in live tournament earnings, winning the WSOP Main Event, and winning the Poker Masters or Super High Roller Bowl.
- To challenge himself and improve his game by playing different formats and variants of poker, such as short deck, mixed games, or heads-up.
- To explore new opportunities and markets in poker, such as online poker platforms, live streaming platforms, or emerging regions like Asia or Africa.
Expanding his brand and business
Bryn also has many plans for expanding his brand and business outside of poker, as he wants to leverage his fame and fortune to create more value and impact. Some of them are:
- To grow his clothing brand, Bryn Kenney Apparel, by launching new products and collections, partnering with other brands and celebrities, and reaching new customers and markets.
- To diversify his investments portfolio by investing in more businesses and projects that interest him or align with his values, such as technology, entertainment, or social causes.
- To create his own media platform or production company that produces and distributes high-quality poker content for fans and enthusiasts, such as shows, documentaries, podcasts, books, or magazines. He also wants to feature and collaborate with other poker stars and personalities, as well as share his insights and stories with the audience.
- To launch his own charity foundation or organization that supports and funds various causes that he cares about, such as animal welfare, environmental protection, education, and health. He also wants to raise awareness and mobilize action for these causes, as well as partner with other organizations and individuals who share his vision and mission.
Summary
A recap of Kenney’s journey
Bryn Kenney is a poker phenom who has risen from humble beginnings to become one of the most successful and influential players in the world. He started playing card games when he was a child, and discovered poker when he was a teenager. He turned pro when he was 20 years old, and qualified for his first WSOP Main Event. He faced many challenges and obstacles in his early career, such as losing his bankroll, injuring his shoulder, and dealing with the pandemic. He overcame these difficulties with determination and resilience, and continued to improve his game and results. He won many major tournaments and titles, such as three WSOP bracelets, one WPT title, and the Triton Million runner-up. He also broke many records and milestones, such as becoming the all-time money list leader, winning the largest single payout in poker history, and being inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame. He developed a unique and effective style of play that combines aggression, creativity, adaptability, and courage. He also established a strong and recognizable brand and image that reflects his personality and philosophy.
The lasting mark of Bryn Kenney on poker
Bryn Kenney has left a lasting mark on poker that will be remembered and admired for generations to come. He has influenced many aspiring poker players who want to follow his footsteps and achieve success in the game. He has taught them how to play the game at the highest level, with skill, strategy, and passion. He has also motivated them to pursue their dreams and goals, with hard work, dedication, and confidence. He has also contributed to the development and innovation of poker strategies, formats, and variants, as well as the popularization and expansion of poker markets and platforms. He has also used his fame and fortune to support various charitable causes that he cares about, such as animal welfare, environmental protection.
Posted by: Valerii B.
Valerii B. is a passionate gambling aficionado and online gaming expert based in the beautiful country of New Zealand. With a deep-rooted fascination for casino games and sports betting, Valerii has accumulated invaluable years of experience in the ever-evolving iGaming industry. As a renowned contributor to Gamblorium, Valerii draws from his extensive knowledge to provide insightful reviews, in-depth analysis, and compelling articles on the latest trends and events in the world of online gambling.