Sam Greenwood: High Stakes Hero, WSOP Bracelet Winner, and Poker Prodigy

Nice to meet you, Sam Greenwood

Meet Sam Greenwood, a formidable force in the world of Poker. Born in Canada on October 11, 1988, Sam (or “BeaneFac3” as he’s known online) demonstrates a knack for the game from an early age. With background knowledge rooted deep in math, Sam’s early life revolved around strategic thinking and a profound passion for card games. His journey has seen him rise through the ranks of both online and live tournaments, solidifying his status as one of the sharpest minds at the table.

Sam Greenwood’s personal life

Sam Greenwood resides in Toronto, Canada, where his Poker escapades always find a solid ground to return to. Although Greenwood is dedicated to his game, he maintains a balanced personal life. While details of his marital status or children remain private, it’s clear that family and close relations hold a central role in his life.

Sam shares a close bond with his twin brother, Luc Greenwood, another well-known figure in the Poker community. Their sibling rivalry and support have often been highlighted as a contributing factor to their successes.

Health-wise, Greenwood isn’t one for extravagance. He maintains a healthy lifestyle, aligning his eating habits to nourish his strategic mind. His interests extend beyond Poker into investments and entrepreneurial ventures, with several smart investments in tech startups.

Despite the intense nature of Poker, Sam finds joy in simple pleasures, such as reading, hiking, and indulging in a good movie. His network of Poker friends includes big names like Fedor Holz and Justin Bonomo, with whom he frequently shares tournament stages and leisure activities.

Sam Greenwood’s beginning in Poker

Sam Greenwood’s Poker journey began in the early 2000s. Starting online, he honed his skills in the virtual realm before transitioning to live tournaments. His first big break came in 2008 when he secured a significant win at the PokerStars Sunday 500, pocketing almost $45,000.

This initial success propelled him into larger tournaments where his prowess shone. In 2015, he finished third at the EPT Grand Final in Monte Carlo, netting an impressive $463,000. Shortly after, in 2017, he scored a major victory in the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure, earning over $1 million.

Greenwood’s rise coincided with lucrative sponsorships. He was endorsed by PokerStars, which recognized his strategic brilliance and solidified his place in the elite Poker circle. His consistent performance in both live and online tournaments has made him a respected figure in the industry.

Sam Greenwood’s strategies in Poker and playing style

Sam Greenwood’s Poker style is intricate and multifaceted. He is known for his deep understanding of Game Theory Optimal (GTO) strategies, which he employs masterfully to maintain an edge over his opponents. Despite this, he is not rigid and adapts his style to exploit weaknesses in others, making him unpredictable at times.

At the table, Sam remains composed and collected. He isn’t particularly talkative, preferring to let his play do the talking. Often seen with a cap and sometimes sunglasses, he projects an air of mystique and focus. His preference leans towards high-stakes tournaments where his strategic depth truly shines.

Greenwood excels in both online and live formats, though his major achievements are predominantly in live tournaments. His adaptability across different Poker formats and stakes demonstrates his versatile mastery of the game, ensuring he stays a formidable opponent wherever he plays.

Sam’s memorable strategies include precise post-flop plays and a calculated approach to betting, making his bluffs highly effective. Whether in cash games or tournaments, his skillful balance between aggression and caution reflects a deep understanding of Poker dynamics.

Sam Greenwood greatest achievements in Poker

Sam Greenwood in WSOP

	Event	Date	Prize	How was it?
#1	$1,000 No-Limit Hold’em 6-Handed Online	2020-08-26	$ 212,100	Sam clinched his first bracelet during the WSOP Online Series, outplaying over 2,000 entrants. Notable players like Mike McDonald hit the rail before Greenwood’s triumphant finish.

Other Major Achievements

Event	Date	Prize	How was it?
EPT Monte Carlo €100,000 Super High Roller	2018-04-28	€1,520,000	Greenwood stood atop a phenomenal lineup including Ole Schemion and Christoph Vogelsang. He used his methodical, sharp game to capture the title.
HK$ 1,000,000 No-Limit Hold’em Triton Super High Roller	2019-03-17	HK$16,296,000	Sam outlasted Rui Cao heads-up in Jeju, solidifying his spot as a top high roller with this massive victory.
PCA $100,000 NLHE Super High Roller	2019-01-11	$1,775,460	At the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure, Greenwood triumphed over big names like Chris Hunichen and Henrik Hecklen at the final table to earn the prestigious title.
EPT Barcelona €50,000 Super High Roller	2018-08-30	€1,520,000	Displaying his resilience, Sam bested a tough field, including Nick Petrangelo and Ivan Leow, to secure another high roller victory.
partypoker MILLIONS North America $25,000 High Roller	2018-04-30	$261,000	Greenwood managed to dominate in his own backyard in Canada, outpacing a competitive field and further boosting his reputation.

Sam Greenwood’s poker career showcases both versatility and consistency. From live tournament victories to online triumphs, he’s a force to be reckoned with on any felt. His WSOP bracelet is just a cherry on top of an already decorated poker resume. So, next time you’re grinding, keep in mind the dedication and skill it took for Sam to achieve these stellar feats. May the flop be with you!

Sam Greenwood’s Challenges and Controversies

Sam Greenwood’s idea of a controversy is like a gentle nudge at a table – mostly harmless, but sometimes surprising!

Verbal Spats at the 2018 PCA

Back in 2018 at the PCA Main Event, Sam Greenwood had a memorable verbal exchange with fellow player Ivan Luca. The dispute arose over Luca’s long tanking, which didn’t sit well with Greenwood. He called out Luca for slow play, which led to a heated discussion. Though it never escalated beyond words, it left the table atmosphere on edge and provided a brief peek into Greenwood’s competitive spirit.

EPT Monte Carlo Clashes

During the 2022 EPT Monte Carlo, Greenwood clashed with Justin Bonomo over a contentious hand. The argument was sparked by a perceived angle shoot by Bonomo, leading Greenwood to openly challenge him. Other players at the table, including Daniel Dvoress, tried to mediate but the atmosphere remained tense. This incident showcased Greenwood’s stand on maintaining fairness and integrity at the table.

Twitter Disagreement with Doug Polk

In 2019, Greenwood and Doug Polk had a notable twitter disagreement over the merits of high roller events. Greenwood asserted that these events had become too exclusive, favoring a small elite. Polk, ever the provocateur, countered with his usual sarcasm, which didn’t sit well with Greenwood. The spat generated considerable buzz in the poker community but eventually cooled down after a few days.

Critique on COVID-19 Precautions

In 2020, Greenwood was outspoken about the poker world’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He criticized certain live events for not taking sufficient precautions, a stance that ruffled some feathers. One notable back-and-forth was with Mike Matusow, who disagreed with Greenwood’s call for stricter measures. The online exchanges were sharp, showing Greenwood’s commitment to safety over industry pressures.

Calling Out Leon Tsoukernik in 2017

In 2017, Greenwood clashed with King’s Casino owner Leon Tsoukernik during a high-stakes cash game. Tsoukernik’s alleged erratic behavior and unpaid debts were subjects of Greenwood’s criticisms. The two exchanged pointed comments at the table, and the incident became the talk of the poker world for a while. This moment highlighted Greenwood’s unwillingness to shy away from contentious issues bridging poker and ethics.

Sam Greenwood – Poker Videos

Master Bluffing with 6 High!

Watch Sam Greenwood pull off a jaw-dropping bluff against two flush draws, holding nothing but 6 high. It’s the kind of move that takes your breath away and leaves you questioning if you’ve ever really played poker before. Check out this classic moment from the 2018 Triton Poker Super High Roller Jeju Cash Game!

The Silent High Roller Hero

In 2019, Sam Greenwood silently bulldozed his way through the PCA Super High Roller Final Table, turning a $100K buy-in into a staggering $6M. This video showcases his impeccable skill and tight-lipped strategy that left even pros in awe.

What is Sam Greenwood Doing?

Sam had everyone scratching their heads with his unpredictable moves at this Super High Roller event. The Poker Guys attempt to dissect his mystery hand in what can only be described as legendary poker television.

Aces Cracked at the WSOP Main Event

All the skills in the world don’t fully protect against getting your aces cracked. Watch one of the most exciting (and heart-wrenching) moments for Sam Greenwood at the 2019 WSOP Main Event. Be ready for a rollercoaster of emotions.

Dominating the €50k SHR

Barcelona 2018 was a great run for Sam Greenwood! Watch as he dominates in the €50k Super High Roller tournament, proving once again why he’s a force to be reckoned with. A clinic in high-stakes tournament play.

Sam Greenwood Poker Books

This player didn’t write any books.

Sam Greenwood’s notable TV shows appearances

Super High Roller Bowl V (2018)

In 2018, Sam Greenwood made waves in the Super High Roller Bowl V. Held at the Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, this high-stakes event brought together some of the best poker minds in the world. Sam faced off against notable adversaries like Justin Bonomo, Daniel Negreanu, and Fedor Holz. The competition was intense, but Sam’s solid strategy carried him deep into the action. Although he didn’t clinch the top spot, his performance was memorable and added to his impressive resume. This event was not only exciting but also profitable. The buy-in alone was a hefty $300,000, and the prize pool swelled beyond expectations. While Sam didn’t take home the winner’s share, his deep run secured him a significant payout, cementing his status as a high roller to watch.

Poker After Dark: “High Stakes Hybrid” (2019)

In 2019, Sam appeared on Poker After Dark’s “High Stakes Hybrid” week. Bringing together a mix of cash game and tournament formats, this show highlighted some epic clashes. Sam navigated his way through stacked fields with players like Phil Hellmuth, Antonio Esfandiari, and Maria Ho holding their own. The episodes were a rollercoaster, with Sam exhibiting exceptional skill and patience. The hybrid format tested players’ adaptability. Sam’s ability to switch gears seamlessly was a masterclass in strategic poker. His gameplay was profitable, as he managed to rack up substantial wins while entertaining audiences with every calculated move.

PartyPoker MILLIONS Barcelona (2018)

Sam Greenwood also made a significant appearance on the televised PartyPoker MILLIONS in Barcelona in 2018. This event was a magnet for top-tier poker talent, including players like Steve O’Dwyer and Jason Koon. The tournament was loaded with thrilling showdowns and dramatic bluffs. Sam managed to navigate his way through a sea of pros, finishing in a respectable position. His performance was a mix of aggression and impeccable reading skills, proving once again why he is among the elite. While the TV coverage showcased many players, Sam’s methods and demeanor made him stand out distinctly.

High Stakes Poker Season 9 (2020)

Another notable TV appearance was in High Stakes Poker Season 9. This 2020 season, filmed in the heat of Las Vegas, saw Sam Greenwood go toe-to-toe with some of poker’s biggest names, including Tom Dwan, Jean-Robert Bellande, and Bryn Kenney. The stakes were astronomically high, and the pressure intense. Sam’s approach was cool and calculated, making for great TV. His hands, ranging from solid plays to some risky bluffs, showcased his versatility. Even against seasoned veterans, Sam managed to secure hefty pots, adding a decent profit and reinforcing his status as a high-stakes expert.

WSOP Main Event (Various Years)

Sam Greenwood’s interactions with the World Series of Poker Main Event are well-documented. Although he hasn’t clinched the main title, his numerous appearances have always been noteworthy. Competing against a global field, Sam has locked horns with legends like Doyle Brunson, Phil Ivey, and Johnny Chan. Each year, his play is eagerly followed by fans and pros alike. And while he hasn’t taken home the ultimate prize, his consistent deep runs, strategic play, and impressive cashes provide precise entertainment. His earnings from these events added significantly to his total live earnings, making each appearance profitable and career-enhancing.

FAQ about Sam Greenwood