“My true legacy is doing right by the players”
For the first time in two decades, Isai Scheinberg, the elusive founder of PokerStars and one of the most influential figures in online poker history, has spoken on camera about his role in shaping the game. While countless articles and profiles have been written about him, this marks the first moment the public can hear his story directly in his own words.
Building PokerStars: More than a Business
Scheinberg’s decision to launch PokerStars in the early 2000s was not driven purely by profit. As a passionate player of chess, bridge, and poker, he envisioned a single platform where enthusiasts could enjoy competitive mind games side by side. At that time, online poker tournaments were non-existent, and his idea was nothing short of revolutionary.
That vision quickly became reality. By 2014, PokerStars had grown into the world’s largest online poker room, ultimately sold for an astonishing $5 billion. The journey, however, was far from simple—entwined with regulatory challenges, political scrutiny, and financial battles that changed the global poker landscape forever.
Black Friday: A Defining Test
When reflecting on his achievements, Scheinberg chose not to highlight the billions in revenue or record-breaking tournaments. Instead, he pointed to a single defining moment: the 2011 “Black Friday” crackdown that shook the online poker industry.
On that day, U.S. authorities shut down major poker sites, freezing millions in player funds and leaving countless professionals in limbo. Yet PokerStars customers were spared the panic. Unlike its rivals, the company had safeguarded player balances in fully segregated accounts, ensuring that withdrawals were processed within weeks.
In contrast, competitors such as Full Tilt Poker failed to reimburse their players, with funds locked away for more than a year. The U.S. Department of Justice eventually forced Full Tilt into surrender. PokerStars stepped in, acquiring the company and covering its obligations, thereby restoring confidence and protecting the broader poker community.
Industry analysts agree: had the Scheinbergs walked away, over $500 million in player funds might have vanished. Such a collapse could have crippled the World Series of Poker (WSOP) and destroyed online poker’s credibility for years to come.
The Case for the Poker Hall of Fame
Many voices in the poker world now argue that Isai Scheinberg’s name deserves to be etched into the Poker Hall of Fame. Not only did he pioneer real-money online tournaments from home, but he also fueled the “Moneymaker Boom”, which turned WSOP into a cultural phenomenon.
By investing heavily in poker as a global sport and rescuing the community during its darkest hour, Scheinberg’s influence extended far beyond any single company. For millions of players worldwide, he is seen not just as a founder, but as a guardian of the game itself.
“Choosing the Right Path”
In his closing remarks, Scheinberg avoided self-congratulation.
“What matters most is not records or dominance,” he said. “What matters is that, when players needed us the most, we protected them. That is the legacy I want to leave behind.”
Though his full story is still untold, this rare interview offers a glimpse into the mind of a man often described as the most important figure in modern poker. Whatever direction the industry takes, the path carved by Isai Scheinberg remains a foundation for online poker’s future.
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