Steve Brecher

Despite having over 50 years of experience playing poker, the American-born Steve Brecher was a computer programmer first and foremost. His software contributions for the Macintosh system – particularly with a program known as Suitcase – allowed him to be financially independent from 1987 onwards. As a result of this accomplishment, Steve was able to set aside more time for himself to enjoy poker and has since racked up more than $3,000,000 playing on the live tournament circuit.

He achieved the dream of every poker player when he won over $1,000,000 in a single tournament – by taking down the $10,000 No Limit Hold’em WPT event in San Jose. By winning this major circuit stop in a line-up of tough competitors that included the likes of three-time bracelet winner John Monnette, Brecher asserted himself as a legitimate force in the world of tournament poker.

Steve claimed a second WPT title in 2013 when he won the $1,500 No Limit Hold’em Championship Event in Reno. Add another final table to this list on the same tour, and the former programmer has emerged as a real success on the WPT circuit.

He also gained attention during his deep run of the 2011 WSOP Main Event. Unfortunately, his momentum came to an end when he busted in 31st place – though he still pocketed a huge $242,636 for his efforts. Steve has made two WSOP final tables in his outings, but has been able to get his hands on a bracelet as of yet. Speaking on the subject, he explained:

‘I really do want to take home a bracelet at some point, but not so much that I play a full schedule of World Series events in order to get [one]’.

Aside from playing poker since retiring as a full-time programmer, Brecher has acquired an FAA Airline Transport Pilot license and has made use of it to fly to poker tournaments on occasion.