Lyle Berman is indeed one of the most veteran, long-lasting players the professional poker world has ever seen. Born on August 6th, 1941 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he had no idea that the poker games he started playing at age 10 would become a great part of his long-term future.
In 1964, when he was 23 years old, Lyle Berman graduated his studies in the University of Minnesota with a degree in business administration. Like a good son, he joined his father in the family business – Berman Buckskin leather factory. The business was sold to W. R. Grace in 1979, but he didn't quit his job and remained there as CEO and president of the company. Between the years 1994 and 2000 Lyle Berman was the CEO and chairman of Rainforest Café chain of retail shops and restaurants.
In 1990 Lyle Berman also co-founded Grand Casinos Inc., a gaming company that tried to establish gambling and gambling centers outside of Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Among their casinos were Native American casinos, that later spun-off under a new company, Lakes Entertainment Inc. Lyle Berman was appointed CEO of that company. He is also the WPT's chairman of the board.
As a successful businessman, Lyle Berman won a few prizes: In 1995 he was awarded the B'nai B'rith Great American Traditions award, and in 1996 it was the Gaming Executive of the Year award.
But Lyle Berman is not only a successful businessman. That rich and fascinating career course didn't stop him from taking part in many poker tournaments throughout the years. The first live poker tournament Lyle Berman has ever won cash in was on May 1984, when he won 9th place in the WSOP Limit Hold'em tournament of the 15th annual WSOP. Back then he took home $5,400. Just for comparison, the same Lyle Berman won a total of $498,144 in various tournaments of the 39th WSOP in June 2008, 24 years after his first win. His favorite poker game, by the way, is No Limit Hold'em, and if he could change one thing in the poker world, Lyle Berman said he would eliminate all limit games.
Unlike some younger, more eager poker players, Lyle Berman doesn't play much in live tournaments. When he does play, though, he is a very good player and a mighty rival to his opponents. So far he won three WSOP bracelets, in the years 1989, 1992 and 1994, and surely he plans on the fourth bracelet sometime in the future.
Besides playing poker, Lyle Berman likes fishing, golfing, skiing, golf clay shooting and reading. His favorite music is country and his favorite movie is Casablanca. He is married and has four children (three girls and a boy). Faithful to his birth country and state, Lyle Berman resides in Plymouth, Minnesota.
Lyle Berman Quick Facts
Cashes: 21
Total Winnings: $1,987,372
First place finishes: 3
WSOP bracelets: 3