The poker world was saddened to hear of the sudden departure of longtime industry insider Rich Korbin, who has spent the greater part of the past four decades in the game and is credited with increasing the popularity of online poker at the height of the poker boom.
Korbin has had a lasting influence on the people he has interacted with over the years and was seen as universally loved and respected in the poker community.
Corbin settled in Boulder, Colorado after graduating from college, but he wasn’t far from the action. He’s been a great player in all poker disciplines, with tournament results going back to the early ’80s.
In 2001, Corbin won an award WSOP . World Series of Poker bracelet and $159,080, field tops $164 in a stud event of $2,500 or better. Later in that series, he went far in the main event, finishing 17th. He also won the Amarillo Slim Superbowl Poker.
But the best thing about Korbin’s memory is his work with PokerStars as event and sponsorship manager. Korbin worked tirelessly behind the scenes to legalize the online poker site in the early days, and thanks to clever marketing, he was able to expose a larger audience to the game.
He was even able to persuade CBS Broadcast a special clip about poker online at 60 minutesWatched by 16 million people.
Korbin was also incredibly charitable, often giving to various causes while helping nonprofit poker organizations get off the ground.
In recent years, Corbin has also been a member of card player Serving the family as a sales and marketing specialist.
“We are devastated by the death of Rich Corbyn,” he said. card player the chief and coo Jeff Shulman. “I’ve known Rich and worked with him for a long time. Everyone loved him, and his critical humor was top notch. We will miss him throughout our community. Our hearts are with his family.”
Corbyn died Friday night, having suffered cardiac arrest after surgery to break his leg.
Nolan Dalla, who worked with Korbin at PokerStars, said he was “stunned and unable to speak” after hearing the news.
“It will take me some time to gather my thoughts, reflect, and share more about what this exceptionally kind and generous man means to me, and so many others,” Dalla wrote.
“He was such a good man, a friend, and I owe him the start of my media career in poker,” said Bernard Lee. “We will all miss you, my friend.”
“A true legend in the poker community and a good friend!” Poker professional Shawn Rice added.
“I can’t really remember an evolution or shift in the world of poker over the past 20 years that Rich wasn’t a part of in some way,” Beverly Cheney said. “A sad day for the world of poker.”
“Very sad,” Zhao Jiang added. “he is [was] My dear friend of 30 years. A very nice man.”
Rich Corbin – a wonderful person and a wonderful friend to many in poker – passed away this morning.
To my absolute pleasure at the table, he had two expressions after losing a bowl that always made me smile:
“I’m playing my heart here.”
“This might be the craziest thing of my life.”Norman Chad (Norman Chad) 25 June 2022
Rich Korbin was one of my first poker friends and one of the best people I’ve ever known. In shock he lost it today.
– Terence Chan (@tchanpoker) 25 June 2022
Rich Corbin. The quiet storm behind online poker, its impact has been felt by all of us and yet only a few were known about it. May the memory of the legacy he left behind live in peace. We will miss Rich! Your friend Stevie.
– Stephen McLoughlin (@tizzle) 26 June 2022
Rarely can you say about a man that he was genuine and kind every day. I played poker regularly with a fellow named Rich Corbin who was that guy. Loved by all who were lucky enough to have him in their lives, we will miss him now. Rest in peace my friend.
– James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) 25 June 2022
rest in peace For Rich Corbin. We will miss him 🙁
Randy Ohel (@randyohel) 25 June 2022
Sad news to report.
My longtime friend Rich Corbin passed away in his sleep last night.
We played mixed games that day, and then he moved on to work at PokerStars.
Always a smile. He had a very positive outlook on life.
Rest in peace the rich. nice to know you pic.twitter.com/lhpFdt7qQr
– Allen Kessler 25 June 2022
