Things you might not know:
- Hastings was proficient at math and science in high school. He was first introduced and encouraged by a high school math teacher to consider poker.
- Hastings' parents weren't initially pleased with Brian's desire to play poker, both are teachers. Once they realized that he was a consistent winner of an extended period they began to support his play.
- Hastings was so successful playing during high school that he paid for his entire Ivy League education at Cornell University from his winnings at the time.
- Hastings credits much of his success to the teaching and community at CardRunners where he became a lead pro, including players like Brian Townsend and Cole South.
- Hastings began Cornell in the College of Engineering but transferred to Economics where he recently graduated.
- Hastings is a member of the sports minded Phi Kappa Psi fraternity at Cornell University.
- Hastings is a big fan of the Dallas Cowboys and N.Y. Yankees and has invested thousands in memorabilia from the glory days of the Cowboys.
- Hastings mentored fellow fraternity members to become excellent tournament and cash game players.
- Hastings invested some of his winnings into a condo in Ithaca that he lived in during part of his time at Cornell.
- Hastings went on a $1.4 million downswing in 2008, after becoming a FTP red pro.
- Hastings received some negative backlash after his historic win against Isildur1 when it was discovered that he had shared hand histories and discussed strategy with fellow pros Brian Townsend and Cole South on how to defeat Isildur1.
- Hastings played on a special Poker After Dark high stakes PLO episode with Phil Ivey, Patrik Antonius, Tom Dwan, Phil Galfond, Jared "harrington25" Bleznick, Sammy Farha and Brandon Adams.
- Hastings is currently spending considerable time in Italy, where his girlfriend Julianna is in an exchange program.
- Hastings has quietly been working on his non PLO and NLHE game to prepare for this summer's WSOP events.
Brian "Stinger" Hastings is that rare young poker player that has continued to prioritize balance in his life despite his success on the virtual tables. He completed his Cornell University education and focused on having the typical fun of a college student while still playing poker in his spare time. He has also prioritized time away from playing studying the game and controlling his emotions so that when he does sit down to play he can profit optimally.
Hastings videos after his big win, some tournament strategy and a promo for the upcoming Poker After Dark PLO episode:
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