Cary Katz
Cary Steven Katz (born January 29, 1970) is an American businessman and professional poker player.
Cary Katz | |
---|---|
Cary Katz in 2018 | |
Born | January 29, 1970 |
World Series of Poker | |
Bracelet(s) | None |
Money finish(es) | 43 |
Highest ITM Main Event finish | 159th, 2009 |
World Poker Tour | |
Title(s) | None |
Final table(s) | 1 |
Money finish(es) | 6 |
Career
Katz graduated from University of Georgia with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. In 1999, he founded the College Loan Corporation, where he was CEO for 15 years. The company was the seventh largest student loan company in the United States providing $19 billion in loans.[1] In October 2015, Katz founded the website Poker Central which members can watch live poker using PokerGO.[2] He currently serves as president of the St. Gabriel Catholic School and as chairman of the non-profit organization Stop Child Predators.[3]
Katz started the conservative media website CRTV in 2014.[4]
Katz is married to Jackie Katz and currently resides in Las Vegas.
Poker
Katz learned poker from his grandmother and began playing live tournaments competitively in 2004.[5]
In August 2005, Katz finished 21st in the WPT $5000 Main Event earning $20,850. In 2009, Katz finished 159th in the 2009 World Series of Poker Main Event earning $40,288.
In January 2013, Katz entered the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure $100,000 high roller event finishing 4th for $543,800.[6] Later that year he finished runner up to Davidi Kitai at the 2013 World Series of Poker $5,000 Pot Limit Hold'em event.[7]
In 2014, Katz played in $1,000,000 Big One for One Drop where he finished 8th earning $1,306,667.[8] The tournament had a memorable hand where Katz's cracked Connor Drinan's after both were all in pre-flop. The board ran out giving Katz an ace-high flush.[9][10]
Katz plays in Las Vegas high roller events hosted at the Aria Casino.[11] In January 2018, Cary Katz won his first major poker tournament, placing first in a field of 48 entries to win the PCA Super High Roller and earning $1,492,340.[12]
In September 2019, Katz won Super High Roller Bowl London. Katz defeated Ali Imsirovic heads-up to earn £2,100,000.[13]
In February 2020, Katz finished third in Super High Roller Bowl Australia for AU$640,000.[14]
As of February 2021, Katz has cashed for over $30,600,000 in live poker tournaments.[15]
Ownership of CRTV and Related Lawsuits
Katz' ownership of CRTV has embroiled him in numerous lawsuits. He sued CRTV over alleged nonpayment of a $20 million loan.[16]
References
- Holloway, Chad (July 1, 2012). "Cary Katz — CEO, College Loan Corporation". PokerNews. Retrieved February 26, 2018.
- Spangler, Todd (May 22, 2017). "Poker Central Bets on $10 Monthly Subscription Video Service". Variety. Retrieved February 26, 2018.
- Frank, Ryan (August 31, 2014). "L.V. executive keeps low profile, makes big donations to Sandoval, far-right causes". LasVegasSun.com. Retrieved February 26, 2018.
- https://www.salon.com/2017/03/04/conservative-feud-right-wing-pundit-mark-steyn-sues-student-loan-billionaire-cary-katz-for-canceling-his-web-tv-show/
- "CARY KATZ". wsop.com. Retrieved February 26, 2018.
- Bandana, Santana (January 8, 2013). "$100,000 Super High Roller". PokerNews. Retrieved February 26, 2018.
- Pempus, Brian (June 12, 2013). "Davidi Kitai Wins Second World Series Of Poker Bracelet". Card Player. Retrieved February 26, 2018.
- Bandana, Santana (July 1, 2014). "Cary Katz Eliminated in 8th Place ($1,306,607)". PokerNews. Retrieved February 26, 2018.
- Dzen, Gary (July 30, 2014). "Poker Player Loses $1 Million in the Worst Way Possible". Boston.com. Retrieved February 26, 2018.
- Dator, James (July 30, 2014). "Watch the bad beat that cost a poker player $1M". SBNation.com. Retrieved February 26, 2018.
- Fast, Erik (February 6, 2017). "Cary Katz, Dan Smith and Brian Rast Win 2017 February Aria High Rollers". Card Player. Retrieved February 26, 2018.
- Fast, Erik (January 8, 2018). "Cary Katz Wins 2018 PokerStars Caribbean Adventure $100,000 Super High Roller". cardplayer.com. Retrieved February 26, 2018.
- "Super High Roller Bowl London tournament won by Cary Katz". pokersuperagent.com. September 20, 2019. Retrieved September 24, 2019.
- "Timothy Adams Becomes First Super High Roller Bowl Australia Champ". www.pokernews.com. Retrieved February 4, 2021.
- "Hendon Mob Database: Cary Katz". Pokerdb.thehendonmob.com. Retrieved September 24, 2019.
- https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/local-las-vegas/las-vegas-billionaire-sues-conservative-media-outlet-over-20m-loan/