Rich Korbin, a former PokerStars executive and a World Series of Poker bracelet winner, passed away at the age of 73.
Korbin worked for PokerStars as the Marketing Director and Director of Events and Sponsorships for 17 years. His behind-the-scenes role helped build the PokerStars brand and turn it into a global online giant that was sold for more than $4 billion in 2018.
Korbin died on Saturday, June 25. He was getting ready to catch a flight for Las Vegas when he fell in his house and broke his femur, according to friends. After going into surgery, he had trouble coming out of the anesthesia and passed away from a heart attack.
Poker industry mover and shaker
Steven McLoughlin, Director of Gaming Security for DraftKings and a former online poker consultant with expertise in peer-to-peer networking, likened Korbin to a force of nature.
Rich Korbin. The quiet storm behind online poker, his influence was felt by us all yet he was known by so few. May the memory of the legacy he leaves behind remain as he rests in peace. You will be missed Rich! Your friend, "Stevie".
— Steven McLoughlin (@_tizzle) June 26, 2022
As a poker player, Korbin won a 2001 WSOP $2,500 Stud 8-or-Better event, beating 164 players for $159K. He played at the WSOP since at least 1984.
In 1991, he won the $500 Seven-Card Stud event at the last iteration of Amarillo Slim’s Super Bowl of Poker.
Stream of kind words for beloved poker veteran
Many former colleagues and friends expressed their shock and sadness on former WSOP Media Director and PokerStars Director of Communications Nolan Dalla’s Facebook page. Dalla, a good friend of Korbin, called him an “exceptionally kind and generous man.”
The comments under Dalla’s announcement about Korbin’s death show how well-liked Korbin was by professional players, dealers, and industry members.
In praise of Rich Korbin
Chau Giang: “Very sad. He’s my good friend for 30 years. Very nice guy.”
Diane Erickson Lable: “So sad. He was a nice guy and fun to deal to. He always made me laugh. Rest In Peace Rich.”
Blair Rodman: “Devastating.”
Jeff Goodman: “Oh no! He was one of my favorite people in the poker world. I’m heartbroken.”
Shawn Rice: “A real legend in the poker community and a good friend!! Will miss you Rich.”
Phyllis Meyers: “I’m sad to hear this! He was a really nice man.”
Nick Christenson: “What a shock. My world is a sadder place for his passing.”
Judd Greenagel: “Worst news ever. Fabulous human being and great friend.”
David Plastik: “Horrible news.”
David Kopp: “Universally liked and respected. Rich was one of the good guys.”
Joe Giron: “That is sad and unexpected news. He was a nice guy and respected poker colleague. RIP Rich.”
Ashley Adams: “Awful news. Great man.”
Adam Green: “Dammit! He was truly exceptional. Really sad news.”
Richard Tennenbaum: “Rich use to love dealing to you always put a smile on my face Rest in peace!”
Players and friends also took to Twitter to express their condolences about Korbin.
RIP Rich Korbin. Great guy & Great stud, stud HiLo & Omaha HiLo player! Always concerned about others. Great sense of humor. Great job for Pokerstars. I wanted to borrow money one time, he told me I had to do his laundry first. Gave out constructive criticism and was always right
— Dan Heimiller (@danheimiller) June 27, 2022
Rich Korbin was not only a good friend of mine, he was a GREAT friend to poker!!! He always had the best interest of poker on his mind & a smile on his face to go along with it!!! Rest In Peace my friend 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
— R Williamson III (@RWilliamsonIII) June 26, 2022
Extremely saddened by passing of my friend Rich Korbin.
He was such a good man, friend & I owe the start of my poker media career to him.
I did a quick tribute with @FossilMan on my radio show that will air this week.
We will all miss you my friend.#RipRichKorbin pic.twitter.com/KTIVYgPhy1
— Bernard Lee (@BernardLeePoker) June 26, 2022
Today I learned Rich Korbin had a bracelet.
RIP.
We had our little spat in '06, and laughed about it for the next decade when we'd see each other playing mix. Never knew he had a bracelet!
— Bryan Micon (@BryanMicon) June 26, 2022
Rich Korbin was one of my first friends in poker and one of the best humans I've known. In shock to have lost him today.
— Terrence Chan (@tchanpoker) June 25, 2022
