Andy Frankenberger: From WPT Star to Poker Hobbyist, Balancing Family and Finance

Andy Frankenberger: A Poker Journey

Andy Frankenberger made a big splash in poker in 2010, earning the title of World Poker Tour Player of the Year. His highlights include winning the Legends of Poker in Los Angeles for $750,000 and reaching the final table at the Festa Al Lago event at the Bellagio just eight weeks later.

“In my first year, I won everything without taking it too seriously,” Frankenberger said. “Life is about experiences, and I wouldn’t trade this one for anything. It’s been amazing.”

Currently, he participates in the Day 1B of the $3,500 WPT Seminole Rock ‘N’ Roll Poker Open Championship. As a busy father of two, he cherishes any chance he gets to play poker. He is in New York City, allowing family to take over for a few days. “This is just a one-off tournament for me,” he explained. “It’s tough to get away, and it’s more fun when I can.”

Frankenberger has amassed $3.5 million in tournament earnings and secured two World Series of Poker bracelets. Despite his accomplishments, he chose to return to Wall Street and pursue a finance career, balancing his poker with family life.

He is married with a nine-year-old and a five-month-old baby and treats poker as a hobby now. “I think poker is best as a hobby,” he stated. “You can enjoy the experience regardless of wins or losses. When it’s your job and things don’t go well, that’s painful.” Frankenberger believes the key to enjoying poker is to savor the experience, win or lose.

Changes in Poker

A lot has changed in poker since Frankenberger played professionally. He noted, “There are no more soft spots. Players are a lot better than they used to be.” He expressed concern about the prevalence of multiple entries in tournaments. “I had most of my success in freezeouts,” he said. “These create a level playing field.”

He added, “In today’s formats, it’s more about how many bullets you fire than whether you make it to Day 2. I prefer not to fire many bullets from my own pocket. It’s challenging to pressure someone who can keep re-entering the tournament.”

Enjoying Poker in a New Light

Frankenberger appreciates the camaraderie he experienced when he played full-time. “I think about that phase of my life; it’s different now with kids,” he reflected. “I can still come to tournaments and see friends.”

“Poker is something I can do forever,” he continued. “I enjoy it more now that I don’t rely on it for my career. My Wall Street job benefits from the networking poker brings.”

He plays in New York City when possible and takes part in charity events. Recently, he partnered with Hank Azaria to raise $400,000 for a school in New York. “Poker has done a lot of good in my life and the universe,” he said.