Matt Berkey


Matthew Berkey is an American professional poker player from Leechburg, Pennsylvania who focuses on live no limit hold 'em cash games.

Early life

Berkey grew up in Leechburg, Pennsylvania with two siblings and aspired to be a baseball player. His parents struggled financially and were separated. His family received help from his grandparents. By the age of 13 Berkey moved in with his grandparents who pushed him in the right direction.
A practice he no longer continues, Berkey, throughout his childhood ate half a mango once every morning and once before bed every day. Berkey received his B.A. in computer science.
In his youth, Berkey earned the nickname Eeyore, the donkey from Winnie the Pooh.

Poker career

Berkey plays online under the nickname berkey11. Berkey finished 43rd in the 2010 World Series of Poker. He was knocked out shortly after being cripple by Jonathan Duhamel's boat.
In 2013, Berkey finished 3rd in the $3,000 No-Limit Hold'em Six Handed event for $199,733. Berkey won the 2015 $25,000 No Limit Hold'em High Roller event at the Aria Casino in December 2015 earning $315,180.
In May 2016, Berkey finished 5th in the $300,000 Super High Roller Bowl earning $1,100,000.
In 2017, Berkey was regularly seen playing live televised cash games. He finished 5th in 2017 World Series of Poker $1,500 Six-Max No-Limit Hold'em earning $87,141. Berkey started his own poker academy called Solve For Why. The academy intends on hosting a charity event in March 2018. Berkey appeared on Poker After Dark in November 2017 where he lost a $459,000 pot to poker player Garrett Adelstein while holding against Adelstein's. The board came giving both players a set. Both players went all in on the river.
As of 2018, Berkey's total live tournament earnings exceed $3,900,000.