Props, Family & Fortnite: For the Four Members of Team Lucky It's About Much More Than Poker

• Key Takeaways
  • Team Lucky, comprising Shaun Deeb, Josh Arieh, Daniel Weinman, and Matt Glantz, have not only made significant achievements in poker but have also built a strong bond through shared interests and values.
  • Their camaraderie extends beyond the poker table, finding common ground in playing Fortnite and engaging in prop bets, which underscores their friendship and mutual respect.
  • The group emphasizes a lifestyle focused on family and shared ethical values, standing as role models for each other during personal and professional challenges.

---

With a whopping 14 bracelets and nearly $50 million in tournament earnings among them, Shaun Deeb, Josh Arieh, Daniel Weinman, and Matt Glantz are undisputed titans of the poker world. Yet, despite their individual achievements, including a legendary $1 million bounty win and a historic victory in the biggest World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event ever, it's their unity under the banner of "Team Lucky" that truly defines them.

The moniker "Team Lucky," possibly coined by Deeb (though the origin is a bit fuzzy), symbolizes more than just their poker prowess; it embodies their journey, friendship, and a collective rebuke of the cynicism often found in the poker community.

The Foundation of Team Lucky

The inception of Team Lucky wasn't at a poker table but rather in the virtual world of Fortnite in 2017. As Arieh, the 2021 WSOP Player of the Year, recalls, what started as casual gaming evolved into daily sessions, especially during the Covid-19 lockdowns. This shared pastime led to the formation of a tight-knit group that extended its camaraderie to the poker world.

Their bond is cemented not just by the thrill of the game but by life's shared experiences. Deeb shares anecdotes of family life intersecting with their gaming sessions, illustrating the depth of their connection.

More Than Just Games

While Fortnite and gambling on duo battles were the initial glue for Team Lucky, their relationship deepened over shared values and ethics. Prop bets and gaming victories aside, the real strength of Team Lucky lies in their mutual support and the healthy lifestyle they advocate, which includes prioritizing family and eschewing the party lifestyle typically associated with poker success.

Arieh's personal growth, influenced by his friends during a challenging divorce, highlights the positive impact of their bond. The group's influence extends beyond personal achievements, fostering a supportive environment that encourages the best in each other, both at and away from the poker table.

Legacy of Team Lucky

Though their fortunes in poker and gaming are legendary, Team Lucky's legacy is the testament of friendship, mutual respect, and shared values. Their story reveals that success isn't just measured in bracelets and earnings but also in the quality of relationships and the positive influence they wield.

In the competitive world of poker, Team Lucky stands out not just for their luck or skills but for their unwavering commitment to each other and the values they share. Their story is a powerful reminder that in the high-stakes world of poker, the greatest wins often come from the bonds formed off the table.