High-stakes poker pro Dan Smith continues his long-standing philanthropic efforts with an emergency fundraiser aimed at supporting those impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
As the world grapples with the health and economic fallout from COVID-19, poker pro Dan Smith is once again stepping up to help those in need. Through his well-known charitable platform, Double Up Drive, Smith has launched an emergency relief campaign dedicated to assisting families struggling during the crisis.
Known for his generosity and commitment to giving back, Smith has organized numerous matching donation drives over the past seven years, rallying support from both the poker and daily fantasy sports communities. This latest effort is no different, and comes at a time when help is needed more than ever.
“This COVID-19 pandemic is really unprecedented and horrific,” said Smith. “There’s really nothing we can do other than sit and wait while everyone’s in crisis. I tend to be someone who really likes to be proactive about doing things.”
Struggling with the passive nature of quarantine, Smith turned his energy toward what he does best—mobilizing the poker world to make a difference. Within days, the campaign quickly gained momentum. Thanks to pledges from fellow poker elites, including Stephen Chidwick, Daniel “Jungleman” Cates, and an anonymous donor, $250,000 has been committed to match individual donations.
The initiative will match donations of $500 per contributor, doubling the impact of every dollar raised. The funds will go directly to families in urgent need of financial assistance as the pandemic continues to take its toll on communities around the globe.
Smith, who has over $36.8 million in live tournament earnings and currently ranks fifth on poker’s all-time money list, is no stranger to philanthropy. His efforts through Double Up Drive have raised millions for a range of causes, making him one of the most charitable figures in professional poker.
With this latest campaign, Smith continues to prove that even in the high-stakes world of poker, compassion and generosity can take center stage.
