From soap opera stardom to high-stakes poker tables, Michael Greco has led a truly multifaceted career. Best known for his role as Beppe di Marco on the iconic BBC series EastEnders, Greco seamlessly transitioned from the world of acting to the competitive realm of professional poker in the early 2000s.
With over a million dollars in live tournament earnings and multiple deep runs at the World Series of Poker, he’s proved himself as much more than just a celebrity player—he’s a serious contender at the felt.
Michael Greco: Early Life and Introduction to Poker
Born on November 12th, 1970, Michael Greco grew up in Greater London, England. He developed a passion for acting early in life and pursued it seriously after graduating from the Guildford School of Acting.
Greco initially gained fame through television, rising to prominence for his role as Beppe di Marco in the BBC soap opera EastEnders. Since the 2000s, he has appeared in numerous independent films, television series, and shows. He also acted in Netflix’s Queen Cleopatra.
Greco became interested in poker in the early 2000s and soon showcased impressive talent in the game, with several deep runs and tournament cashes.
Michael Greco: Poker Career Highlights and Winnings
Greco made his first notable poker appearance in the 2005 Celebrity Poker Tour Series 3 NLH Grand Final, where he finished 3rd for $3,761. He followed this up with a money finish in the £1K PLO event at the European Poker Classic, earning $2,804.
In October 2005, Greco finished 2nd at the Poker Million Portuguese Open $2,000 NLH, pocketing $16,000. That same month, he ran deep at EPT London, finishing 7th in the EPT Dublin Main Event, where he banked $48,026.
Greco’s first-ever live tournament victory came in 2007, when he won the GUKPT Cardiff £1,050 NLH for a six-figure score of $189,773. He also secured a title at the Irish Poker Open, winning the €300 PLO event for $20,020.
In 2008, Greco made his first World Series of Poker final table, finishing 9th in the $2,000 NLH at the 39th WSOP, earning $22,572. In 2009, he came even closer to a bracelet, finishing 3rd in the $1,500 NLH event at the 40th WSOP and securing a massive payout of $248,855.
In 2010, Greco repeated his WSOP success, finishing 3rd once again—this time in the $2,500 PLO event at the 41st WSOP—for $129,691. This pushed his lifetime poker earnings past the $1 million mark.
In 2012, he won the Grand Challenge Tournament Series $340 NLH Double Stack, earning $10,738. Although he continued participating in various poker series, he failed to cash in several events, and his tournament cashes after 2012 became infrequent.
Greco’s last recorded tournament cash came in 2015, when he finished in the money in the 46th WSOP $10K Main Event, earning $15,000. Reports indicate that he also participated in the 2016 WSOP, though he did not cash in any events.
Where is Michael Greco Now?
Michael Greco is currently focused on his acting career while also raising his two children. Although it appears that he has retired from live tournament play, he may still participate in private cash games. According to his Twitter/X profile, Greco currently resides in London.
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