Pinhas Romik loves challenges, games and puzzles; the more complex the better. In 2004, this polymath and successful serial entrepreneur had the idea to apply the rules of duplicate bridge, a game he mastered in world class competition, to poker. Since then he has perfected the game, a variation of Texas Hold ‘Em, and has built a fast growing global community of poker players and a fast growing Internet business at DuplicatePoker.com.
Born in Russia, raised in Poland and educated in Israel, Pinhas earned his B.Sc. degree in Physics from Tel Aviv University and worked from 1974 to 1992 at Tadiran Electronics Industries, where he ultimately served as General Manager of its Communications Systems Division working on microelectronics, electro-optics, Command, Control, Communications and Intelligence (C3I) systems, Ballistic Missiles Defense, military communications systems and consumer radio technologies. Achieving distinction as an Israeli national expert in C3I systems, he still remains involved in several important projects.
In 1992, Pinhas founded and led RDC Communications, which became a worldwide leader in wireless data communications, selling its products in over 20 countries. After eight years, he sold it to Marconi Communications of the U.K. Soon after, he founded E-bridge Inc., which became the largest bridge tournament site on the Internet. In 2004, he sold it to Worldwinner.com, the largest online skill gaming site.
A world-class bridge player, Pinhas first stepped onto the international stage at 19, playing for the Polish national team. Since 1972 he has played many times for the Israeli National Team, twice holding the title of European runner-up, and World Champion runner-up. Over the years Mr. Romik has won many prestigious bridge tournaments, including North America Bridge Championship and European Bridge Championship in seniors’ category.
Married with two adult sons, he lives in Rehovot, Israel.