The financial prowess of Bill Perkins as an energy trader, along with his role as an author of 'Die with Zero' and his enthusiasm for poker, define his profile!

Born in February 1969, Bill Perkins has amassed a net worth around $500 million, thanks to his fruitful career in the energy trading sector.

He plays poker He has taken up poker as a passionate pursuit, participating in various prestigious tournaments.

While he might not be a professional, he has made considerable earnings in significant poker events. poker tournaments .

Bill Perkins: Trading Career

Commencing his career in energy trading in 1991, Bill established Small Ventures in 1997, initiating a project to create a natural gas power facility in El Salvador.

A turning point in Perkins' career occurred in 2002 when he became part of Centaurus Energy, a hedge fund started by his friend John Arnold. While working with the company, he remarkably generated a profit of $1 billion. Unfortunately, the firm closed in 2012 due to dwindling natural gas prices.

Perkins later founded Skylar Capital, another venture in energy trading. Within its first three months, Skylar Capital successfully gathered $102 million in funding and currently manages assets worth around $500 million.

Bill Perkins: Philanthropy

In 2016, Perkins generously donated $1.5 million to help construct the William O. Perkins III '86 Athletic Center. This impressive facility, spread over three stories and 15,000 square feet, is situated at his former educational institution, St Peter’s Prep in New Jersey, and serves as a vibrant center for athletic pursuits.

His philanthropic efforts align with his approach to life, advocating for spending or donating earnings throughout one's lifetime. His 2020 publication, 'Die with Zero,' champions maximizing life experiences instead of hoarding wealth until death.

According to Perkins, leaving behind unspent money represents a failure to seize opportunities. In gambling terms, this philosophy is evidenced by an underlying mindset. GTO poker strategy.

Bill has extended his charitable work to hospitals and healthcare professionals in the U.S. Virgin Islands during times of emergencies and disaster.

Bill Perkins: Personal Life

Bill's journey began on February 2, 1969, in Jersey City, New Jersey. Raised in a working-class family, his father worked as both a criminal defense lawyer and a politician. He acquired a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Iowa, where he briefly participated in college football as a walk-on defensive back.

Due to his belief in the 'die with zero' philosophy, Bill is often viewed as leading a lavish lifestyle, a notion reinforced by his active presence on social media.

For his 45th birthday, he orchestrated an extravagant celebration in St. Barts, renting the entire beachfront Hotel Taiwana along with additional accommodations at a nearby luxury resort. He invited numerous guests and arranged various activities like boat excursions, picnics, and nightly performances, including a concert by Natalie Merchant.

Perkins maintains that as people grow older, the value of spending on experiences diminishes. He believes that a smart balance should exist between saving for an early retirement and relishing the experiences available while still youthful.

Embracing the idea of having fun as we grow older aligns perfectly with his plans; he cherishes every one of life's moments. @larasebastian ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Happy Birthday!!! pic.twitter.com/9QTJNhQEyk

— Bill Perkins (Guy) (@bp22) April 16, 2025

In the mid-2010s, Bill relocated to the tropical paradise of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, attracted by favorable financial conditions such as advantageous tax laws and the persistent warm climate.

In 2017, he initiated a legal case seeking a $5 million tax refund for the year 2015, after paying $7.2 million in taxes, expecting to receive a substantial refund that ultimately did not materialize.

The tax authority contended that the refund request was premature because of an ongoing audit. As of 2025, nearly a decade later, no conclusive outcome has been reported.

The notion of passing away with tax office money is tantamount to leaving behind unspent wealth.

In 2022, Perkins entered into marriage with dancer Lara Sebastian after his previous marriage to Stephanie Park, with whom he shares two daughters.

Bill Perkins: Film Production

Bill ventured into film production in 2009 with 'After.Life,' featuring talented actors such as Justin Long, Christina Ricci, and Liam Neeson.

Additionally, he has produced a variety of films including:

• Unthinkable (2010) – A gripping psychological thriller featuring Samuel L. Jackson.
• The Baytown Outlaws (2012) – A comedic action film.
• Cat Run (2011) and its sequel, Cat Run 2 (2014).

His film productions have received a spectrum of reviews, with Unthinkable achieving notable success and holding a 7/10 rating on IMDb.

Bill Perkins: Poker Life

Bill has taken part in numerous high-stakes poker games.

Below are his highlighted tournament winnings:

He has also appeared in televised cash games like the PokerStars Big Game and the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series.

Despite his tournament winnings, Bill is often recognized as a moderate recreational player. PokerStars even created a video series dubbed 'Bill Perkins BURNING MONEY at the Poker Table' showcasing clips from the Big Game where he experiences significant losses. poker chips value in big pots.

Notably, Bill retains a fearless approach and appears largely unfazed by considerable losses.

His poker play is motivated by enjoyment and a spirit of adventure and competition, rather than the pursuit of a professional career. Given his substantial wealth, the impact of financial gains on him may not be of paramount importance. types of poker games he plays are like loose change.

From his beginnings in Jersey City to amassing a remarkable $500 million net worth, Perkins has consistently showcased his capability to thrive across multiple arenas. His philosophy of seizing life's opportunities, his writings, and his involvement in the poker scene render him a captivating and motivating individual.

Bill Perkins: Conclusion

Bill’s friendly and engaging demeanor contributes to his popularity in poker circles.

While arguably not ranked among the greatest poker players of all time With over 10 million registered users globally, 888poker has emerged as the quickest-growing online poker platform, welcoming a new player every 12 seconds. Established in 1997, 888 has led the online gaming sector and set standards for safe and responsible gaming. They are recognized as one of the most trusted brands, offering a vast range of games, lucrative tournaments, and exhilarating live events for poker enthusiasts.