Brian Hastings

Brian Hastings, better known by his online poker nickname “Stinger88,” is an American professional poker player and coach from Pennsylvania. He grew up near Wilkes-Barre and earned a degree in economics from Cornell University in 2010. He began playing poker in high school, inspired in part by a teacher who introduced him to online poker.

Hastings built his reputation as a high-stakes online poker specialist, playing under screen names such as “Stinger88” and “LucLongley.” He specializes in no-limit hold’em, pot-limit Omaha, and mixed games. He has also shared his expertise through training platforms including CardRunners, Run It Once, and Octopi Poker, offering strategy instruction and coaching.

Outside poker, Hastings pursued several business ventures. He was involved with the poker training company CardRunners and the daily fantasy sports platform DraftDay. In 2016, he announced plans to leave full-time poker and focus on UniTea, a tea business in Florida. He later returned to professional poker and coaching, and also appeared as a poker broadcast commentator.

Away from the tables, Hastings enjoys golf, fitness, meditation, and time with his family. A former high-school varsity golfer, he has spoken openly about mental health, personal growth, and balancing poker with everyday life. Now based in Los Angeles, he combines competitive poker and coaching with family life.