Negreanu was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. His parents,
Annie and Constantin, left the old Communist regime of
Romania in 1967, looking to start a new life in the United
States. They ended up settling in Toronto instead, where
Constantin found work as an electrician and a sweets seller.
They soon started a family, Daniel arriving five years after
his older brother. It was a supportive environment, even
when it became clear Daniel was destined for an
unconventional lifestyle. While nursing dreams of a career
as a professional snooker player, the 15-year-old learned
how to play poker. By 16, he was spending time in pool
halls, hustling, sports betting and playing cards. When he
was several credits short of graduation, Daniel dropped out
of high school and began his life as a rounder playing at
the local charity casinos, namely Casino Country, and
looking for illegal games around the city. While in Toronto,
Daniel met and began dating Evelyn Ng,[3] who would also
become a well-know