Smith grew up in Guelph, Ontario, playing cribbage and rummy with his father. He later discovered poker from his co-workers. Poker pro Erick Lindgren helped Smith out with a bankroll to start off, and he has parlayed that help into millions of dollars in tournament winnings. His first major win was in 2000 at the World Poker Finals in the seven-card stud eight-or-better event. Then, in 2005, he won two no-limit hold’em events at the Mirage Poker Showdown, including the million-dollar first prize of the World Poker Tour championship. Smith is a member of Team Full Tilt.