Edward O. Thorp is an American mathematician, author, and hedge fund manager, best known for his pioneering work in the field of gambling and finance. He gained fame in the 1960s for developing a card counting system for the game of blackjack, which he detailed in his book, "Beat the Dealer." This work revolutionized the way players approached the game and demonstrated the application of mathematics in real-world scenarios. In addition to his contributions to gambling, Thorp is recognized for his innovative strategies in investing. He founded one of the first quantitative hedge funds, using mathematical models to make investment decisions. His insights have influenced both the fields of finance and risk management, making him a significant figure in both areas.