Edward 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 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 gambling. 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 identify profitable opportunities in the stock market. His work has had a lasting impact on both the gambling and finance industries.