David Pham

  • Name: David Pham

  • Nickname: The Dragon

  • Current Residence: Cerritos, CA, USA

  • DOB: February 10th, 1967

  • Birth Place: South Vietnam

  • Sponsored by: Full Tilt Poker

  • WSOP Bracelets: 2

  • Total Winnings: $8,201,707 (March 2010)

  • Marital Status: Married

  • Children: 4

  • Age Started Playing Poker: 17

Who is David Pham?

David Pham was born in South Vietnam in 1967. He went to the United States with his parents at the age of 17. They travelled in a boat that carried 145 people and he was one of the 46 survivors. Once thefamily had arrived to Southern California, David found a job at his cousin's laundry business. That was when he was first introduced to poker. At first, he did not have the skills to make a living out of it so he and his wife opened a nail salon. Later on, he realised he was getting better and closed the salon and has supported his family with his poker income. His cousin became his mentor, but it was not just anyone's cousin, it was the WSOP champion Men "The Master" Nguyen.

David's breakthrough was in 2000 when he won a WSOP S.H.O.E. event, proving that he was well equipped in different areas of poker. That same year he also earned the title of "Player of the Year" by CardPlayer Magazine, an honour he regained in 2007.

Public Perception and Reputation

David is commonly perceived as a very tough player. He says it is due to his Asian heritage because he does not play for the money, he plays to win. That is probably why he has remained as one of the best tournament players in the past decade; he has never gone through a bad season.

Poker Techniques

At the tables he is often dominant and aggressive. He can read his opponents exceptionally well and call their cards in the middle of a hand; he says he plays to win and not for the money and this makes him a better poker player.

Media Exposure