Men Nguyen

  • Name: Men Nguyen

  • Nickname: The Master

  • Current Residence: Bell Gardens, California

  • DOB: 1954

  • Birth Place: Phanthiet, Vietnam

  • WSOP Bracelets: 6

  • Total Winnings: $9,257,513 (March 2010)

  • Marital Status: Married

  • Children: 8

Who is Men Nguyen?

Men Nguyen was born in Vietnam, he left his home country as a boat refugee and came to the United States looking for better opportunities. He did not speak a word of English on arrival so he was unemployed for 3 months. After taking English lessons he managed to get a job as a furniture delivery boy and later as a machinist. Eventually, he would open a laundry business of his own.

Men was first introduced to poker in Vegas where he lost all of his savings from his $12 an hour job. He got hooked immediately, though, and thought about the game for some time. Men went back after a week and got a hold of the game making his first winning. He quickly mastered his strategy and became a trainer for some other Vietnamese players like his cousin David "The Dragon" Pham. He is widely known for having turned his pupils into successful players. He still receives part of the winnings that his students make.

Men's skills on the poker table have not only brought benefit for himself and his family; Nguyen often puts part of his winnings on charities in his old country helping children and refugees. In the USA he founded of a school for little children that was financed by him and by contributions from other poker players.

However, Men is a controversial figure in the poker world, since he widely accused of colluding with this students in tournaments.  Naturally, Men vehemently denies this, but there was a tournament at Foxwoods, where tournament chips were discovered in the hotel room shared by Men and his team of players, indicating that there might be some truth to the accusations.

Where does the nickname ‘The Master' come from?

He got this nickname from one of his students who started calling him Master.

Public Perception and Reputation

Men Nguyen is quite a controversial figure on the circuit as he has stated that he believes many players envy him for his success. Some of his comments have upset his fellow pros, so Men might not be so welcome everywhere he goes. This also happens because he often drinks beer during games and on rare occasions he has not been at his full potential. It has also been said that Men is the most hated player among dealers since he often gives them a hard time at the tables.

Poker Techniques

Men Nguyen believes that the most important thing in poker is to read your opponent's hand, it is more important than knowing yours. He has truly mastered this skill. "Poker is about talent, patience and reading people", he says.

Media Exposure