Chau Giang

Chau Tu Giang is a Vietnamese-American professional poker player residing in Las Vegas, Nevada. Born on July 7th, 1955, in Vietnam, Giang has earned nearly $4 million in live tournament winnings and holds three WSOP bracelets. His highest live cash prize of $773,448 was achieved when he finished as the runner-up in the Sixth Annual Jack Binion World Poker Open in January 2005 in Tunica.

Chau Giang: Early Life

Chau Tu Giang, of Chinese descent, was born on July 7th, 1955, in Vietnam. He departed the country in a small boat in 1979 and arrived in the United States. Giang initially took minimum-wage jobs to support himself and build a better life. He later moved to Colorado, where he took a job as a cook in a Chinese restaurant. Struggling to make ends meet, Giang started playing in low-limit poker games and soon realized he could earn a better living at the green felt table than by frying rice. 

Giang then took another gamble by moving to Las Vegas, where he began in low-limit games and gradually advanced to higher levels as his bankroll and confidence grew. Within his first year as a professional, he earned $100,000 at the poker tables. Giang is married and has three children.

Chau Tu Giang: Live Tournament Participation

Chau Tu Giang’s poker career began in November 1991. He participated in a $2,500 + 60 Limit Hold’em event at the Hall of Fame Poker Classic in Las Vegas. Giang finished in 16th place, taking home $2,140.

In April 1993, he claimed his first WSOP bracelet in a $1,500 Limit Ace to Five Draw event at the 24th WSOP. He finished first and won $82,800.

Giang secured his second WSOP bracelet in April 1998. He competed in a $2,000 Omaha 8 or Better event at the 29th WSOP. Giang triumphed in this tournament, winning $150,960.

His third WSOP bracelet came in April 2004. Giang took part in a $2,000 Pot Limit Omaha event at the 35th WSOP. He emerged victorious and took home $87,920.

In February 2007, Giang entered in a $9,900 + 100 No Limit Hold’em event at the 2007 L.A. Poker Classic. He achieved a 5th place finish, bringing in $341,710.

Two years later, in June 2009, he placed 7th in a $50,000 World Championship H.O.R.S.E. at the 40th WSOP, collecting $184,087.

In October 2022, he secured a 4th place finish in a $1,500 + 120 8 Game Mix Event at the WPT Five Diamond World Poker Classic in Las Vegas, cashing for $6,497.

Giang’s Cheating Allegations in 2014

In 2014, Todd Brunson stirred up poker forums by tweeting that Chau Giang was caught on camera trying to steal an $800 chip at the Bellagio. “A guy I used to play 4k-8k with every day just got caught on camera stealing $800 from the Jap 5 minutes ago at the Bellagio.. The jap came back from the bathroom, being the cheap skate he is, knew down to the last penny how much he had on the table. So he asked dealer what happened. Then told the floor to check the camera…. Busted!!!!”

He noticed something was wrong after returning from the bathroom. After checking the footage, it was clear Giang had taken the chip. When confronted, Giang claimed he thought it was his, but the casino chose not to involve the police. Months later, Todd apologized, saying it was a misunderstanding related to a joke, but the damage was done. Giang largely disappeared from the poker scene.

Conclusion

Chau Tu Giang’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a three-time WSOP bracelet winner is a remarkable testament to his dedication and talent in poker. While the 2014 cheating allegations tarnished his reputation and diminished his presence in the poker community, his past accomplishments prove his exceptional skill and resilience.