David Bach

David Bach, known as “The Gunslinger,” is a prominent American professional poker player hailing from Athens, Georgia. He has amassed over $4.5 million in live tournament earnings throughout his career. His most notable achievement came in June 2009, when he won his first World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet, earning a cash prize of $1,276,806.

Bach has claimed three WSOP bracelets, with his second and third earned in June 2017.

David Bach: Early Life

Bach was born in Springfield, Missouri, and moved to Athens, Georgia, at the age of five. His father, a clinical psychologist, introduced the family to poker, though David’s initial passion was bowling. While pursuing a psychology degree at the University of Georgia, Bach funded his tuition by competing on the bowling circuit. After graduating, he chose to pursue poker and bowling rather than join the family business. Bach then joined the professional bowling tour in 2001.

While he found poker success, he struggled in bowling but values those experiences. Over time, Bach developed his skills in home games and built his bankroll in cash games, eventually signing up for an early online poker account. His tournament results began to improve in 2005.

He is known as “Gunslinger” and recognized by his cowboy hat he often wears at the table. Bach married his wife in Las Vegas in 2009, the same year he won his first bracelet and had his name engraved on the Chip Reese Memorial Trophy. Two years ago, they welcomed a son, and caring for him has limited Bach’s time at the table. He considers being away from his family the toughest part of his career but remains focused on succeeding for their sake.

David Bach: Live Tournament Participation

David Bach’s first recorded live cash occurred in April 1997, he played in the $1,500 Seven-Card Stud event at the 28th World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas, finishing in 13th place and earning $3,855.

Then, in February 2007, he entered the $9,900 + $100 No Limit Hold’em event at the WPT Poker Classic in Los Angeles, where he placed 6th and cashed $257,425.

Subsequently, in June 2009, Bach achieved a major milestone by winning the $50,000 World Championship H.O.R.S.E. at the 40th WSOP in Las Vegas, taking 1st place and winning $1,276,806.

On July 5, 2011, he finished 2nd in the $5,000 Pot Limit Omaha Hi/Lo event at the 42nd WSOP, earning $245,314. Just two days later, on July 7, 2011, he participated in the $10,000 No Limit Hold’em Main Event of the same series, finishing in 45th place and cashing $196,174.

Continuing his success, in June 2017, he won the $10,000 H.O.R.S.E. Championship (Event #30) at the 48th WSOP, finishing in 1st place and cashing $383,208.

Most recently, in August 2024, he competed in the $1,130 No Limit Hold’em event at the 18th Annual Arizona State Poker Championship in Scottsdale, finishing in 85th place and earning $6,830.

Conclusion

David Bach, known for his remarkable achievements in poker, has established himself as a formidable competitor on the tournament circuit, with over $4.5 million in earnings and three coveted WSOP bracelets. Despite the challenges of balancing family life and a demanding career, his dedication to the game remains unwavering. As he continues to compete and evolve as a player, Bach’s legacy in the poker world is firmly cemented, inspiring both aspiring professionals and seasoned veterans alike.