David Pham

David Pham AKA “The Dragon,” is a Vietnamese-American professional poker player from Bell Gardens, California, with over $11.4 million in live tournament earnings. His best live cash of $800,185 came when he finished in 2nd place at the Legends of Poker in August 2007. During his poker career, he has won three WSOP bracelets: his first at the 32nd WSOP in April 2001, his second at the 37th WSOP in July 2006, and his third at the 48th WSOP in June 2017.

Additionally, David has won two rings at the WSOPC Los Angeles in March 2018 and May 2024 respectively. He is also a member of Full Tilt Pros.

David “The Dragon” Pham: Ealy Life

Away from the poker table, David Pham was born on February 10, 1967 in South Vietnam. At the age of 17, he moved to the United States to avoid turmoil from his hometown. He worked at his cousin’s laundry business, Men Nguyen, to make ends meet. His cousin taught him how to play poker, and he started playing in tournaments in the early ’90s.

However, in 2010, he and his first wife separated, and he remarried before deciding to move back to Vietnam. During his five years there, David rarely played poker and only returned to compete in the WSOP. After his wife gave birth, they spent another year in Vietnam before deciding to return to the U.S. They settled down in Houston, where their family also lived. Along with his brother, Pham opened a coffee shop in Houston and even hosts a weekly poker game with his friends.

He continues to actively participate in major tournaments, showcasing his enduring passion for the game and his commitment to the poker community.

David Pham: Live Tournament Participation

David Pham’s first recorded live cash occurred in November 1992 at the Hall of Fame Poker Classic in Las Vegas. He finished in 3rd place in a $1,000 + 50 Limit Hold’em, cashing $15,700.

In April 2001, David played in a $2,000 + 100 S.H.O.E. at the 32nd World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. He finished in 1st place and $140,455 added to his winnings.

Later in August 2002, he engaged in a $1,000 + 60 7 Card Stud Hi/Lo Event #18 during the Legends of Poker in Los Angeles. David claimed 1st position and won $23,600.

At the L.A. Poker Classic in February 2003, he won a cash prize of $457,320. David participated in a $1,500 + 70 Limit Hold’em Championship and clinched another victory.

Following this, David played in a $3,000 + 100 No Limit Hold’em at the Five-Diamond World Poker Classic in Las Vegas in December 2004. He continued to dominate in tournaments and won $414,419.

David clinched his second bracelet at the 37th WSOP in July 2006. He took part in a $2,000 No Limit Hold’em Shootout and bagged $240,222.

During the Legends of Poker in August 2007, he finished in 2nd place. David joined in a $9,500 + 200 No Limit Hold’em – Championship Event and secured his biggest live cash to date with a win of $800,185.

Continuing his career, he competed in a $7,800 + 200 PCA at the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure in January 2008. David finished in 4th place and took home $600,000.

Emerging victorious at the 48th WSOP in June 2017, David secured his third bracelet by winning the $1,500 No Limit Hold’em Event #12 , earning $391,960 in prize money.

The Dragon’s WSOP Rings

• March 2018: $1,675 No Limit Hold’em – Main Event at WSOPC in Los Angeles ($216,790)
• May 2024: $400 No Limit Hold’em – Monster Stack Ring Event #5 at WSOPC Commerce Casino in Los Angeles ($53,362)

Conclusion

David Pham, known as “The Dragon,” is a highly successful poker player, who has earned over $11.4 million in tournament winnings. He has achieved notable success, including three bracelets at the World Series of Poker and two rings at the WSOP Circuit. His journey began when he moved from Vietnam to the U.S. as a teenager. He started working in his cousin’s laundry business and learned to play poker there. After years of hard work, he became a well-respected player in the poker world.