David Williams

David Williams is an American professional poker and Magic: The Gathering player from Arlington, Texas. Born on June 9th, 1980, Williams has won a WSOP gold bracelet and a WSOP Circuit gold ring, amassing over $9.4 million in live tournament earnings. His largest live cash, totaling $3.5 million, came when he finished 2nd in the 35th WSOP Main Event in May 2004.

In addition, Williams appeared on Season 7 of the FOX cooking show “MasterChef,” where he secured second place. He has also made appearances on High Stakes Poker.

David Williams: Early Life

David Williams was born on June 9th, 1980, in Arlington, Texas. He developed his Magic: The Gathering skills during high school and became a prominent player in the late 1990s. Williams achieved Top 8 finishes at several Grand Prix events. Notably, he won Team Events in Yokohama and Taipei in 2001.

Despite his dedication to Magic: The Gathering, David Williams excelled academically, achieving a 4.0 GPA and a 1550 SAT score. He continued his education at Princeton University, where he began playing poker in home games. As his poker skills developed, he used his winnings to support his studies and eventually transferred to Southern Methodist University to focus on economics and business

David Williams: Poker Journey on High Stakes Poker

David Williams debuted on March 25th, 2007, in HSP Season 3 Episode 11. He participated in a $300/600 +$100 ANTE ($1.2K) No Limit Holdem game with Daniel Negreanu, Mike Matusow, Illya Trincher, and others. Williams incurred a $54,500 loss.

He returned to the tables on April 2nd, 2007, for HSP Season 3 Episode 12. David played in another $300/600 +$100 ANTE ($1.2K) No Limit Holdem game alongside Patrik Antonius, Antonio Esfandiari, Phil Ivey, and others. He ended the night down $10,600.

David Williams: Live Tournament Participation

David Williams recorded his first live cash in May 2004. He finished 2nd in a $10,000 World Championship Event at the 35th WSOP in Las Vegas. Williams earned $3,500,000, which remains his best live cash to date.

Following this success, in May 2006, he won the $5,000 H.O.S.E. event at the WSOP Circuit held at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas. He took first place, winning $91,250 and a WSOP Circuit gold ring.

In July 2006, Williams competed in a $1,500 Seven Card Stud event at the 37th WSOP in Las Vegas. He claimed first place and a WSOP gold bracelet with a prize of $163,118.

Most recently, in July 2024, he participated in a $1,000 No-Limit Hold’em Super Turbo Bracelet Event at the 55th WSOP in Las Vegas. There, he finished in 100th place and cashed for $2,224.

Conclusion

David Williams, known for his second-place finish in the 2004 WSOP Main Event and a WSOP gold bracelet, is a versatile and resilient figure in poker. His diverse interests, including Magic: The Gathering and a notable appearance on ‘MasterChef,’ show his broad talents beyond the poker table.