Men Nguyen

Men “The Master” Nguyen is a Vietnamese-American professional poker player from Bell Gardens, California. With over $11.2 million in live tournament earnings. His best live cash of $412,746 came when he finished in 2nd place at the 41st WSOP in June 2010.

Nguyen is recognized for his seven World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets and four World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) rings, all earned through live tournaments. He is related to notable players David Pham and Minh Nguyen.

Beyond his achievements at the table, Men is also committed to philanthropy, he donates a portion of his winnings to charities in Vietnam. In 1996, he used his WSOP earnings to build a kindergarten in his home country.

Men Nguyen: Early Life

Born in 1954 in Vietnam. Men Nguyen began working as a bus driver at 13 to support his family. His strong anti-communist views made life in Vietnam challenging, prompting him to leave in 1978. After sailing to Pulau Besar in Malaysia, he received political asylum in the United States later that year and moved to Los Angeles. He became a U.S. citizen eight years later.

Nguyen was introduced to poker in Las Vegas in 1984. Although he struggled initially, he gradually improved and won his first tournament in 1987. Frequent trips to Las Vegas initially resulted in losses, but he eventually mastered the game and started winning consistently.

With his poker winnings, he opened several businesses but later sold them to concentrate fully on poker. Over the years, he evolved from the “Money Machine,” known for his early losses, to “Men the Master,” a highly regarded poker professional and mentor to many successful players.

Men Nguyen: Live Tournament Participation

Men Nguyen recorded his first live cash in November 1987, he won the $300 Limit Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo at the 3rd Annual Diamond Jim Brady in Los Angeles, earning $28,600.

Years after, in October 2005, he placed second in the $10,000 Championship Event at the WSOP Circuit Southern Indiana, earning $243,200.

In April 2006, Nguyen continued his success by finishing sixth in the $25,000 + $500 WPT Championship No Limit Hold’em at the Fourth Annual Five-Star World Poker Classic in Las Vegas, cashing $292,915.

Then, in June 2010, he achieved a significant milestone by winning the $10,000 Seven Card Stud Championship at the 41st World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, receiving $394,807 and a WSOP Bracelet.

Shortly thereafter, on June 17, 2010, he took second place in the $5,000 No Limit Hold’em Six Handed event at the same series, earning $412,746.

In July 2018, Nguyen finished third in the $4,700 + 300 No Limit Hold’em WPT Gardens Main Event in Los Angeles, which paid him $270,430.

Most recently, in July 2024, he competed in the $777 No Limit Hold’em – Lucky 7’s – 7-Handed Bracelet Event #93 at the 55th World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, finishing in 833rd place and cashing $1,554.

Men Nguyen’s Seven WSOP Bracelet Achievements

• April 1992 – $1,500 Seven-Card Stud, 23rd WSOP in Las Vegas. (1st place, won $120,600)
• May 5th, 1995 – $2,500 Seven-Card Stud Split, 26th WSOP in Las Vegas. (1st place, won $96,000)
• May 10th, 1995 – $2,500 Limit Hold’em, 26th WSOP in Las Vegas. (1st place, won $186,000)
• May 1996 – $2,500 Omaha 8 or Better, 27th WSOP in Las Vegas. (1st place, won $110,000)
• May 14th, 2003 – $5,000 Seven Card Stud, 34th WSOP in Las Vegas. (1st place, won $178,560)
• May 18th, 2003 – $1,500 Ace to Five Triple Draw Lowball, 34th WSOP in Las Vegas. (1st place, won $43,520)
• June 2010 – $10,000 Seven Card Stud Championship, 41st WSOP in Las Vegas. (1st place, won $394,807)

Men Nguyen’s Four WSOPC Ring Achievements

• September 6th, 2005 – $500 + 50 No Limit Hold’em, WSOPC in Las Vegas. (1st place, won $41,591)
• September 12th, 2005 – $1,500 + 70 No Limit Hold’em, WSOPC in Las Vegas. (1st place, won $41,380)
• November 2005 – $1,500 + 70 No Limit Hold’em, WSOPC in Las Vegas. (1st place, won $86,427)
• April 2007 – $5,000 + 150 Circuit Championship Event, WSOPC Southern Indiana in Elizabeth. (1st place, won $238,756)

Conclusion

Men “The Master” Nguyen is a renowned professional poker player with over $11.2 million in live tournament earnings, including seven WSOP bracelets and four WSOPC rings. His journey from a bus driver in Vietnam to a respected mentor in the poker community reflects his resilience and strategic skill. Committed to philanthropy, Nguyen also gives back to his roots in Vietnam, inspiring both aspiring and seasoned players alike.