Minh Ly

Minh Ly is a Vietnamese-American professional poker player from Temple City, California, with over $3.8M in live tournament earnings. His best live cash of $1,060,050 came when he won at the Bellagio Festa Al Lago IV in October 2005

Minh Ly: Early Life

Born on March 24, 1967, in Vietnam, Minh moved to Las Vegas in 1986. To make ends meet, he worked two jobs, as a poker dealer and a cook. In an effort to boost his earnings, he began playing poker. Over time, he steadily climbed the ranks, eventually finding himself seated at Doyle Brunson’s table, playing at high-stakes games of $4,000-$8,000. For many, reaching this level would be the pinnacle of a poker career, but for Ly, it didn’t stop there. Encouraged by Brunson, he was advised to seek out tournaments and start playing them more often, setting the stage for the next phase of his poker journey.

Minh Ly: Live Tournament Participation

Minh Ly’s first recorded live cash occurred in August 1993 during the Jim Brady Monthin Bell Gardens. He finished in 5th place in a $1,000 + 50 Hold’em Shootout, cashing $4,375.

Fast forward to June 29th, 2005. At the 36th WSOP in Las Vegas, he secured a prize of $203,715. In this event, he engaged in a $5,000 Short Handed No Limit Hold’em and finished in 2nd place.

Shortly after, on July 7th, he returned to the 36th WSOP to join in a $10,000 No Limit Texas Hold’em – World Championship Event. He placed 19th and earned $304,680.

Later in October of that year, he entered in a $10,000 + 200 2nd Annual Doyle Brunson NAPC – No Limit Hold’em during the Bellagio Festa Al Lago IV. Minh clinched victory and won his biggest live cash of $1,060,050.

Continuing his career, in July 2011, he played in a $50,000 The Poker Players Championship 8 Game at the 42nd WSOP. He placed 3rd and secured a cash prize of $665,763.

Moreover, he finished in 6th place at the 44th WSOP in June 2013, earning $309,830.

In a recent appearance in December 2023, Minh competed in a $450 + 50 Mixed Games 8-Game Mix
at the Caesars Palace Mixed Game Poker Series. He ended up in 11th place, earning $1,274.