William “Bill” Chen

William Chen is an American professional poker player and author from Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania. He has accumulated earnings exceeding $1.9M from live tournaments, with his highest live cash totaling $442,511. During his poker career, he earned 2 WSOP bracelets at the 37th World Series of Poker in July 2006 and August 2006. In addition, he has also appeared on High Stakes Poker.

He is also the author of ‘The Mathematics of Poker‘ (2006) and ‘Poker Maths Sup‘ (2013).

William Chen: Early Life

Born in Pennsylvania, Chen moved to Missouri to attend Washington University in St. Louis in 1988, where he majored in Mathematics and Physics. After graduating in 1992, he pursued a PhD in Mathematics at the University of California, Berkeley, where he completed in 1999. Following his doctoral studies, Chen began working as a Quantitative Analyst at SIG, while also developing his skills in poker.

Chen: Poker Journey on High Stakes Poker

He debuted on January 16th, 2007 in HSP S3 Episode 1. He participated in a $300/600 + $100 ANTE No Limit Hold ’em with Daniel Negreanu, Mike Matusow, Doyle Brunson, and others. In this episode, he achieved his biggest win on HSP, $21,100.

In his most recent appearance on February 6th, 2007, in HSP S3 Episode 4, he participated in a $300/600 + $100 ANTE No Limit Hold ’em with Mike Matusow, Daniel Negreanu, Doyle Brunson, and others. He incurred a loss of $16,400.

Chen: Live Tournament Participation

Chen’s first recorded live cash occurred in June 1999 where he placed 2nd in a $50 + 10 Limit Stud at the San Francisco Open. He cashed $5,610.

Following his career, he secured his first WSOP bracelet at the 37th WSOP in Las Vegas on July 2, 2006. He participated in a $3,000 Limit Hold’em event and won $343,618.

Shortly after, on July 13th, 2006, he returned to the 37th WSOP to compete in a $2,500 Short-Handed No-Limit Hold’em. There, he achieved his biggest live cash of $442,511 and earned another bracelet.

Most recently, in July 2023, he placed 6th in a $125 + 35 Mixed Games – Mike Sexton Original TOC-Style Tournament at the BARGE in Las Vegas. Chen earned $575.

Conclusion

William Chen’s impressive poker career, highlighted by his two WSOP bracelets and substantial tournament earnings, underscores his exceptional skill and dedication. His contributions to poker extend beyond playing, with influential books that have shaped the understanding of the game.