David Pham biography
David Pham was born on 10 February 1967 in South Vietnam. At 17 he fled the country on a boat carrying 145 people, only 46 of whom survived, and settled in the United States. He worked at his cousin Men Nguyen's laundry business and learned poker from him; he and his wife also ran a nail salon in Los Angeles. He lives in Bell Gardens, California.
Known as "The Dragon", Pham won his first World Series of Poker bracelet in the $2,000 S.H.O.E. event in 2001, added a $2,000 No-Limit Hold'em Shootout in 2006 and a $1,500 No-Limit Hold'em event in 2017 for $391,960. He won a $5,000 limit hold'em event at the 2003 L.A. Poker Classic and a $3,000 no-limit event at the 2004 Five Diamond World Poker Classic, made seven WPT final tables and finished 4th in the 2008 PokerStars Caribbean Adventure Main Event for $600,000.
Pham was named Card Player Player of the Year in 2000 and 2007 and has more than $9.85 million in live tournament earnings.
Career summary
Vietnamese-American David "The Dragon" Pham has three WSOP bracelets, two Card Player Player of the Year titles and more than $9.85 million in live earnings.
David Pham poker winnings
| Year | Event | Place | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | WSOP $1,500 No-Limit Hold'em | 1st | $391,960 |
| 2006 | WSOP $2,000 No-Limit Hold'em Shootout | 1st | $240,222 |
| 2004 | Five Diamond World Poker Classic $3,000 No-Limit Hold'em | 1st | $414,419 |
| 2003 | L.A. Poker Classic $5,000 Limit Hold'em | 1st | $457,320 |
| 2001 | WSOP $2,000 S.H.O.E. | 1st | $140,455 |
| 2008 | PCA Main Event | 4th | $600,000 |
Verified live tournament earnings: $9,800,000+, plus 3 WSOP bracelets.
David Pham playing style
Pham is a tough, versatile tournament player who has won in limit, mixed games and no-limit hold'em.
Business & sponsorships
Ran a nail salon in Los Angeles with his wife before poker took over.
Why David matters
Vietnamese-born David "The Dragon" Pham survived a perilous escape by boat and became a two-time Card Player Player of the Year with three WSOP bracelets.
FAQ about David Pham
What is David Pham's nickname?
The Dragon.
How many WSOP bracelets does David Pham have?
Three: in 2001, 2006 and 2017.
Who taught David Pham to play poker?
His cousin Men Nguyen.
How much has David Pham won playing poker?
David Pham has won $9,800,000+ in live tournament earnings.
