David Sands biography
David "Doc" Sands built a reputation in the late 2000s and early 2010s as one of the sharpest young tournament minds in the game, a reputation that culminated in his selection to Doyle Brunson's exclusive "Brunson 10" roster after cashing in five events during a dedicated 2010 WSOP qualifying competition. He went on to win a World Poker Tour Super High Roller title and was named a WPT "One to Watch," building career earnings past $5.7 million and a reputation as a versatile, technically excellent player.
In February 2014, at a point when many considered him one of the game's rising stars, Sands announced his departure from professional poker, telling Doyle Brunson directly that he had taken a job at a hedge fund to apply his analytical mind to financial markets instead. His clean break from the tournament circuit made him one of the more notable "quit while ahead" stories of his poker generation, though he acknowledged even at the time that poker "pulls you back in."
Career summary
A former "Brunson 10" team member and WPT Super High Roller champion with over $5.7 million in career earnings, notable for stepping away from professional poker in 2014 at the height of his tournament success to work at a hedge fund.
David Sands poker winnings
Verified live tournament earnings: $5,700,000+.
WPT Championship - Super High Roller - 1st (WPT Super High Roller title)
2010 - WSOP "Become a Legend" Brunson 10 qualifying series - 5 cashes, over $88,000, securing a spot on Team Brunson 10
Named a WPT "One to Watch" in the years preceding his 2014 retirement
Career total live earnings exceeding $5.7 million across live tournament play
David Sands playing style
A technically sharp, analytically driven tournament player whose game translated smoothly into a post-poker career built on quantitative financial analysis.
Cash games
Built part of his bankroll in mid-stakes online cash games before shifting fully to tournament play during his professional career.
Business & sponsorships
Left professional poker in February 2014 to take a position at a hedge fund, applying his analytical background to financial markets instead of the felt.
Why David matters
A sharp, analytically minded tournament pro nicknamed "Doc" who earned a spot on Doyle Brunson's elite "Brunson 10" team before walking away from the game at the height of his powers to bet on markets instead of hands.
FAQ about David Sands
What is the "Brunson 10" that David Sands was selected for?
It was an elite team assembled by poker legend Doyle Brunson, and Sands earned his spot by cashing in five events during a dedicated 2010 WSOP qualifying competition, joining a small group of players Brunson considered future stars of the game.
Why did David Sands leave professional poker in 2014?
He announced his departure to take a position at a hedge fund, telling Doyle Brunson he wanted to apply his analytical skills to financial markets instead of tournament poker, stepping away while still considered one of the game's rising talents.
How much has David Sands won playing poker?
David Sands has won $5,700,000+ in live tournament earnings.
How many WSOP bracelets does David Sands have?
David Sands has not won a WSOP bracelet yet.