Benjamin Yu

Benjamin Yu was born on January 8, 1986, in Dayton, Ohio, but grew up in Los Angeles, California. He attended Stanford University, where he likely developed the analytical skills that would later define his poker career. After graduating, he transitioned into professional poker, eventually becoming a full-time player and commentator.

Yu's first WSOP cash came in 2008, but his breakthrough arrived in 2015 when he won his first bracelet in Event #50: $10,000 Limit Hold'em Championship for $291,456. This victory established him as a premier limit hold'em player. Two years later, he won his second bracelet in Event #34: $10,000 Limit 2-7 Lowball Triple Draw Championship, defeating a final table that included Shaun Deeb, Nick Schulman, and Mike Matusow to claim $232,738.

In 2018, Yu narrowly missed a bracelet in the $25,000 Pot-Limit Omaha High Roller, finishing second to Shaun Deeb for $866,924. However, he rebounded later that summer to win his third bracelet in Event #77: $50,000 Big Blind Antes No Limit Hold'em High Roller, earning a career-best $1,650,773. He also made the top 150 in the 2018 WSOP Main Event, finishing 150th.

Yu's fourth bracelet came in 2021 during the pandemic-affected WSOP in Event #56: $10,000 6-Handed No Limit Hold'em Championship, taking home $721,453. As of 2025, he has amassed over $6 million in WSOP cashes alone, ranking 20th all-time in total WSOP bracelet event cashes. He also holds eight cashes in WSOP limit hold'em events, including four final tables, placing him 13th on the all-time list for that variant. His seven cashes at the 2011 WSOP tied him for the most in that series.

Beyond the WSOP, Yu has consistently performed in high-stakes events on the PokerGO Tour and other circuits. In 2021, he won the $10,000 6-Handed Championship (his fourth bracelet) and also cashed in the $25,000 H.O.R.S.E. (7th for $75,260) and the $10,000 Omaha Hi-Lo Championship (20th). In the 2022 U.S. Poker Open, he placed third in the $15,000 8-Game event for $105,750. At the 2023 PGT PLO Series, he finished 6th in a $10,000 PLO event for $68,400, and in the PGT Mixed Games, he placed 5th in the $10,200 Big Bet Mix for $45,600.

In 2024, Yu cashed in numerous WSOP events, including a 13th-place finish in the $3,000 Nine Game Mixed ($11,120) and 26th in the $10,000 No-Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw Championship ($20,552). He also played the 2024 WSOP Main Event, finishing 940th for $22,500. His 2025 results include a 5th-place finish in the $10,000 No-Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw Championship ($114,989), an 8th-place in the $50,000 Poker Players Championship ($142,750), and a 9th-place in the $25,000 H.O.R.S.E. High Roller ($73,299). As of July 2025, his total live earnings exceed $9.9 million.

Yu is known for a solid, patient, and analytical playing style. He excels in deep-stack situations, utilizing positional awareness and hand reading to apply pressure. Post-flop, he balances value betting with well-timed bluffs, adapting his decisions based on opponents' tendencies rather than relying solely on mathematical models. His success across limit, no-limit, and mixed games demonstrates deep understanding of diverse poker disciplines. He is particularly noted for his proficiency in limit hold'em and lowball variants.

Since 2013, Yu has contributed poker strategy columns to Card Player magazine, offering insights into tournament play, hand analysis, and bankroll management. He also serves as a commentator for poker broadcasts, providing expert analysis. His writings and commentary reflect a thoughtful approach to the game, emphasizing continuous learning and disciplined decision-making.

As of 2025, Yu remains active on the tournament circuit, regularly competing in high-stakes events at the WSOP and on the PokerGO Tour. He continues to add to his resume with deep runs in mixed-game and no-limit hold'em events. With over 247 WSOP money finishes and 32 WSOP final tables, Yu is established as one of the most consistent and versatile players in the game. His total live earnings rank him 171st on the All Time Money List, and he is recognized as a US poker star with a broad skill set.