Daniel Cates

Daniel Cates was born on November 14, 1989, in Bowie, Maryland. He began playing poker at age 17, initially losing heavily and even working at McDonald's to rebuild his bankroll. He describes his childhood as 'weird, a bit aloof and mostly spent alone,' spending much of his time playing Command and Conquer with an uncontrollable obsession for video games. Cates studied economics at the University of Maryland before dropping out to pursue poker full-time. He has been open about his autism diagnosis, which he credits for his intense focus and analytical approach to the game.

Cates started playing online poker under the screen name 'jungleman12' at $0.25/$0.50 stakes, also losing money in local casino games. By employing 'reverse game selection'—taking on and beating the best players at his stakes in heads-up matches—he quickly moved up limits, reaching $25/$50 within two years. In 2009, he lost most of his bankroll to Viktor Blom on Full Tilt Poker but rebuilt it. By 2010, he was winning over $5 million, making him the year's biggest online winner. His online cash game earnings on Full Tilt Poker and PokerStars exceeded $11 million by 2014. Cates also used the screen name 'w00ki3z' on some platforms.

The Durrrr Challenge

In August 2010, Cates accepted Tom Dwan's $1.5 million heads-up challenge, playing 50,000 hands at $200/$400 no-limit hold'em. As of April 2011, Cates led by over $1 million after 19,335 hands, with no further hands played since late 2013. Dwan paid approximately $700,000 in 2017, but the challenge remains technically unfinished. In December 2018, Cates publicly called out Dwan on Twitter for an update. Despite this, Cates is widely considered the de facto winner of the challenge.

Multi-Accounting Scandal

In 2020, Cates was accused of ghosting on a free-to-play money app with Dan Bilzerian and Bill Perkins. He later tweeted: 'To be clear, I think multi accounting is wrong even if others are doing it, and while it is condoned the first step…' The incident was one of several high-profile scandals that year.

Biggest Televised Game in History

In August 2025, Cates played in the largest televised poker game in history—a series of winner-takes-all heads-up matches with buy-ins from $1 million to $6 million. His opponent was Finnish entrepreneur Ossi Ketola; Cates won $15 million in a single day, marking a landmark moment in televised poker.

World Series of Poker

Cates has two WSOP bracelets, both in the prestigious $50,000 Poker Players Championship (6-handed). He won his first in 2021 ($954,020) after defeating Ryan Leng heads-up, and defended it in 2022 ($1,449,103) by beating Yuri Dzivielevski, becoming the first player to win the event in consecutive years. He celebrated his 2022 victory dressed as WWE's Macho Man Randy Savage and delivered his winner's interview in character. His only other WSOP cash came in the 2015 Main Event (775th). As of 2025, he has four total WSOP money finishes.

World Poker Tour

Cates holds two WPT titles and two final-table appearances, with two total money finishes.

European Poker Tour

He has one EPT title and three final-table appearances across three money finishes.

Other Notable Results

In 2023, Cates finished second in the Triton $100,000 Main Event for $3,528,000—his largest live cash. He also cashed in the 2023 WSOP Paradise Mystery Millions. His total live tournament winnings exceed $18.9 million, placing him 71st on the all-time money list (as of 2025). Earlier career highlights include a $1.94 million cash (best live cash at the time). He reached the $14 million milestone in live earnings and later the $18 million milestone.

Cates is known for his mathematical approach, balanced play, and ability to exploit opponents' weaknesses. He excels in mixed games, particularly pot-limit Omaha, and was once considered the best heads-up no-limit hold'em player in the world. His style emphasizes control and value extraction over raw aggression. He has also taken on Phil Galfond in heads-up matches, though he came out second best.

In 2015, Cates admitted losing HK$38 million (US$5 million) in a Manila casino. He has been open about his autism diagnosis, which he says enhances his focus and dedication. Cates was an ambassador for Run It Once poker training site (joining in September 2021) and featured on the GGPoker reality show Game of Gold in 2023, where high-tension moments with teammates made him a popular source of drama. He has appeared on podcasts such as Life Outside Poker (during the 2024 WSOP) discussing accountability, business ventures, and outdoor adventures. Cates resides in Naples, Florida, and is widely respected for his achievements across online and live poker, cementing his status as a legend of the game.