Danny Nguyen

Danny Nguyen was born on January 8 in Vietnam and moved to the United States in 1981. He currently resides in San Jose, California, and works as both a poker dealer and player. His nickname in poker circles is "Danny Boy."

Nguyen's crowning achievement came in March 2005 at the Season Three World Poker Tour Bay 101 Shooting Stars event. He won the tournament, taking home $1,025,000 and a WPT title. Remarkably, he personally eliminated all five of his final table opponents, including Gus Hansen and Men Nguyen, with a series of stunning outdraws and bad beats.

Notable hands from that final table:

• Against Gus Hansen: Nguyen held 4♣ 3♣ on a flop of 2♦ K♣ A♠. He called a $100,000 bet with a gutshot straight draw, then bet $100,000 on the turn (J♠). The river 5♠ gave him a straight, and Hansen mucked top pair after Nguyen checked. The odds of hitting the 5 on the river were 9:1.

• Against Men Nguyen: Nguyen's J♥ J♣ was a 22% underdog against Men's Q♥ Q♦, but the board ran out 3♣ 6♣ 2♦ J♠ J♦, giving Nguyen four of a kind and eliminating Men in sixth place.

• Against Shandor Szentkuti: Nguyen shoved with A♦ 7♦ and was called by Szentkuti's A♠ K♣. The flop was 5♥ K♥ 5♠, making Szentkuti a 99% favorite. But the turn was 7♣ and the river 7♠, giving Nguyen a full house. The odds of that runner-runner were 274:1.

• Heads-up against Dr. Jay Martens: Nguyen called Martens' all-in holding 4♥ 3♦ against Martens' K♠ 4♦ (70% favorite preflop). The board 9♥ 2♥ 10♥ 7♣ 3♣ gave Nguyen a pair of threes, winning him the title.

Beyond his WPT win, Nguyen has continued to cash in major events:

• 2011 WPT Bay 101 Shooting Star Main Event: 8th place for $73,900
• 2016 LAPC $10,000 No-Limit Hold'em: 18th place for $49,290
• 2019 Shooting Star $2,100 No-Limit Hold'em: 5th place for $18,655
• 2022 WSOP Main Event: 1,184th place for $15,000
• 2023 WSOP Event #53 Millionaire Maker: 227th place for $8,069

As of 2024, his total live tournament winnings exceed $1,800,000 ($1,822,296). He has over 30 cashes at the World Series of Poker, though he has never won a bracelet.

Nguyen is known for his aggressive, loose-aggressive style, particularly effective in deep-stack situations. His WPT final table demonstrated a willingness to make thin calls and draws, often putting opponents to difficult decisions. While his luck at the final table was extraordinary, his ability to apply pressure and read spots contributed to his success.

Danny Nguyen's WPT victory is remembered as one of the most dramatic in the tour's history. Despite limited high-stakes results after 2005, he remains a respected figure in the poker community, with a unique story as a dealer who conquered the biggest stage. His nickname "Danny Boy" is still recognized by fans of the World Poker Tour.