David Chiu

David Chiu (Chinese: 邱芳全; pinyin: Qiū Fāngquán) was born on August 23, 1960, in Nanning, China, and later moved to the United States. He resides in Rowland Heights, California, and is a naturalized American citizen. Before becoming a professional poker player, Chiu owned a restaurant in Colorado and worked as a poker dealer. A swimming accident left him partially deaf in both ears, a condition he says helps him concentrate on reading opponents at the table.

Chiu transitioned from dealing to playing and quickly made a name for himself in tournament poker. His first major breakthrough came at the 1996 World Series of Poker (WSOP), where he won the $2,000 Limit Hold'em event for his first bracelet. That same year, he finished 10th in the WSOP Main Event, cashing for $96,000. He continued to perform well in the Main Event, placing 55th in 2003 and 147th in 2006.

Chiu has amassed five WSOP bracelets across different poker variants, demonstrating his versatility:

• 1996: $2,000 Limit Hold'em
• 1998: $2,500 Limit Hold'em
• 2000: $2,500 Seven-Card Stud
• 2005: $5,000 Omaha Hi-Lo
• 2013: $2,500 Seven-Card Stud (Event #23)

His 2013 bracelet win came after a long drought, earning $145,520. Over his career, he has made 60 WSOP money finishes, with total WSOP earnings exceeding $3.3 million. Other notable WSOP results include a 4th place in the $10,000 Limit Hold'em event in 2016 ($89,810) and a 4th place in the $2,500 Limit 2-7 Triple Draw Lowball in 2013 ($48,077).

Chiu's largest live cash came at the Season VI World Poker Tour (WPT) Championship in April 2008. He entered heads-up play against Gus Hansen with a massive chip disadvantage—Hansen held more than a 6:1 lead. Chiu staged a remarkable comeback to win the title and the $3,389,140 first prize. This victory also made him the first winner of the Tournament of Champions of Poker (a separate invitational event). He has two WPT final tables overall, including a 3rd-place finish in the Season 1 WPT Invitational.

Beyond the WSOP and WPT, Chiu has cashed in numerous events worldwide. He finished 11th in the 2008 APPT Macau Main Event for $16,208. In 2015, he had several deep runs at the WSOP: 9th in $10,000 Dealer's Choice ($27,714), 11th in $10,000 Seven-Card Stud ($19,965), and 13th in $25,000 Pot-Limit Omaha ($58,436). His total live tournament earnings exceed $8,030,000, placing him 215th on the all-time money list (as of 2024).

Chiu is known for a solid yet aggressive style, leveraging positional advantage and precise post-flop play. He excels in mixed games, especially Omaha Hi-Lo and Stud variants, where he calculates pot odds and hand potential effectively. His partial deafness allows him to focus on physical tells and betting patterns, enhancing his hand-reading abilities. He adjusts his strategy based on opponents' tendencies, playing conservatively in late tournament stages but willing to bluff or value-bet thin when necessary.

Chiu is married and lives in Las Vegas, Nevada, though he maintains a home in California. He has worked as a poker coach and commentator, sharing insights through strategy articles and television appearances. He is also an avid supporter of poker in Asia, having participated in events in Macau and inspiring many Asian players.

David Chiu is regarded as one of the most successful Asian-American poker players in history. His five WSOP bracelets, WPT title, and consistent cash record over three decades have earned him a place among the game's elite. His comeback against Gus Hansen remains one of the most memorable moments in WPT history. Chiu's career exemplifies the importance of adaptability, patience, and mental fortitude in tournament poker.