David Pham

David Pham was born on February 10, 1967, in South Vietnam. At the age of 17, he fled Vietnam on a boat carrying 145 people, of whom only 46 survived the journey. After arriving in the United States, he worked at his cousin's laundry business. His cousin, the famed professional poker player Men Nguyen, taught him how to play poker. Pham later opened a nail salon in Los Angeles with his wife before pursuing poker full-time in 1998.

Pham has won three World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets:

• 2001: $2,000 S.H.O.E. event for $140,455, defeating a final table that included Tom McEvoy, John Cernuto, Cyndy Violette, and Paul Darden.
• 2006: $2,000 No Limit Hold'em Shootout for $240,222.
• 2017: $1,500 No Limit Hold'em for $391,960.

He also won a WSOP Circuit event in 2018 at the $1,675 No Limit Hold'em Main Event in Los Angeles. His total WSOP cashes exceed 50, with lifetime WSOP earnings of over $2,175,000. His best WSOP Main Event finish was 44th in 2001. More recently, he cashed multiple times at the 2025 WSOP, including a 13th-place finish in the $500 COLOSSUS for $36,380 and a 12th-place finish in a $3,000 Freezeout for $22,910.

Pham has made seven World Poker Tour (WPT) final tables but has never won a WPT title. Notable WPT results include:

• 4th place at the 2008 WPT Foxwoods World Poker Finals for $240,344.
• 5th place at the 2008 World Poker Challenge for $93,664.
• 8th place at the 2011 WPT L.A. Poker Classic for $110,680.
• Runner-up at the 2007 WPT Legends of Poker for $800,185 — his largest career cash.

In other major tournaments, Pham finished 4th at the 2008 European Poker Tour's PokerStars Caribbean Poker Adventure for $600,000. He also won the $5,000 limit hold'em event at the L.A. Poker Classic in February 2003 for $457,320 and the $3,000 no limit hold'em event at the Five Diamond World Poker Classic in December 2004 for $414,419.

Pham was named "Player of the Year" by Card Player magazine in 2000 and 2007. As of 2026, his live tournament earnings exceed $11.57 million, according to latest records. He ranks 128th on the All Time Money List and 59th among United States players. His estimated poker net worth is over $12 million. He has 144 WSOP cashes, 29 final tables, and 2 WSOP Circuit rings.

Nicknamed "The Dragon," Pham is known for his relentlessly aggressive play style that pioneered high-pressure tactics in modern poker. He combines aggression with patience, excelling at controlling pots through well-timed bets and raises, particularly after the flop. His ability to read opponents and apply pressure in advantageous positions has made him a consistent force in deep-stack tournaments. He is also proficient in mixed games, as demonstrated by his 2001 S.H.O.E. bracelet.

Pham's nickname "The Dragon" reflects his fierce table presence and survival story. He often wears sunglasses at the table, projecting a focused and mysterious demeanor. His journey from a boat refugee to a three-time WSOP bracelet winner has inspired many poker players from Vietnam and around the world. He remains active in tournaments, with regular cashes in major events through 2025 and 2026.

David Pham resides in Bell Gardens, California, with his family. He continues to be an active participant in the poker community, often playing in local and international tournaments. Despite his success, he remains grounded, frequently crediting his cousin Men Nguyen for teaching him the game and supporting his early career.

Pham was named "Player of the Year" by Card Player magazine in both 2000 and 2007, becoming one of the few players to win the award multiple times. This recognition underscores his consistent high-level performance across a span of seven years, a testament to his skill and dedication to the game.