Poker player

Diem Pham

United States

Diem Pham is a Vietnamese-American professional poker player from Bell Gardens, California, with three World Series of Poker bracelets and seven World Poker Tour final table appearances. As of 2017, his total live tournament winnings exceed $9,850,000.

Career earnings: $ 67,388

Early Life

Diem Pham was born on February 10, 1967, in South Vietnam. At age 17, he fled to the United States on a boat carrying 145 people, of which only 46 survived. After arriving, he worked at his cousin's laundry business before opening a nail salon with his wife. His cousin is the renowned poker player Men Nguyen, from whom Pham learned the game.

Career Highlights

Pham has been named "Player of the Year" twice by Card Player Magazine, in 2000 and 2007. His live tournament earnings include over $2,175,000 from 50 WSOP cashes and total winnings exceeding $9,850,000.

World Series of Poker Bracelets

Pham has won three WSOP bracelets:

2001: $2,000 S.H.O.E. event for $140,455, defeating a final table including 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 event for $391,960.

In 2018, he also won a WSOP Circuit Main Event in Los Angeles ($1,675 No-Limit Hold'em) for a bracelet.

World Poker Tour Results

Pham has seven WPT final table appearances and 20 money finishes. Notable results include:

2008: 4th place at WPT Foxwoods World Poker Finals for $240,344.
2008: 5th place at WPT World Poker Challenge for $93,664.
2008: 4th place at EPT PokerStars Caribbean Poker Adventure for $600,000.
2012: 8th place at WPT L.A. Poker Classic for $110,680.
2016: 9th place at WPT Legends of Poker for $39,940.

Other Major Titles

In February 2003, Pham won the $5,000 Limit Hold'em event at the L.A. Poker Classic for $457,320. In December 2004, he won the $3,000 No-Limit Hold'em event at the Five Diamond World Poker Classic for $414,419.

Playing Style

Pham is known for his aggressive and disciplined play, often applying pressure with well-timed bluffs and strong reads. His ability to adapt to various formats—from limit to no-limit and mixed games—has made him a consistent force in both tournaments and cash games.

Legacy

Pham is regarded as one of the most successful Vietnamese-American poker players, admired for his resilience and longevity in the game. He continues to compete at high levels, inspiring a new generation of players from similar backgrounds.

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