Steven Silverman

Steven Silverman grew up in Derwood, Maryland, with an older brother. He initially pursued a mathematics degree at the University of Maryland but dropped out. Later, he returned to academia and earned degrees in biochemistry and nutrition. Silverman currently resides in Washington, D.C. He learned to play poker at the age of 14 while at a summer camp and soon began playing online. After dropping out of college, he joined local cash games with fellow future poker star Greg Merson and frequently visited the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York, where he befriended players like Christian Harder and Randal Flowers.

Silverman's first live tournament cash came in mid-October 2007 at Turning Stone. In November 2007, he finished 10th in the World Poker Tour (WPT) Main Event in Niagara Falls, earning approximately C$65,000. A few months later, in May 2008, he placed third in the Latin American Poker Tour (LAPT) Main Event in San José for over $100,000. At the 2009 European Poker Tour (EPT) Grand Final in Monte Carlo, he finished 12th for €97,000.

Silverman made his World Series of Poker (WSOP) debut in 2012, cashing in a $1,500 No-Limit Hold'em Shootout event and later finishing third in a $10,000 Pot-Limit Omaha event for about $300,000. His biggest scores came in 2013: in May, he won the EPT High Roller in Monte Carlo, securing over €775,000 after a deal with two other players. Then in August, he took down the WPT Alpha8 event in Hollywood, Florida, for nearly $900,000. His last recorded live cash was at the 2015 WSOP. Overall, Silverman's live tournament earnings exceed $3.2 million, with his largest single cash being $1,016,744.

Silverman played online poker from September 2006 to May 2015 under the screen name "Zugwat" on platforms including PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker, Bodog, UltimateBet, and Absolute Poker. He accumulated nearly $1.5 million in online tournament winnings. Known for a solid, patient style, Silverman emphasizes position and careful hand selection, often looking to accumulate chips gradually rather than engaging in large confrontations. His educational background in mathematics and biochemistry likely contributes to his analytical approach at the tables.