Scotty Nguyen (The Prince of Poker)

Scotty Nguyen is a flamboyant character. He can easily be described as a living legend. It's as if he's always been around in the poker world. He has to his credit 5 WSOP bracelets, 46 WSOP paid places, 1 WPT title, 8 WPT final tables, 21 WPT paid places and a paid place on the Eurepean Poker Tour. His total tournament winnings alone exceed $12 million. On the poker tables, he looks like a rock star with his smoked glasses, his many bracelets and his other exuberant jewellery. His playful personality never goes unnoticed at the poker tables. Scotty is also known for winning the 1998 WSOP Main Event for $1 million.

A rocky start to his career

Scotty was born in Vietnam in 1962 and given the country's difficult situation, he moved to the United States when he was just 14. From an early age, he played in underground poker games. A little later, he got a job in a casino. He spent most of his salary at the casino stud tables. In an interview, he admitted that at the time he was what is known as a "fish", but he was determined to improve. He was also a croupier in a casino. He then decided to invest the money he earned in poker tournaments, and before long had built up his bankroll to 1 million dollars. Around this time, he bought a condo and spent his days at Ceasars Palace where he could win up to $900,000 a night when things were going well.

What does he do today?

Scotty is still active on the international circuit. After battling his expensive drug and alcohol addictions, he is back with a vengeance. He competes at the WSOP almost every year and we saw him on the circuit in 2023 winning 3 WSOP paid spots. Scotty Nguyen was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2013, solidifying his status as a poker legend.