Scotty Nguyen (The Prince of Poker)

Scotty Nguyen is a flamboyant character. You could easily call him a living legend. It's as if he's always been around in the poker world. He boasts 5 WSOP bracelets, 46 WSOP paid seats, 1 WPT title, 8 WPT final tables, 21 WPT paid seats and a paid seat on the Eurepean Poker Tour. His total tournament earnings alone exceed $12 million. On the poker tables, he resembles a rock star with his smoked glasses, his many bracelets and other exuberant jewelry. His playful personality never goes unnoticed at the poker tables. Scotty is also known for winning the 1998 WSOP Main Event for $1 million.

Troubled beginnings

Scotty was born in Vietnam in 1962 and, given the country's difficult situation, moved to the USA when he was just 14. From an early age, he played in underground poker games. A little later, he found a job in a casino. He spent most of his salary at the casino stud tables. In an interview, he confessed that, at the time, he was a so-called "fish", but he was determined to improve. He also worked as a casino croupier. He decided to invest the money he earned in poker tournaments, and before long had built up his bankroll to $1 million. Around this time, he bought a condo and spent his days at Ceasars Palace, where he could earn 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's back with a vengeance. He participates in the WSOP almost every year and we saw him on the circuit in 2023 winning 3 WSOP paid places. Scotty Nguyen was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2013, solidifying his status as a poker legend.