Qui Nguyen

A World Champion from Vietnam

Qui Nguyen is a professional poker player born in 1977 in Vietnam, who immigrated to the United States and settled in Las Vegas. His life story is one of the most compelling in the poker world, combining a remarkable personal journey with exceptional achievements at the felt. He represents a generation of players who built their game far from the spotlight before breaking through on the biggest stage the game has to offer.

The 2016 WSOP Main Event Title

Qui Nguyen's defining moment came in 2016 when he captured the World Series of Poker Main Event bracelet in Las Vegas, taking home $8,005,310 — the biggest score of his career. His heads-up victory over Gordon Vayo at the final table was the culmination of a dominant run through one of poker's most prestigious events. Throughout the tournament, Nguyen displayed an aggressive, fearless style, combining bold bluffs with sharp reads on his opponents, which made him a fan favourite and a nightmare for his tablemates.

Legacy and Current Status

Beyond his world championship, Qui Nguyen has accumulated multiple notable cashes on the American live circuit, particularly in Las Vegas tournaments and various WSOP open events. His total live earnings place him among the highest-earning players of Vietnamese origin. Relatively low-profile on social media, he continues to compete on the live circuit and remains a respected figure in the poker community, widely regarded as a symbol of perseverance and competitive excellence.