Scotty Nguyen - Poker Player

What sets Scotty Nguyen apart from other Poker players is his larger-than-life personality. He is known for his flashy style and signature catchphrases, especially his frequent use of ‘baby’ when addressing others at the Poker table.

Here’s everything you need to know about this Vietnamese Poker player.

Who is Scotty Nguyen?

Scotty Nguyen, the ‘Prince of Poker’, is a five-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner. His story is one of highs and lows, but his love for the game and commitment to success have been evident throughout.

Early Life and Beginnings in Poker

He was born in Nha Trang, Vietnam, on October 28, 1962, during the time of the Vietnam War. His mother sent him to Taiwan for safety, and later, at the age of 14, he arrived in the United States. 

Settling in Las Vegas, he initially worked as a busboy, earning a modest living and barely speaking English. He found a sponsor in Orange County, California. At 21, Nguyen attended dealer school and began working at Harrah’s Poker Room. However, school didn’t interest him as much as the underground poker games. He was eventually expelled for his passion for the game.

Although he started off losing money, playing small $3–$6 stud games, his fortune would soon take a dramatic turn. By 1985, Nguyen had moved to Lake Tahoe to deal in no-limit hold'em tournaments and spent his nights playing cash games. He eventually turned a small bankroll into $7,000 and began gambling more confidently.

Within a short span, his bankroll ballooned to $1 million, and he quickly became a well-known name in the Las Vegas poker community, competing against poker legends like Johnny Chan, Puggy Pearson, and David Grey.

Nguyen’s success extended beyond the Poker table. His larger-than-life personality earned him appearances on mainstream platforms, including an interview on Late Night with Conan O’Brien in 2004.

1998 WSOP Main Event Victory

Nguyen's career would truly take off with his win at the 1998 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event. This victory came with a $1 million prize. His performance at the final table was memorable, especially his witty and confident exchanges with his opponent, Kevin McBride.

In a now-iconic moment, when McBride was all-in, Nguyen famously quipped, "You call, it's gonna be all over baby”. Later, when McBride called his bet and pushed all-in again, Nguyen won with a better full house, securing his first-ever WSOP Main Event title. This victory was bittersweet, however, as it came the day after Nguyen received tragic news of his brother’s death in Vietnam. This personal loss led Nguyen to never wear his 1998 championship bracelet.

WSOP Bracelets and WPT Glory

Nguyen’s Poker career continued to thrive after his Main Event victory. He won two more WSOP bracelets in 2001, one in Pot Limit Omaha and another in Omaha Hi-Lo Split Eight or Better.

In 2006, Scotty Nguyen triumphed in the World Poker Tour (WPT) Gold Strike World Poker Open, defeating Michael Mizrachi in a heads-up battle. This victory made him one of the few players to have won both the prestigious WSOP Main Event and a WPT title.

2008 WSOP H.O.R.S.E. Championship

In 2008, Nguyen claimed his fifth WSOP bracelet by winning the $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. World Championship, a victory that was overshadowed by controversy. During the final table, Nguyen's behaviour, including swearing and soft-play with fellow player Erick Lindgren, sparked a backlash. After the event, Nguyen publicly apologized for his actions, citing exhaustion and frustration as contributing factors. Since then, he vowed never to drink alcohol during televised events.

Poker Hall of Fame Induction

As his Poker career progressed, Nguyen continued to showcase his skill, particularly in H.O.R.S.E. and other mixed games. In 2009, he won the LA Poker Classic H.O.R.S.E. World Championship.

In 2013, Nguyen was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame, a well-deserved recognition of his contributions to the game and his career achievements.

Achievements and Legacy

Several major achievements mark Nguyen's poker career:

• Total Live Earnings: $12,730,142
• Best Live Cash: $1,989,120
• All Time Money List: 110th
• United States All Time Money List: 49th
• Nevada All Time Money List: 5th
• Global Poker Index Ranking: 42,681st
• Popularity Ranking: 56th

Despite his fortune, Nguyen’s life was not without its challenges. Behind his charismatic persona, he faced deep personal struggles. Fame came with pressure, and Nguyen turned to drugs to cope with the demands of his lifestyle. His addiction began to take a toll on both his professional and personal life, leading to inconsistent performances at the poker table and financial instability.

By 2012, Nguyen had filed for bankruptcy, marking a low point in his journey. The Poker community, which had long celebrated him as one of its brightest stars, watched with sadness as Nguyen faced his demons. However, the player continued his journey, always eager to get back in the game.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Scotty Nguyen?

Scotty Nguyen, known as the ‘Prince of Poker’, is a Vietnamese-American professional poker player celebrated for his charisma and exceptional skills. He has won five World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets, including the 1998 WSOP Main Event, where his iconic phrase, “You call, it’s gonna be all over, baby!” became legendary.

Where is Scotty Nguyen from?

Scotty Nguyen was born in Vietnam but emigrated to the United States during his youth. He currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he built his career and gained fame as one of poker’s greatest personalities.

Why is Scotty Nguyen called the "Prince of Poker"?

Nguyen earned the nickname "Prince of Poker" due to his dominating presence at the tables and his unmatched charisma. His charm and skill have made him one of poker’s most beloved figures, with a loyal fanbase that admires his entertaining style of play.

Conclusion

Beyond his achievements, Nguyen is remembered for his charismatic personality, memorable quips at the table, and ability to thrive under pressure. His contributions to the game have earned him a lasting legacy as one of the most influential poker players ever.