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Daniel Idema is a Canadian professional poker player from South Delta, British Columbia, and a former junior ice hockey player who pivoted from the rink to the felt to become one of the most decorated Canadian players in WSOP history. The holder of three World Series of Poker gold bracelets, Idema has established himself as a genuine specialist across multiple game formats, with a résumé that spans over $2.5 million in live tournament earnings.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
With total live tournament earnings surpassing $2,537,939 (according to The Hendon Mob), Idema’s career highlights are headlined by three WSOP bracelets across different game formats.
His standout results include:
- 2007: 1st place in the British Columbia Poker Championship Main Event for $410,000.
- 2011: 1st place in the WSOP $10,000 Limit Hold’em Championship for $378,642 - his first gold bracelet.
- 2013: 1st place in the WSOP $1,500 Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo for $184,590 - his second bracelet.
- Third WSOP bracelet across his career in a further game format.
His estimated poker net worth is over $2 million.
Biography & Poker Background
Idema grew up in South Delta, British Columbia, and played junior hockey with the Surrey Eagles of the BCHL before turning his competitive instincts toward poker. His three-bracelet haul across different game types - Limit Hold’em, Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo, and a further variant - marks him as one of the more versatile Canadian tournament players of his generation.
His 2007 British Columbia Poker Championship win demonstrated early potential at the highest domestic level, and his transition to the WSOP main stage produced results quickly. His 2011 Limit Hold’em Championship win against a field of 152 players in a traditionally high-skill, low-luck format was particularly notable. His 2013 Stud Hi/Lo bracelet furthered his reputation as a player whose game goes well beyond standard no-limit hold’em.
Play Style & Strategy
Idema is a mixed-game specialist whose three bracelets across different formats mark him out from the majority of tournament players whose credentials rest on a single game type.
His approach includes:
- Game format versatility: Bracelets in Limit Hold’em and Stud variants demonstrate a broad technical foundation.
- Tournament discipline: Limit games demand precision without over-aggression - a skill Idema has demonstrated at the highest level.
- Competitive drive: A background in competitive hockey translates to mental toughness and a structured approach to competition.
Social Media & Online Presence
Originally from the Lake District, UK, I’ve spent the last few years living and breathing the Southeast Asian poker circuit. Since 2025, I’ve been a fixture on the floor at the APT, PokerStars, and WSOP events, serving as a lead reporter and media specialist for Somuchpoker. My work is about more than just recording action; I manage the social media and digital content that brings action rail to the fans. By combining a business education and creative background, I aim to look past the technical hand histories to capture the actual human grit and drama that happens during a deep run.
