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Qui Nguyen is a Vietnamese-American professional poker player who captured global attention with his spectacular victory in the 2016 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event. Known by his nickname “Tommy Gun” for his aggressive and unpredictable playing style, Nguyen transformed from a local Las Vegas regular into a world champion, cementing his place in poker history with one of the most memorable final table performances ever witnessed.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
With total live tournament earnings exceeding $8,194,831 (according to The Hendon Mob), Qui Nguyen is best remembered for his historic win in the 2016 World Series of Poker Main Event, where he outlasted a field of 6,737 players to bank the $8,005,310 first-place prize. Having qualified for the tournament through a modest $1,100 satellite, his journey from the qualifying rounds to the Main Event crown remains a classic poker underdog story. While he has since maintained a more selective tournament schedule, he continues to make occasional appearances at major events in Las Vegas, including the World Series of Poker.
Biography & Poker Background
Born in Vietnam in 1977, Nguyen immigrated to the United States in 2001, eventually settling in Las Vegas, Nevada. Before finding his breakthrough in professional poker, he worked in a nail salon, a career that helped facilitate his interest in the game. He began playing poker in 2003, starting with small-stakes limit hold’em before transitioning to no-limit cash games once he moved to Las Vegas. His life story and the strategic analysis of his championship final table were chronicled in his 2017 autobiography, From Vietnam to Vegas! How I Won the World Series of Poker Main Event, co-authored with software engineer Steve Blay.
Play Style & Strategy
Nguyen is famous for his “fearless” and highly aggressive approach to No-Limit Hold’em. During the 2016 Main Event final table, he utilized an relentless, high-pressure strategy that kept his opponents constantly off-balance, effectively utilizing his chip stack to force tough decisions. His ability to execute daring bluffs and maintain composure under the intense pressure of the “November Nine” television spotlight made him a fan favorite. By combining his natural instincts with data-driven training—partnering with simulation software experts to prepare for the final table—Nguyen demonstrated a blend of modern preparation and creative intuition.
Social Media & Online Presence
Follow the career and legacy of Qui Nguyen via these professional profiles:
