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Hieu Ngoc Ma, known to the poker world as “Tony Ma,” is a celebrated veteran and a two-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner. An ethnic Hoa born in Vietnam, Ma immigrated to Southern California in 1985 and quickly became a dominant force in the Los Angeles card rooms. A former Card Player Player of the Year, Ma is revered for his mastery of Limit Hold’em, a variant in which he secured both of his career bracelets. In 2026, he remains a highly active and respected figure on the circuit, maintaining a top-50 position on the talent-rich California All-Time Money List.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
As of March 2026, Tony Ma’s total live tournament earnings have surpassed $4,801,500 (according to The Hendon Mob). His career is anchored by two prestigious WSOP Gold Bracelets: the first earned in 1996 ($2,500 Limit Hold’em) and the second in 2000 ($2,000 Limit Hold’em). Proving his enduring relevance, Ma has spent the mid-2020s consistently deep-stacking mixed game events, including a 7th-place finish in the 2025 WPT World Championship H.O.R.S.E. at Wynn Las Vegas. With over 380 career cashes, his estimated poker net worth is valued at approximately $5.5 million.
Major Tournament Results:
| Year | Event | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | WSOP $2,000 Limit Texas Hold’em (1st – Bracelet) | $181,200 |
| 1996 | WSOP $2,500 Limit Texas Hold’em (1st – Bracelet) | $190,000 |
| 2005 | Five-Star World Poker Classic $5,000 NLHE (1st) | $435,980 |
| 2025 | WPT World Championship $1,100 H.O.R.S.E. (7th) | $5,377 |
Biography & Poker Legacy
Tony Ma’s rise in the poker world is a classic American success story. After moving to South El Monte, California , in the mid-80s, he transitioned from a regular at the Bicycle Casino to an international champion. In 1999, he reached the pinnacle of the industry by winning the Card Player Player of the Year award, a testament to his incredible consistency across both No-Limit and Limit structures. Known for his humility and calm demeanor, Ma has been a mentor to many younger Vietnamese-American players entering the professional ranks. In 2026, he continues to compete in high-profile events like the PokerGO Cup and the Wynn Millions, where his decades of experience give him a significant edge in complex field dynamics.
Play Style & Strategy
Tony Ma is widely regarded as a “Technical Master” of the game’s traditional formats. His greatest strength lies in Limit Texas Hold’em, where his ability to calculate pot odds and player ranges with near-perfect accuracy earned him his two WSOP titles. In the modern 2026 era, Ma has successfully adapted to the more aggressive “solver-influenced” No-Limit Hold’em environments while maintaining his dominance in Mixed Games like H.O.R.S.E. and 8-Game. His approach is characterized by disciplined aggression and elite hand reading, making him one of the few players from the 90s era who has never seen a significant dip in his competitive performance.
Social Media & Online Presence
Stay connected with Tony Ma as he navigates the 2026 live circuit in pursuit of his third career bracelet:
