Vinny Lingham is a prominent South African-American technology entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and a formidable force on the high-stakes poker circuit. Best known as the co-founder of Civic and Gyft, Lingham has seamlessly transitioned his strategic business acumen to the poker table, becoming a regular in the world’s most exclusive “Super High Roller” festivals. In 2026, he reached a significant career milestone by surpassing $1,800,000 in total live tournament earnings, bolstered by deep runs at the Triton Poker Series in Jeju. Known for his fearless play against the world’s top pros, Lingham is currently ranked among the top 60 on the Texas All-Time Money List.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
As of March 2026, Vinny Lingham’s total live tournament earnings have reached $1,834,576, according to The Hendon Mob. His 2026 season began with massive momentum at Triton One Jeju, where he secured an 11th-place finish in the $125,000 NLH 7-Handed event for $225,000 and a 20th-place finish in the $60,000 NLH 8-Handed event for $105,000. His career-best score remains a massive $636,279 from a 5th-place finish in the $50,000 High Roller at the 2025 WSOP. While his poker earnings are substantial, his primary wealth stems from his tech ventures, with an estimated overall net worth of over $50 million.
Major Tournament Results:
| Year | Event | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | WSOP $50,000 High Roller – 8-Handed (5th) | $636,279 |
| 2025 | WSOP Paradise $250,000 Triton Invitational (16th) | $465,000 |
| 2025 | WSOP $100,000 High Roller – 8-Handed (8th) | $295,883 |
| 2026 | Triton One Jeju $125,000 NLHE 7-Handed (11th) | $225,000 |
| 2026 | Triton One Jeju $60,000 NLHE 8-Handed (20th) | $105,000 |

Biography & Business Career
Born in East London, South Africa, Vinny Lingham is a serial entrepreneur who immigrated to the United States and settled in Austin, Texas. He first gained fame as the “Oracle of Bitcoin” for his early and accurate predictions regarding the cryptocurrency’s price. Lingham co-founded Civic, a blockchain-based identity verification platform, and Gyft, which was acquired by First Data Corporation for over $50 million in 2014. As a venture capitalist, he is a General Partner at Multicoin Capital and co-founder of Newtown Partners. His poker journey began as a high-stakes hobby, but his technical approach to the game has allowed him to successfully compete against the world’s elite professional players on the Triton Poker and WSOP circuits.
Play Style & Strategy
Lingham is recognized for his fearless and analytical play style, often referred to as a “pro-level recreational player.” His background in tech and venture capital gives him a unique psychological edge, as he is accustomed to making high-stakes decisions under extreme pressure. Strategically, he is a proponent of maximum pressure in late-stage tournament play, utilizing his deep understanding of risk management to exploit tighter opponents. In early 2026, his performances at Triton Jeju showcased a player who has mastered the technical nuances of High Roller dynamics, allowing him to consistently cash in $50,000+ buy-in events. He is known for a calm, stoic demeanor at the table, often seen engaging in high-level strategy discussions with the game’s top minds.
Social Media & Online Presence
Follow Vinny Lingham as he continues his 2026 High Roller campaign and shares insights on tech and crypto:













