Scotty Nguyen

In 1974, at the impressionable age of 14, Scotty Nguyen (pronounced ‘win’), his loved ones encouraged him to escape the poverty and hardship of his Vietnamese community. He took a few possessions and boarded a ship headed for the United States of America. The difficulties he experienced adjusting to a new country, culture, and lifestyle led to disruptive behavior at home and school. At this time he was introduced to the game of poker, playing in back room games instead of attending high school classes, before being expelled from school altogether.

Scotty followed his love of poker into the casinos and card rooms of Southern California, hoping to find success and a career that complimented his wild ways. When he lost his small bankroll he took a job as a casino dealer, this proved to be the turning point in his career learning invaluable lessons watching players winning and losing at his tables. Scotty made an adequate living throughout his 20’s in cash games at local casinos and he began to build a family with his wife.He learned to master many variations of the game now competing successfully in Pot Limit Omaha, Omaha Hi-Lo, Stud Hi-Lo, 2-7 Lowball and, of course, Limit and No Limit Texas Hold’em.

By 1995, Scotty had established himself as a formidable opponent at the poker table and entered the $2,500 Limit Hold ‘Em tournament at the WSOP finishing thirteenth. As his skills carried over to a variety of games, he was confident that his adeptness would pay off. In 1997, Scotty won his first WSOP bracelet gaining the notoriety to which he aspired, along with the title and prize money. The next year, he placed in three WSOP tournaments and won the World Championship, the most highly regarded title and a $1 million prize.

Scotty is know for his flashy dress, which is only matched by his outgoing personality. He is always seen in his gold chains and rings, low-cut shirts, and sunglasses.

Scotty’s winning WSOP hand: Jd 9c

Kevin McBride held QT all hearts and raised early, at the flop and the turn Scotty check-called. At the turn Scotty had made a full house and Kevin’s only outs where a king or 7 of hearts to make a straight flush. The river made a full house on the board showing 89988, Scotty took the initiative and bet enough to put Kevin all in, making his famous quote as he did so “You call this one and it’s all over baby” Kevin answered “I call. I play the board” and walked right into Scotty’s higher full house.

In his own words:

“You call this one and it’s all over, baby.”
“That’s poker baby”
“I play to win, not lose. Scotty Nguyen gonna win it tomorrow, baby”.