At just 22 years old, David Chen is already making waves in the high-stakes world of professional poker. With a razor-sharp mind honed by years of mathematical training and a degree from MIT, Chen has rapidly transformed from a poker theory writer into one of the game’s most exciting rising stars. In this report of rising poker stars, we will delve into the journey of David Chen, from his early life to his career in poker.
Introduction and Early Life
David Chen is a young professional poker player from Vienna, Virginia, United States. Before turning professional, Chen was a United States National Math Champion and earned a degree in Computer Science from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
With a deep understanding of game theory and algorithms, Chen began his poker journey as a writer, contributing several educational articles to the training site GTO Wizard. Some of his notable works include “Turn Barreling in 3-Bet Pots,” “The Right Way to Think About Protection,” and “The Power of the Hypergeometric Bet.”
Poker Career Highlights
Chen’s first recorded live cash came in January 2024, when he earned $710. He followed that up with four money finishes at the 55th Annual WSOP, including in the $400 NLH Colossus, $1,000 NLH Mini Main Event, $400 Colossus, and the $1,000 NLH Freezeout.
Later that year, Chen captured his first-ever live tournament victory, winning the PGT 2024 Poker Masters Event #5: $10,100 NLH for a life-changing $217,500. With this win, Chen made history by becoming the youngest champion in PokerGO Tournament history at just 21 years old.
He wrapped up 2024 with a money finish in the WSOP Paradise Super Main Event for $50,000 and a 5th-place finish in the WPT World Championship $10K NLH 8-Max event, earning $72,188.
David Chen began 2025 with a podium finish at the PGT Last Chance Event #2: $10K NLH, pocketing $130,900. Following a successful January and February, he traveled to South Korea in March to participate in his first-ever Triton Poker Series in Jeju.
At Triton Poker SHRS Jeju, Chen cashed in two events, including the $100K NLH Triton Main Event, where he finished 57th and collected $163,000. In April 2025, he secured his second career PGT title, winning the PGT Texas Poker Open Event #14: $5,100 High Roller for $54,000. As of now, David Chen has accumulated lifetime poker earnings of $950,000 from just 27 cashes, establishing himself as one of the brightest rising stars in American poker.
Combining academic brilliance with on-the-felt instincts, the Virginia native is proving that a strategic, studied approach can lead to major success—even in a game as unpredictable as poker.
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