Kelly Minkin is a unique force in the poker world, not only for her achievements on the felt but also for her accomplishments outside of it. A practicing attorney and entrepreneur, Minkin has skillfully balanced her legal career with a deep passion for poker, earning widespread respect in both fields.
As of 2025, she continues to maintain a presence in the poker community, primarily through cash games and media appearances, while running her clothing brand. In this report, we will delve into Kelly Minkin’s journey from her early life to crushing cash games.
Kelly Minkin’s Early Life and Introduction to Poker
Kelly Lucas Minkin was born on March 29, 1987, in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Raised in Milwaukee, her family relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, when she was eight. A naturally gifted athlete, Minkin excelled in multiple sports during her childhood, including basketball, volleyball, softball, and track.
She pursued higher education at the University of Arizona, earning a double major in molecular and cellular biology. Initially aspiring to become a doctor, Minkin later shifted gears and pursued a career in law. After passing the bar exam, she began working as a medical malpractice defense attorney, maintaining ties to the healthcare world while transitioning into the legal field.
Minkin’s poker journey began at home, playing friendly games with her family. Guided by her father and brother, she developed a keen understanding of the game. During her college years, she started playing poker more seriously, grinding $1/$3 and $2/$5 cash games at local casinos.
Kelly Minkin’s Professional Poker Career: Highlights and Winnings
Kelly Minkin’s first recorded live cash came in 2011, when she placed 5th at the NLH 6th Arizona Ladies State Poker Championship, winning $3,906. Two years later, she made waves at the 9th Annual Arizona State Poker Championship, finishing runner-up in the $1,080 NLH event for a six-figure payout of $151,983.
In 2015, Minkin captured her first live tournament win at the LA Poker Classic $570 NLH event, earning $54,630. She quickly followed it with a 3rd-place finish at the WPT Lucky Hearts Poker Open $3,500 Championship, banking $262,912. That same year, she made a deep run in the 46th Annual World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event, finishing 29th and earning $211,821. She closed out 2015 with a 10th-place finish at the WSOP Circuit Hammond $1,675 Main Event, adding $28,483 to her total.
In 2017, Minkin secured a 3rd-place finish at the WSOP Circuit Bicycle Casino $1,675 Main Event for $95,880. She continued her momentum into 2018, with several deep WSOP runs, including a 9th-place finish in the $1,000 NLH Tag Team Event ($4,232) and 50th place in the $10,000 Main Event ($156,265). She also took 3rd at the WPT bestbet Bounty Scramble $5,000 Main Event, earning $146,973.
In 2019, Minkin earned her first World Poker Tour trophy by winning the $1,100 NLH at the WPT bestbet Bounty Scramble for $26,130. Later that year, she placed 7th at WPT Montreal’s C$3,300 NLH Main Event, winning $64,692.
Although she appeared in fewer tournaments in the following years, Minkin remained active. In 2021, she cashed in the $500 Reunion and the $888 NLH 8-Handed events at the WSOP. In 2022, she cashed in the $600 NLH DeepStack Championship. The 2023 WSOP saw her earn over $8,000 across two events. In 2024, she cashed in the $1,500 Monster Stack and $1,500 Millionaire Maker, totaling over $12,000, and added a runner-up finish in the WPT Voyage’s $660 Tag Team Event ($3,271).
Kelly Minkin’s Net Worth in 2025
Kelly Minkin’s total live tournament earnings exceed $1.5 million from over 80 cashes. However, her overall net worth extends beyond poker. With a successful legal career and regular participation in high-stakes cash games—many of which are untracked—her income sources are diverse.
Additionally, as the co-founder and CEO of Triple Barrel, a poker-inspired clothing brand, Minkin has added entrepreneurship to her growing list of credentials. As of 2025, her net worth is estimated to be in the seven-figure range.
Where Is Kelly Minkin Now?
While her appearances on the live tournament circuit have become less frequent, Minkin remains active in the poker world. According to her social media, she recently appeared on Hellmuth’s Home Game, a televised cash game show hosted by poker legend Phil Hellmuth. In late 2024, she also played on Hustler Casino Live’s Max Pain Monday. Outside of poker, she continues to work in law and grow her clothing brand, staying equally passionate about her multiple professional pursuits.
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