Rick Salomon became a popular name back in the early 2000s—not because he was a celebrity actor or musician, but due to his involvement in a leaked sex tape. Salomon later used that notoriety as a stepping stone into the poker world, diving into high-stakes cash games.
Although many initially dismissed him as just another wealthy fish, Salomon went on to prove his worth by cashing in some of the biggest poker events in the world. He showed that he wasn’t just a rich guy playing for fun—he was in it to win.
In this edition of Celebrity in Poker, we delve into Rick Salomon’s early life, poker career, personal life, net worth, and more.
Rick Salomon’s Early Life and Poker Introduction
Born on January 24, 1969, Richard Allan “Rick” Salomon grew up in Neptune, New Jersey. His father, Robert Jess Salomon, was an executive vice president at the prestigious film company Warner Bros., which made it easier for Rick to get involved in the entertainment world and connect with some of the wealthiest people in the industry.
However, it wasn’t until the mid-2000s that Salomon began working in the film industry as both an actor and a producer. According to his IMDb page, Salomon appeared in My Sister’s Keeper, Alpha Dog, and Who’s Your Caddy?
He studied at Ohio State University and Dwight-Englewood School. His poker journey began during his teenage years, playing casually with friends and gradually sharpening his skills.
Rick Salomon’s Poker Career
Salomon’s first recorded live cash came in 2005, when he finished in the money at the Larry Flynt Grand Slam of Poker $3,100 NLH Main Event for $4,800. A year later, he scored big by taking down the Bellagio Cup II $1,080 NLH event, earning a six-figure payday of $125,715.
Though he continued playing tournaments, Salomon reduced his appearances due to their time demands and instead focused on high-stakes private cash games. He was even a regular at the infamous Molly Bloom’s Viper Room poker games, where celebrities wagered millions in a single night.
Salomon’s first seven-figure cash came in 2014 when he finished fourth in the $1 million Big One for One Drop at the 45th WSOP, taking home a massive $2,800,000. His biggest tournament score came two years later in the €1 million Big One for One Drop at the Monte Carlo Extravaganza, where he finished third for a career-best $3.3 million.
In 2018, he once again reached the final table of the WSOP’s Big One for One Drop, finishing fourth for $2,840,000. That same year, he earned $672,000 for finishing second in the $100K High Roller event at the Fall Madness series.
Despite stepping back from tournament poker, Salomon still participates in high-stakes cash games, especially on PokerGO’s High Stakes Poker, confirming he is among the top wealthy players with skill.
As of April 2025, Rick Salomon has accumulated nearly $10 million in live tournament earnings, making him one of the richest celebrity poker players ever.
Rick Salomon’s Net Worth
Rick Salomon’s exact net worth isn’t publicly disclosed, but estimates place it in the nine-figure range—over $100 million. His wealth is a mix of trust fund inheritance, private high-stakes poker winnings, and profits from various entertainment ventures.
His life took a major turn in the early 2000s after a sex tape featuring him and Paris Hilton was leaked. Salomon sued the Hilton family and the distributing company, seeking $10 million. In a twist, he began distributing the tape himself in 2004, reportedly earning millions from it.
Additionally, during divorce proceedings in 2015, Pamela Anderson claimed that Salomon once won $40 million in a single night while playing against billionaire Andy Beal in a private poker game—further solidifying his reputation as one of the wealthiest poker-playing celebrities.
Rick Salomon’s Personal Life
Salomon has been married multiple times, though none of his marriages lasted long. He first married actress Elizabeth Daily in 1995, with whom he has two children. He then married actress Shannen Doherty in 2002, though they split just nine months later.
In 2007, Salomon married model and actress Pamela Anderson, but the marriage was annulled in 2008. Interestingly, the two remarried in 2014, only to divorce again the following year.
Final Thoughts
Rick Salomon could be considered the best version of Dan Bilzerian. Unlike Bilzerian, Salomon actually has poker skills—skills that have earned him millions. While his personal life and entry into fame may have been controversial, his presence at the poker table is nothing short of legitimate.
Keep following PokerProNews for more such inspiring stories from the world of poker.
