At just the age of 13, Men Nguyen fled his birth county Vietnam in 1978. He escaped the harsh surroundings by boat and made his way to the United States together with a number of other refugees. Men Nguyen got an asylum and established himself in LA despite not knowing a word of English. Earning $10 a day as a machinist in LA he went along with a friend on a trip to Las Vegas in 1985. This marked the start of his poker career although it was not a good one. He played a $15-$30 Stud game and lost everything he had with him. The initial setback was temporary, a spark had ignited. He came the next week to beat the game. He had spent the week studying the game and the result was getting back what he had lost and more. Between this fast start and turning pro in 1990 he owned a furniture store and cleaners.

Men Nguyen is today also known as ‘The Master’. This respectful nick name is based on his willingness to help people: whether it is by sharing his experience to newcomers to the poker game or if it is by donating money to orphanages and other projects in Vietnam. Ever since he won his first major tournament in 1987 – a limit stud event at the WSOP – he has been incredibly consistent. Men ‘The Master’ Nguyen is regarded as one of the most skilled and composed poker players of all time.