David Benyamine (born 5 July 1972 in Paris, France) is a French professional poker player with a World Poker Tour title. Benyamine was a professional tennis player in his early career but had to retire because of shoulder pain. He was also a successful top ten billiards player in France.[1] He learned poker at the age of 12 and plays high-stakes cash games on a regular basis. Benyamine is a Pot-Limit Omaha specialist.
| David Benyamine | |
|---|---|
 David Benyamine at the 2008 WSOP | |
| Nickname(s) | Napoleon, Degenyamine |
| Residence | Paris, France |
| Born | 5 July 1972 |
| World Series of Poker | |
| Bracelet(s) | 1 |
| Money finish(es) | 10 |
| Highest ITM Main Event finish | 58th, 2010 |
| World Poker Tour | |
| Title(s) | 1 |
| Final table(s) | 4 |
| Money finish(es) | 11 |
| European Poker Tour | |
| Title(s) | None |
| Final table(s) | 1 |
| Money finish(es) | 2 |
Poker career
editBenyamine started his career playing No Limit Hold’em cash in Aviation Club de France.
He is a regular in the world’s most famous high stakes cash room at the Bellagio, Bobby’s Room (now renamed Legend’s Room).[2]
World Poker Tour
editBenyamine has made four final tables in World Poker Tour (WPT) open events: the 2003 Grand Prix de Paris (second season) – 1st place (€357,200); the 2004 L.A. Poker Classic (second season) – 6th place ($132,355); the 2008 Bellagio Cup IV (seventh season) – 2nd place ($840,295) and the 2010 WPT Championship (eighth season) – 4th place ($329,228). He won the Premier League of Poker IV.[3] He is also the winner of the WPT Battle of Champions II invitational event, where he defeated a final table including fellow professionals Hoyt Corkins, Mel Judah, Antonio Esfandiari, and Phil Laak.[4]
World Series of Poker
editBenyamine is primarily a cash game player, but due to comments from his friends, he started playing tournaments more regularly during the 2008 World Series of Poker.[5] He has made four WSOP final tables, three of which were in 2008, which was the same year he won his first bracelet. He finished in 58th place in the 2010 WSOP Main Event.[6]
| Year | Tournament | Prize (US$) |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | $10,000 Omaha Hi-Low Split | $535,687 |
Other poker ventures
editBenyamine played high-stakes online poker under his own name at Full Tilt Poker until the site was shut down.
Poker earnings
editAs of 2020, his total live tournament winnings exceed $7,800,000.[7] His forty cashes at the WSOP account for $2,541,000 of those winnings.[8]
Personal life
editBenyamine lives in Henderson, Nevada. He has one daughter, and was formerly engaged to professional poker and blackjack player Erica Schoenberg. The couple have since separated.[9]
References
edit- ^ "French Press - David Benyamine grinds up his cash-game opponents". pokerafterdark.com. Archived from the original on 14 June 2008. Retrieved 16 June 2008.
- ^ "David Benyamine's Life: Net Worth, Biggest Profits, Losses and Private Life". Somuchpoker.com. 30 November 2020. Archived from the original on 17 January 2021.
- ^ "Mike Watson Wins the 2008 Bellagio Cup". CardPlayer.com. 17 July 2008. Retrieved 18 July 2008.
- ^ "39th World Series of Poker - WSOP 2008, World Championship Omaha Hi/Lo Split". The Hendon Mob. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
- ^ "Pokernews Winner Interview". Archived from the original on 23 June 2008.
- ^ "41st World Series of Poker - WSOP 2010, World Championship - No Limit Hold'em". The Hendon Mob. Retrieved 7 April 2024.
- ^ "David Benyamine's profile on The Hendon Mob". The Hendon Mob Poker Database. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
- ^ "David Benyamine". WSOP.com. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
- ^ "Cardplayer.com: Erica Schoenberg and David Benyamine". CardPlayer. 14 August 2007. Retrieved 31 March 2024.