The Ultimate Guide to David Benyamine: From Pro Tennis to High-Stakes Poker Icon

David Benyamine at the 2008 World Series of Poker after winning his first gold bracelet in Omaha Hi-Lo.
Image Source: PartyPoker Tour

In the world of professional card games, few individuals have successfully navigated the transition from professional athletics to elite gambling as effectively as David Benyamine. David Benyamine is a titan of the French poker scene, a fixture at the world’s most expensive cash tables, and a specialized master of Pot-Limit Omaha.

The Origin Story: David Benyamine Tennis and Early Life

Way before he was known as a regular in the “Legend’s Room” at the Bellagio, David Benyamine was destined for the professional sports world. Born on July 5, 1972, in Paris, France, he spent his youth pursuing two distinct competitive passions.

The End of a Professional Athletics Career

The history of David Benyamine tennis is one of significant promise cut short by physical limitations.

  • Professional Aspirations: Benyamine competed as a professional tennis player in his native south of France.
  • Career-Ending Injuries: His tenure on the court ended prematurely due to severe back and shoulder pain.
  • Transition to Billiards: Following his tennis injury, he found success as a top-ten billiards player in France before discovering his ultimate niche.

David Benyamine Poker: A Master of All Stakes

The David Benyamine poker journey began at age 12, but it was after his sports injuries that a friend introduced him to the poker clubs of Paris. He quickly advanced from small games at the Aviation Club to becoming a dominant force in the high-stakes world.

World Series of Poker and Tournament Accolades

While primarily recognized as a cash game specialist, the David Benyamine poker resume is bolstered by elite tournament titles:

  • WSOP Bracelet: In 2008, he won the $10,000 Omaha Hi-Lo Split World Championship for $535,687.
  • WPT Title: He secured his first major title in 2003 at the Grand Prix de Paris, earning €357,200.
  • Main Event Success: His best finish in the WSOP Main Event was 58th place in 2010.
  • High-Roller Consistency: In 2024 alone, he recorded four high-roller final tables at the WSOP, including a 5th-place finish in the $50,000 Poker Players Championship.

Hendon Mob Rankings and All-Time Success

The David Benyamine Hendon Mob profile provides a clear picture of his standing among the global elite. He has consistently remained a top-tier performer in live tournament circuits for over two decades.

Key Career Statistics

  • Total Live Earnings: As of February 2026, his winnings have surpassed $9.1 million.
  • France All-Time Money List: He currently ranks 7th in France for all-time earnings.
  • Best Live Cash: His largest single score was $1,087,924 at the 2011 Aussie Millions $250,000 Super High Roller.

Net Worth and Financial Status

Determining an exact David Benyamine net worth or David Benyamine poker net worth is difficult due to his reliance on private, high-stakes cash games that are rarely publicized. However, his status as an industry veteran and former Full Tilt “Red Pro” suggests substantial wealth.

  • Full Tilt Earnings: Before becoming a sponsored pro, he reportedly won over $5 million online.
  • Cash Game Legendary Stamina: He is famous for marathon sessions, once playing for 60 hours straight to overcome a $1 million deficit.
  • Wealth Components: David Benyamine’S poker net worth is a combination of tournament winnings, massive online profits, and consistent wins in games like the Big Game at the Bellagio.

Personal Life and Relationships

The mystery surrounding a David Benyamine wife has long intrigued the poker community. While he has shared high-profile relationships, he has generally kept his private life away from the tabloids.

Key Personal Facts

  • Erica Schoenberg: He was famously engaged to professional player Erica Schoenberg before they separated in 2009.
  • Current Status: There is no public record of a current david benyamine wife, however, he is known to be a dedicated father to his daughter.
  • Residence: Originally from Paris, he now resides in Henderson, Nevada.

In the high-stakes ecosystem, David Benyamine frequently competes against other world-class professionals. Below is a look at the most popular players as of 2026.

PlayerDate of BirthCareer ActivityTotal Earnings (Est.)Biggest Wins
David BenyamineJuly 5, 19721999–Present$9.1M+$1.08M
Stephen ChidwickMay 10, 19892008–Present$55M+$5.3M
Isaac HaxtonSept 6, 19852007–Present$50M+$3.6M
John JuandaJuly 8, 19711997–Present$33M+$2.7M
Bryn KenneyNov 1, 19862007–Present$80M+$20M
Justin BonomoSept 30, 19852005–Present$65M+$10M
Isildur1 (Viktor Blom)Sept 23, 19902009–Present$2.9M+$2.1M
Christoph VogelsangJuly 26, 19852013–Present$33M+$4.4M
Ryan RiessJune 21, 19902012–Present$16M+$8.3M
Jason MercierNov 12, 19862008–Present$20M+$1.6M
Ossi Ketola1980s2000s–PresentN/ARecord HU Win 2025
Miki Masse1990s2020s–PresentN/AHigh Roller Cashes

1v1 Comparison

  • David Benyamine vs. Stephen Chidwick: While Benyamine relies on feel, stamina, and mixed-game intuition, Chidwick represents the pinnacle of modern, GTO-driven tournament strategy.
  • David Benyamine vs. Isildur1: Both are legends of high-stakes PLO, but Benyamine is noted for his live composure and Mixed Game expertise, whereas Blom is known for ultra-aggressive online swings.
  • David Benyamine vs. Isaac Haxton: Haxton is a data-driven high-roller specialist, contrasting with Benyamine’s “old school” approach centered on reading opponents in Bobby’s Room.

Final Thoughts

From his early days as a David Benyamine tennis prospect to his current status as a poker legend, his career is a masterclass in adaptation. With over $9.1 million on his David Benyamine Hendon Mob profile, he remains one of the most respected figures in gambling. Despite the ups and downs inherent in high-stakes play, he continues to prove that his “Legendary Stamina” is his greatest asset at the table.


FAQs About David Benyamine

What is the current david benyamine poker net worth? His live tournament winnings exceed $9.1 million, though his total net worth is significantly higher due to undisclosed high-stakes cash game wins.

Did david benyamine tennis injuries actually happen? Yes, chronic back and shoulder pain forced him to retire from professional tennis early in his career.

Does David have a wife? There is no public information confirming a current david benyamine wife; he was previously engaged to Erica Schoenberg.

What is his rank on the France All-Time Money List? As of February 2026, he is ranked 7th on the France All-Time Money List.

  • Dimitri Dimitrov Chief Content Officer

    Dimitri is an iGaming expert with nearly a decade of experience and a knack for crafting content that speaks directly to the iGaming crowd. He understands affiliate marketing, player psychology, and search algorithms, which enables him to write engaging, data-driven articles.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Exclusive Bonuses
Duel Casino promotional banner advertising an instant 50% rakeback and original games with 99.9% RTP, available with the promo code GCVIP.
A promotional image for BC.GAME casino showing its crocodile mascot next to a prize wheel, offering new players a 180% first deposit bonus.
A promotional banner for Goldbet Casino featuring the Monkey Heist slot game, advertising a welcome bonus of 150 free spins with the promo code GAMBLERSFREE150.