(Featured image: WPT)
When you talk about the best in high-stakes MTT poker, Andrew “LuckyChewy” Lichtenberger’s name always comes up.
He started as an online cash game grinder and, over the years, turned himself into a top tournament pro with millions in earnings.
But just how much is Andrew Lichtenberger worth, exactly?
Let’s take a closer look at Andrew Lichtenberger net worth, his poker journey, biggest achievements, and side ventures.
| Full Name: Andrew Lichtenberger |
| DOB: September 20, 1987 |
| Birthplace: New York, USA |
| Profession: Professional High Stakes Poker Player, Octopi Poker Founder |
| Andrew Lichtenberger Wife: Alyssa Wampole |
| WSOP Bracelets: 1 |
| Net Worth and Career Earnings: $25+ million |
Disclaimer: Only Andrew knows his actual net worth. We can only estimate based on publicly available sources and the usual stakes he plays.
Who Is Andrew Lichtenberger? (Bio)
MTT poker pro Andrew “LuckyChewy”Lichtenberger was born in 1987 in East Northport, New York, where he would eventually discover his calling in the world of cards.
He attended Stony Brook University for three semesters before making the bold decision to drop out and pursue poker full-time.
Andrew’s early academic struggles, including being placed on academic probation, ultimately led him to find his true passion through the Two Plus Two poker forums.
Before becoming a poker professional, Lichtenberger started playing online at PartyPoker when he turned 18.
His transition from struggling college student to poker professional wasn’t immediate, as he admits to losing money steadily during his first year of play.
His love life found stability when he married Alyssa Wampole, an acupuncturist who shares his interest in Eastern philosophies and mindfulness practices.
The couple lives in Las Vegas with their two pet doves, creating a unique household that reflects Lichtenberger’s calm and centered approach to life.
Andrew Lichtenberger Net Worth
Now…
Let’s talk about Andrew Lichtenberger net worth, keeping in mind that only he himself could provide the exact figure.
However, our analysis and reasonable estimate is based on publicly available sources, like his tournament winnings, private high stakes cash games, and various business ventures.
So, how much is Andrew Lichtenberger worth?
According to estimates from verified tournament results and industry insight, it can be placed in between $25 million and $30 million.
His recorded live tournament earnings exceed $22 million, serving as the core basis for this valuation.
This figure likely understates his total earnings, as it does not account for high-stakes cash games, private coaching, book and content sales, or investments in business ventures, including those in education and tech.
This MTT pro is known for a thoughtful and disciplined approach to life and money, which suggests a long-term strategy focused on sustainable growth and preservation rather than conspicuous consumption.
Ultimately, his wealth reflects his poker success and a broader pattern of strategic diversification and personal philosophy centered on value beyond the game.
Keep on reading for Andrew’s breakthrough moments and biggest tournament cashes!
LuckyChewy’s Breakthrough Moment
Lichtenberger’s breakthrough came not with his WSOP bracelet, but with his massive online success before he was even old enough to play live events.
Playing under the aliases “LuckyChewy” on Full Tilt and UB, and “RunThisTable” on PokerStars, he amassed over a million dollars online as a cash game phenom.
The nickname itself came from third grade, sparked by a friend who noticed he always had Chewy granola bars in his lunch.
His leap from online grinder to live tournament threat came in 2009 at the WSOP, where he finished second in the $50,000 No Limit Hold’em Shootout and placed 18th in the Main Event, earning over $500K.
He then consistently crushed in the high stakes MTT events.
These top place finishes established Andrew as more than just an online poker specialist. In fact, they marked his arrival as a force in the live arena.
His approach is defined by patience, presence, and self-discipline, which made him stand out in a high-adrenaline game.
LuckyChewy became known for his calm, methodical style and his commitment to self-awareness at the table.
Drawing on meditation and philosophy, he approached poker as both a mental and technical discipline – a perspective he later explored in The Yoga of Poker.
Poker Career Highlights
While Lichtenberger’s 2023 WPT World Championship run drew fresh attention, it was one chapter in a career filled with consistent results.
However, his track record extends far beyond that single performance.
Here are some of Andrew Lichtenberger poker career highlights:
- Won 2016 WSOP $3,000 No Limit Hold’em bracelet
- Earned WSOP Circuit ring at Caesars Palace in 2010
- Captured 2014 WPT Alpha8 Las Vegas for $2,104,245
- Won 2022 Poker Masters $25,000 event for $465,750
- Finished runner-up in $300,000 Super High Roller Bowl VIII
The New York native has earned respect in the poker world through steady results and a well-rounded skill set.
And, only a few players have matched his success both in major tournaments and at high-stakes cash game tables.
Top 5 Poker Tournament Winnings
Lichtenberger’s tournament resume features several impressive scores that highlight his ability to compete at poker’s highest levels.
With that said, let’s take a look at his top 5 tournament cashes that showcase the financial success of his poker career.
23rd Place 2023 WPT World Championship $2,798,700
This remains his biggest tournament win yet.
His massive score came in a tournament that attracted 3,835 entries with a $40 million prize pool, where he held the chip lead with nine players remaining before securing the third-place finish.
The WPT World Championship represented a particularly meaningful achievement on a massive stage, with Lichtenberger describing the experience as “intense” and “a bit overwhelming at times.”
Moreover, he called it a “dream come true” and emphasized the incredible amounts of gratitude he felt, knowing how rare such opportunities are in poker.
The tournament was part of what Lichtenberger later described as an “incredible year” that felt like “a bit of a fairy tale.”
His deep run showcased his ability to maintain focus and execute strategy under the pressure of poker’s biggest stages. The $2.8 million payday capped off an 18-month period that many consider the most successful stretch of his career.
This score alone demonstrates why industry experts consistently place his net worth estimates in a range of a few millions.
Other Notable Tournament Cashes:
- 1st Place 2014 WPT Five Diamond Alpha 8 – $2,104,245
- 2nd Place 2023 Super High Roller Bowl VIII – $1,680,000
- 2nd Place 2025 World Series of Poker – $1,312,610
- 3rd Place 2022 Super High Roller Bowl VII – $1,152,000
In addition, Lichtenberger won his first WSOP bracelet in 2016, taking down Event #52: $3,000 No-Limit Hold’em for $569,158.
He defeated a final table that included seasoned pros like Craig Mason and Dominik Nitsche (who was part of Jonathan Tamayo WSOP scandal later on).
The win came after years of deep runs at the World Series and marked a personal milestone in his already accomplished career.
Reflecting on the moment, he described it as a dream fulfilled after watching the WSOP as a kid during the Chris Moneymaker boom.
Beyond tournaments, Andrew is also a regular in high-stakes live cash games.
You can watch him in action in the video below, where his calm, strategic style is on full display:
Lifestyle, Sponsorships & Side Ventures
Andrew’s life outside poker reflects his commitment to personal growth and diverse interests beyond the felt.
Below are various side ventures he took on:
Hobbies and Personal Life
Lichtenberger maintains an active lifestyle that includes rock climbing, which he particularly enjoys at destinations like Fontainebleau in France.
He’s also pursued music, taking violin lessons for several years and recently purchasing a guitar.
His commitment to physical and mental wellness includes yoga practice, meditation, cold plunging, and breathing exercises as part of his tournament preparation routine.
The poker pro describes himself as someone who goes “where the wind blows” with his hobbies, always seeking new experiences to stay well-rounded.
Business Ventures
As CEO and co-founder of Octopi Poker, the star has expanded into poker education and technology.
The platform focuses on building communities of players looking to improve their skills, featuring social components for hand history reviews and educational content.
His business partner Victoria Livschitz handles the technical aspects while Lichtenberger contributes his poker expertise and vision for the platform.
He’s also been involved with PokerTempo.in, an India-facing online poker site, working with partner Akash Vats to expand into international markets.
Writing and Education
Lichtenberger authored “The Yoga of Poker: A High Stakes Journey to Freedom,” which explores the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of poker.
He’s worked as a poker coach and instructor for years, including with LearnWPT, before branching out with his own educational ventures.
His teaching philosophy emphasizes both the logical and intuitive aspects of poker, recognizing that successful players need to develop both analytical and psychological skills.
Quick Facts About LuckyChewy
Here are some interesting tidbits about LuckyChewy that showcase his unique personality and approach to poker:
- Owns two pet doves with his wife Alyssa Wampole.
- Originally from Brooklyn but grew up on Long Island.
- Has taken violin lessons and recently bought a guitar.
- Practices cold plunging as part of his mental prep routine.
- Lives in Las Vegas and finds inspiration in the city’s energy.
- Dropped out of Stony Brook University after three semesters.
- Co-founded a poker technology company called Octopi Poker.
- Enjoys rock climbing at premier destinations like Fontainebleau.
- His nickname comes from Chewy granola bars in the 3rd grade.
Now to wrap up…
Andrew Lichtenberger Poker Net Worth
Look:
Andrew LuckyChewy Lichtenberger has spent nearly two decades building one of the most quietly successful careers in poker.
With an estimated net worth between $25 and $30 million, he’s combined consistent tournament results, high-stakes cash games, and smart business moves into a solid, diversified portfolio.
He’s still very much in the mix. The recent finishes like his deep run in the WPT World Championship show he can still compete with the best.
Off the felt, he’s involved with Octopi Poker, focusing on education and long-term growth in the game.
Lichtenberger’s approach has always been more about longevity and clarity than hype. He plays well, invests smartly, and avoids the noise.
Now I’d like to hear from YOU:
- How much is Andrew Lichtenberger worth, in your opinion?
- What aspects of LuckyChewy’s career do you find most impressive?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
(Or keep scrolling to read other posts.)
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