(Featured image: WPT)
If you’re on this page, you likely searched for:
- David Williams poker net worth
- David Masterchef season 7 net worth
(And that would refer to the same person.)
Now, it’s quite common for us to hear about male poker players having great academic backgrounds with athletic interests.
But seldom do we encounter a poker pro who loves the kitchen and knives too.
While David still appears at WSOP events and televised cash games from time to time, he now prefers a quieter life devoted to his family.
Today, we’ll take a closer look at David Williams poker winnings, bio, personal life, and how he went from MasterChef to becoming a poker star.
| Full Name: David Anthony Williams | |
| DOB: June 9, 1980 | |
| Birthplace: Arlington, Texas | |
| Profession: Retired pro poker player, Masterchef contestant | |
| Wife: Yvette Domiano | |
| WSOP Bracelets: 1 | |
| Net Worth & Career Earnings: $5+ Million |
Disclaimer: Only David knows his actual net worth. We can only estimate based on publicly available sources and the usual stakes he plays.
Who Is David Williams Poker Player?
First things first, who is David Williams (Masterchef and poker player)?
Let’s talk a bit about his early life and background.
This man was born on June 9, 1980 in Arlington, Texas. As a young boy, he was already full of promise.
At just 16, he joined the prestigious early college entrance program at the University of North Texas under the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science.
Even then, this proved that he was well ahead of his peers.
A few years later, David was accepted into both Harvard and Princeton. He initially chose Princeton, but eventually transferred back to Texas to pursue a degree in Economics at Southern Methodist University.
Academically, he had always excelled. And if I’m being honest, that strong intellectual foundation likely played a big role in his long-standing poker success that now spans over two decades.
Just like Scott Seiver, Justin Bonomo and Bryn Kenney, his path to poker stardom actually began with Magic: The Gathering.
During his college years, he became one of the best Magic players in the world, winning three Grand Prix Championships and earning over $30,000 in prize money.
His skill in card games was undeniable, and he even traveled internationally to compete. He was one of the best poker players to ever compete in official tournaments.
However, things took a turn when he was suspended for a year from the Magic pro tour due to allegations of marking cards.
That setback pushed him to explore something new: poker.
At 19, he began playing poker in underground Dallas games, and soon realized it was not only more profitable but also the perfect outlet for his strategic mind.
David Williams Net Worth 2025
Now…
Let’s talk about David Williams net worth, keeping in mind that only he himself could provide the exact figure.
As for our analysis, it is a reasonable estimate based on publicly available sources, like his tournament winnings, private high stakes cash games, and various business ventures.
So, how much is David Williams worth?
Based on available information, Williams’ net worth is estimated $5+ million, with the majority coming from his impressive poker career spanning nearly two decades.
His documented live tournament earnings exceed $9.6 million, with over $4 million earned at WSOP events alone.
Beyond tournament play, Williams has likely accumulated additional wealth through high-stakes cash games, sponsorship deals with sites like PokerStars, and his TV appearances including MasterChef Season 7.
This number also reflects the reality that pro poker players often experience significant swings in their bankrolls, as well as the taxes the Americans have to pay to the US government.
Keep on reading for his impressive moments and biggest tournament cashes!
From Felt to Flames: David’s Masterchef Journey
The Texas native had already made his mark in both Magic: The Gathering and poker long before his next unexpected chapter began.
In an interview, he talks about how he was ncouraged by his daughter Liliana, a huge fan of MasterChef Junior, to audition for MasterChef Season 7 in 2016.
With his daughter’s help filming the audition tape, he earned a spot on the show and went all the way to the finale, finishing as co-runner-up.
His performance included six challenge wins, and while he didn’t take home the trophy, he did win praise for his creativity and calm under pressure, skills that clearly mirrored his poker game.
It wasn’t a pivot away from poker, but it was a moment that showed there’s more to him than cards and tournaments. Indeed, it was a small break from the felt that still kept his competitive edge intact.
Poker Career Highlights
Before rising as a poker star, Williams worked various jobs to support himself, starting as a telemarketer doing cold calls for donations at age 15, followed by positions at Wendy’s, a miniature golf course, and Blockbuster Music.
After winning numerous Magic: The Gathering tournaments and accumulating a decent bankroll from his competitive gaming success, he was able to pursue a professional poker career.
Here are his defining poker career highlights:
- Placed 2nd at 2004 WPT Borgata Poker Open, collecting $573,800.
- Won 2006 WSOP $1,500 Seven-Card Stud event for his first bracelet.
- Won 2009 WCOOP Event #42 online under screen name “RugDoctor.”
- Finished 2nd in 2004 WSOP Main Event and earned $3.5 million prize.
- Captured 2010 WPT Five Star World Poker Classic championship for $1.5 million.
Plus, back in early 2000s, David also participated in PokerStars TV show “The Big Game” hosted by Amanda Leatherman (now Negreanu).
It was a popular show that invited lucky regular guests/recreational enthusiasts to win the prize while competing with the best players in the world.
It featured players like Phil Laak, Bill Perkins, Daniel Negreanu, The Viffer, Phil Hellmuth, Antonio Esfandiari, Jason Mercier, Vanessa Rousso, and many others.
Here’s one of the best episodes from that show:
Note: This show made a comeback in 2024 as “The Big Game on Tour” years later, which you can now watch on PokerStars YouTube channel!
Top 5 Poker Tournament Winnings
Williams has demonstrated remarkable consistency in major tournaments throughout his career, with his biggest scores coming during poker’s most prestigious events.
Here are his top 5 tournament cashes that highlight his elite-level play:
2nd Place 2004 35th Annual WSOP – $3,500,000
After more than 10 years, this remains his biggest tournament win, where he earned $3.5 million. This performance came during the height of the poker boom when Williams was still relatively unknown in the poker world.
He faced off against Greg “Fossilman” Raymer in the heads-up play, ultimately falling short of the championship but securing a life-changing payday.
The final table run catapulted Williams into poker stardom and established him as a force to be reckoned with in tournament play.
His calm demeanor approach during the televised final table impressed viewers and fellow professionals alike. The $3.5 million score represented the largest prize pool distribution in WSOP history at that time.
This breakthrough performance also led to his first major sponsorship deal with Bodog.
Other Notable Tournament Cashes:
- 1st Place 2010 Five Star World Poker Classic – $1,530,537
- 2nd Place WPT Borgata Poker Open – $573,800
- 4th Place 2006 Bay 101 Shooting Star WPT – $256,091
- 7th Place 2006 WSOP Event 39 – $256,091
Additionally, his first WSOP bracelet victory deserves special mention despite not being among his highest-paying wins.
Williams captured the 2006 $1,500 Seven-Card Stud event, earning $163,118 and achieving a career milestone that every poker professional seeks.
This victory was particularly satisfying as it validated his skills across different poker variants beyond No-Limit Hold’em.
Now, let’s talk about his life outside the poker tables.
Lifestyle, Sponsorships & Side Ventures
Just like many other popular players, David Williams continues to keep his personal life private.
But what we know is that he keeps things pretty balanced—spending time with family and staying involved in a few other projects along the way.
Here are a few things he’s had on his plate:
Family Life
Williams married Yvette Domiano in July 2013, though their daughter Liliana was born in February 2011. He has described himself as mainly retired from full-time poker, focusing primarily on parenting duties.
My daughter Liliana is selling Girl Scout cookies! You can now order online from her digital store and have them shipped and help her hit her goal of 1000 boxes sold! https://t.co/sSidUf5FFi pic.twitter.com/9VM1nTF58r
— David Williams (@dwpoker) February 26, 2018
Williams only plays high-volume poker during the summer WSOP series, preferring not to let poker results affect his mood and parenting approach.
His Las Vegas residence allows him easy access to major tournaments while maintaining a stable home environment for his family.
Sponsorships
After his 2004 WSOP success, Williams signed with Team Bodog, representing the site for nearly seven years until 2010.
He then joined Team PokerStars, continuing his online poker presence under the screen name “RugDoctor.” His 2009 WCOOP victory in the $2,100 8-Game event earned him $107,800 and demonstrated his online skills.
Williams has also appeared on various poker television shows including Poker After Dark and the 2023 Game of Gold series on GGPoker.
His media appearances and sponsorships have provided additional income streams beyond tournament winnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does David Williams still play poker?
Yes, David Williams continues to play poker but at a reduced volume compared to his earlier career. His most recent significant tournament appearance was a 25th place finish in the 2025 WSOP.
He primarily focuses on the annual WSOP series during summers while spending the rest of the year focused on parenting.
He also occasionally appears in high-stakes cash games, though he describes himself as mainly retired from full-time professional play.
Who is David Williams’ wife?
Williams is married to Yvette Domiano, whom he wed in July 2013. The couple has a daughter named Liliana, who was born in February 2011 and is now a teenager.
Liliana famously convinced her father to audition for MasterChef by helping film his audition videos when she was just four years old.
Is David Williams a chef?
He is not a professional chef, but he demonstrated impressive culinary skills on MasterChef Season 7 in 2016. He finished as co-runner-up alongside Brandi Mudd, behind winner Shaun O’Neale.
Williams earned six challenge wins during the season and showed remarkable consistency under pressure in the kitchen.
His cooking abilities developed as a hobby, though his MasterChef performance suggests he could have pursued culinary arts professionally if he chose a different path.
David Williams Masterchef Net Worth (Wrap Up)
Without a doubt…
Williams has built an impressive career spanning multiple competitive arenas, from Magic: The Gathering champion to poker professional to reality television contestant.
His $9.6 million in live tournament earnings places him among poker’s elite performers, with signature victories including his 2004 WSOP Main Event runner-up finish and 2010 WPT championship.
He successfully transitioned from full-time tournament grinding to a more balanced lifestyle focused on family while maintaining his poker skills during annual WSOP appearances.
These days, Williams is more of a semi-retired pro, based in Las Vegas and focused on being a dad.
He still plays the big events now and then, like his 25th-place finish at the WSOP, which shows he can still hang with the best when he feels like jumping in.
Beyond poker, he’s dabbled in everything from competitive card games to cooking, proving he’s comfortable in all kinds of high-pressure settings.
With an estimated net worth of $5+ million, it’s clear he’s managed his career and money well.
Williams is still seen as a key figure in Texas poker circles, especially for players who came from less traditional gaming backgrounds. He may not grind full-time anymore, but he’s not exactly out of the picture either.
Now, I’d like to hear from YOU:
- In your opinion, how much is David Williams worth in 2025?
- How do you think his background in different competitive spaces helped him stay sharp under pressure?
Let me know in the comments below!
(Or keep scrolling to read other posts.)
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