World Poker Tour

David Sklansky

Birthplace
Hackensack, NJ

Hometown
Las Vegas , NV

Birthday
December 22

Total Winnings
$541,515

Born in New Jersey, David Sklansky's father was a Columbia University math professor. With math in the genes, it became a subject to which David was always drawn and for which had a special propensity. He excelled in school and attended the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, during which time he became interested in poker. As a math genius, he was intrigued by the math and strategy as much as he enjoyed the camaraderie of the game.

After quitting college, David attempted an office job for a short time but soon realized that he could make more money applying his knowledge to poker. He subsequently quit his job and moved to Las Vegas to play professionally. Though he excelled in cash games and made a living accordingly, he also found tournaments particularly intriguing. He took his first win with razz in Amarillo Slim's Superbowl of Poker in 1979, and in 1982, he made a splash at the World Series of Poker by winning two bracelets - one in mixed doubles and the other in draw high. As if his diversity and poker ability wasn't already apparent enough, he won another bracelet in the 1983 WSOP in limit Omaha.

Altogether, David has authored numerous gaming books, and some, like The Theory of Poker published in 1987, are the most respected of all poker books ever written. Many of today's top poker pros credit his writings with contributing greatly to their success. He continues to write articles for various publications and has two instructional poker videos on his list of accomplishments. He serves as a consultant to casinos, internet gaming websites, and gaming device companies, all the while continuing to play cash games and tournaments. Most recently, he won the World Poker Tour's invitational tournament, Poker By the Book, defeating top pros T.J. Cloutier, Mike Sexton, Doyle Brunson, Mike Caro, and Phil Hellmuth