How This Poker Star Went From Top Of The World To Rock Bottom

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Scotty Nguyen's Rise and Fall is nothing short of staggering. At one time he was one of the biggest stars in the poker world but now Scotty Nguyen is barely around. What caused this dramatic downfall?
#poker #controversy #pokeronline #pokerstars

[@liudizzle]

No one should ever have to wait for a cocktail at a final table

[@anthonyfam5469]

Lol Your right about that … I’m pretty sure Scotty tips generously well especially when he’s at a final table..

[@hle144]

especially when you're an alky...

[@brianchristopher4666]

Scotty tasted and lived the life he asked for! So many Poker Icons have made the summit, and crashed back to the bottom at one time or another. These stories only add to the flavor of the history of the life in the game! Glad you're still here , Scotty! Wish you success and health, and whatever you're searching for going forward , my good man!! Prince of Poker's still in the game... And RIP Doyle

[@tomstowers1404]

Ouch RIP Doyle I love you 💕 Missed the News

[@branchtana315]

I live in the Midwest. One of the guys I play with at our local casino met Scotty last year ('22). I believe he said it was at a tournament at one of the Texas card rooms. He said Scotty couldn't have been any nicer or more gracious. I asked him if Scotty was drunk, and while he said no he also said Scotty was drinking. At one of the breaks in the tourney, Scotty stood outside with him for almost half an hour. He said they talked about everything under the sun, with poker only being a small part of what they discussed. The guy from my local casino said he would defend Scotty to anyone who had a bad word to say about him.

[@shlck6734]

My former roommate said the same thing. Said Scotty would come play Keno where he worked and he was always really great to everybody and tips well. Seems to be a consensus whenever I hear ppl meet him

[@tonypine3434]

guess there won't be too many places where you're going to write it rather than say. but it's "everything under the sun".

[@Rubaduck]

@@tonypine3434 I think you misunderstood his comment, Im pretty sure he was implying that that someones Son was standing on their shoulders whilst having the conversation

[@xmadman19x]

I can confirm his attitude away from table, met him outside of Rio during 2012 wsop. And according to the video, this was around his bankruptcy. He couldnt have been nicer to everyone. Taking pictures, signing autographs, all while on a tournament break.

[@jasonting6572]

whose son?

[@RCFSULAW]

I have played at the same table with Scotty in 5 WSOP events. I have drunk beers with him 15-20 times after events and he always paid. I always picked up the substantial tip as I was probably the only one around him that was genuine. People around him always used him and abandoned him when the money ran dry. He had major issues with drugs and that close association with Matusow hurt him. Fortunately he is still staked by old time friends.

[@PokerBoomYT]

Appreciate you sharing this.

[@tomba7342]

His relationship with Matusow hurt him? What happened?

[@RCFSULAW]

@@tomba7342 Mutual drug use

[@kidc2004]

@@tomba7342 Mike probably had an addiction too. I doubt he acted like that normally. He was always amped up.

[@johngreen7726]

Mike not only had an addiction to coke but he sold it. Shoot if you never read about it go check, he went to jail or prison I forgot, for selling to an undercover cop!!!

[@gswdeclan]

I remember seeing him absolutely plastered at that WSOP HORSE tourney and thinking damn, this guy must have a problem if he's borderline blackout drunk with so much at stake.

[@pokerace420]

He won that tourney

[@billbrasky7885]

It's ironic that Eric Lindgren, who we now know was one of poker's biggest dirtbags, was the most critical of Scotty at that HORSE final table.

[@paulbrenner174]

You have no idea how big Eric the dirt bag he is!!! None. Complete dirt bag

[@teejay5348]

Met him about 5 times. He is a super nice guy that remembers you. Based on your story he never did anyone wrong. His worst enemy was himself so what? The guy is a gem in poker community.

[@stevest8675]

Agree. He was a gem in the poker community

[@forsaken7976]

“You call and it’s all over baby.” “I call. I play the board.” One of the wildest things I’ve ever seen.

[@PokerBoomYT]

Top 3 poker moment for sure

[@jayotangs3067]

Aside from his temper that usually caused by drugs and alcohol, Scotty is genuinely a nice and friendly person. The sad part is he knew he had problems way back then and couldn’t turn it around sooner, otherwise i think we would still see him a lot in big tourneys today

[@KHallesy]

I am just starting this video so have not watched it yet. I have always loved Scotty Nguyen. I keep looking for him on the tournaments online. He is a personality that is so nice and cool. Just reminds me of my father in law (Vietnamese). I hope I see him back on TV soon. Just like Doyle I love watching all the old timers play!

[@patobantan420]

Met him at the Bicycle casino in L.A. about 15-16 years ago. Played a tournament and sat at his table for a couple hours till he was moved. Could not have been any nicer. Really cool dude.

[@scottwhitworth2023]

I've never met scotty but I always loved his positive attitude and character in the game. He didn't give 2 shiits about who thought what about him. Always true to his own character . Always fun. Would still like to meet him some day. He is the kind of guy that would make a true friend. One who would not abandon you in hard times. Hard to find those type of friends nowadays.

[@Nathanfx2006]

Scotty was always a highlight for me when i first started watching Poker many years before i even started playing.

[@PokerBoomYT]

Same

[@denniss420]

If you know Scotty’s story you’d have nothing but respect for him. The man went through things most of us couldn’t even imagine.

[@GILTHETHRIL]

Yea he ate his own brother. He didn’t want to, but they were starving to death in a boat going to Taiwan!!

[@myway148]

Scotty Nguyen is a great poker player, but an even better person. Would be a great friend or neighbor!

[@niallglennon83]

Why?

[@WesleyNeedles]

Great video but a friendly tip, would be nice to have gone into more detail of what exact drug addiction, cuts from post addiction etc. Instead it’s just general info that didn’t go into deep detail

[@demorogaming8835]

It’s probably best a family friendly channel doesn’t go in depth on the specifics of his substance abuse

[@Deep_Armageddon]

Another great video. Thats why youre my favorite poker channel. One day soon my friend, youre going to see a million...

[@PokerBoomYT]

Wow thank you so much. Comments like this make it worth it

[@Kennedysports90s]

In addition to alcohol and drug abuse, Scotty was never a cash game or online player. He specialized in live tournaments and never adjusted his game. He was best at mix games and made some bizarre decisions in regard to math and logic during NLH tournaments.

[@kpg802]

At 2:13 that’s Perry Green of Alaska, not Puggy Pearson. Perry finished 2nd to Stuey In ‘81 & won 3 WSOP bracelets.

[@delmar2169]

I met Scotty 3 weeks ago at the Wsop and dudes the nicest person. Class act and the Goat

[@PokerBoomYT]

Love to hear this

[@smithjohn3080]

Scotty played at talking stick in scottsdale 2015 to 2019 and was very chill/calm/nice to everyone

[@mattk1631]

"When Scotty got the gun you gotta run." Always loved Scotty, he's made me laugh like no other card player ever has.

[@jimtolliver822]

Nice guy, I played many hours with him in various satellites and tournaments. Its a tough lifestyle, as with huge swings a lot of players suffer from severe depression which leads to drug, alcohol abuse. With the large rake and narrower skill difference due to online poker popularity its much harder to sail through and just win every month.

[@PokerBoomYT]

Very cool that you played with him

[@assecarlos]

Best poker channel on KZbin. Thanks for the amazing content. I like the narrator’s voice

[@PokerBoomYT]

Coming from you this means a lot

[@assecarlos]

Thank you@@PokerBoomYT Keep Crushing!

[@tna420wrestling]

bro.. it was him.. daniel N...phil Ivey. phil laak.,Jesus ferguson. Esfandiary. EVEN BENYAMINE.. brunson.... brunson...so many cool characters.... coming from a wwf fan.. this so so cool to watchin during my grade 9 year days... in 2003 - now lots of legends in poker. who need to be recognized.... from the bottom of the bottom. who kept it goin for 10 + years... to the top of the top... to the roookies of the rookies that win.. dwann. etc.

[@KHallesy]

I watched the video and I do not look at it as a rise and fall. I look at it as a rise and then living life. Life can have its ups and downs. But he is coming out a winner. Anyone can be a drug addict or alcoholic. It takes a real man (or women) to quit and lead a good productive life. I am still 100 percent looking for Scotty's return. He must have come in 75 when he was about 13??? My wife came to America in 75 when she was 15. Good luck Scotty I am looking forward to watching you the next 20 plus years on KZbin.

[@nicklasmillner101]

Alcoholic is a drug addict.

[@RecoveredRidleyTruther]

Such a legend. Ive been a fan since 7th grade when i first saw Moneymaker win the WSOP. Playing holdem nearly every wrrkend at friends houses throughout all of my school days. Getting back in it now with the online world, its a different world now i miss the glory days of the inital Poker Boom.

[@El.Espartano]

50 k to 900 k a night?? I doubt he made that on average

[@theejayzeeable]

I agree. Those amounts a night sound pretty absurd.

[@edition-deluxe]

People used to play a lot worse, and they still had tons of high stakes games around Vegas with whales all day. I could see 50k on winning nights. In early 2000s I watched Chip Reese play for about an hour and he made around 70k.

[@thecatswillplay86]

They were talking about an average night of winning a WSOP bracelet lol

[@ryand6150]

should say "winning or losing" nobody only wins.

[@triple_gem_shining]

They don't play every night big games

[@marknoble5495]

Scotty and Laak were the reasons I watched and got into poker after the boom. So entertaining. Genuine characters and great players.

[@lgrace3874]

I find them both exceptionally annoying. My favorite Laak moment was when someone literally offered him money to stop talking for a length of time.

[@taylorhirschmusic]

Wish we had more characters like them!

[@chrisjordan7938]

I just turned 39 . I’ve been playing poker since I was 20 . Almost everyday . And here’s the truth : it’s a fools game . Up & down & up & down . It’s a Hard life .. hard life to lead .

[@hmd6202]

That's because it's just that, a game. 99% will never make it, no different than sports. Those that make it in poker, do so because they are successful off the felt, not because they rely on success on the felt...

[@darcytucker416]

Yeah I got out a while ago because the time put into poker was too much it sucks your soul out , especially when you lose.

[@michaelcosgrove6908]

I remember when Scotty was on the upswing he was sending money to family in Vietnam that was a nice thing

[@DennisTheMenace512]

I met Scotty at the 2023 wsop and he was a gentleman and took pictures with us even though he had just recovered from surgery

[@bradcallaghan8099]

I always liked Scotty. I hope he makes a comeback in his personal and professional life. He's got a lot of fans out here rooting for him.

[@stevest8675]

Same

[@mark12345678901000]

This is a cool channel, love the premise. Thank you for the content sir

[@PokerBoomYT]

Thank you! Really appreciate this. Hope you keep coming back to watch new videos

[@raymondrufa971]

Great video & my first with your channel! I'd like to request Joseph Hachem to profile next/later? Thanks!

[@anthonyfoutch3152]

Alcohol and poker don't mix in the long run you will lose.

[@robharthoorn8901]

I met him at the WSOP in 2009. He was very nice and personable.

[@jaeshbalachandran5766]

Great guy. Met him at the smoking area outside Ballys and he was an absolute friendly gentleman.

[@normastanley5853]

I played against Scotty back in my poker days..I wish him well..

[@alpn88]

If you have no ideas on the next video, you can do on Barry Greenstein, I met him 3 years ago in LA casino and sadly he seemed to be on the the rock bottom at the moment as well

[@cali_cal]

really? he did an interview with Ivey like last yr (from the date uploaded) so maybe this is lately

[@dwill2476]

I met him at the Horseshoe. I don't really bother poker celebrities, he spoke to me in the elevator and gave me some encouragement. Cool guy

[@chexnfx7161]

Barry G isn’t at the bottom now lol. Not even close. He’s a reg in Bobby’s Room playing nose bleeds this very day.

[@rudefasagaming]

Love the episode and the channel, one of my favorite poker channels now. Hopefully we get to see a Tony G episode. "Go Home Russia!" haha

[@Ghost-jq2bg]

I’m not going to have sex with my sister anymore

[@aheroictaxidriver3180]

"Send you back to Russia"

[@Blep42O]

You can see him out at the Hard Rock in Tulsa every know and then.

[@brandonvernet]

Love Scotty - met him twice when I travelled to LV. He was happy to see a fellow Vietnamese from Australia and told me a good few places to eat and drink. He mentioned to not take his path as he noticed I was young which I really appreciated. He said stay in school and work hard but remember to enjoy life too. He said something about taking risks in life but remember the roots of happiness. Wasn’t sure exactly what he meant but I assume good words. Great guy and I can see why so many people love him.

[@travisdt]

people are always say drug and drink is the downfall of man. But the gambling and women are the worst drugs. Nothing can get men high and low like that.....

[@jasonsandiego8982]

I met him last December at the WPT events, seemed to be doing good. He was really nice.

[@TubeScavenger]

It's sad that anyone has a drug or alcohol addiction or that anyone feels truly or is truly hopeless.

[@alduff229]

Truly a real human being. Met him at wsop 19 ?? When Aria had a merch room and he was signing autographs.

[@PokerBoomYT]

Very cool. What was he like?

[@deanvoss7098]

You had a great run BABY..!!! Thanks for entertaining us for years...

[@GotloLuna68]

This video literally repeated the same thing 4 or 5 times.....Scotty played poker, won $$ playing poker, was famous, had personal problems and did drugs and went broke!! Super in depth!!

[@jimdandy6452]

That's why in ANY endeavor you should be humble and graceful - you never know when fate will turn you upside down

[@sponnydobber]

I met Scotty at the Wynn WPT event last December, he is in great form, and he also played a few tournaments at WSOP this summer, great video, but he is still very much an active part of the poker scene!

[@tomf5823]

sure is. at the 2022 wsop main event he took his starting stack and put it in his pocket and somehow didn't get DQed.

[@agoo7581]

The 2008 HORSE event was a shock to many (especially when outlets like cardplayer tried to pretend it didnt happen thinking that the espn broadcast would have edited it to protect his image), but shortly after, a lot of people came out and said that his behavior was a lot more typical than his persona, he had a habit of drinking, being nasty, and slowrolling opponents at the table. His image came crashing down, and he was exposed as the insufferable fraud that he actually was. Thankfully, his reputation never really recovered from that.

[@mcfly7]

The lesson here is do not do drugs. It will fuck you up even if you are great.

[@PokerBoomYT]

Truth

[@lafondawilliams]

Seems like everyone loves scotty and you can't stay at the top of a sport forever no lessons learned here

[@ronny9407]

Saw him last week on the strip selling used encyclopedias

[@MrZola1234]

He didn't get his srart in Vegas. He was an LA pro all tge way up to the time he won the WSOP in 98. When I first played with Scotty, he was a dish washer at the Commerce Casino. He was a fish in the 10-20 limit game... nobody spread nonlimit cash games then. About a year later, people would get up to avoid him. He had become so good.

[@dustinmerrill2435]

What year was he a dishwasher at commerce?

[@MrZola1234]

@dustinmerrill2435 early 90s i think.

[@nigelvarney4042]

This video is a reminder that by the time you're 45+ years old, odds are you've experienced some turbulence in your life. Scotty's turbulence, while more severe than mine and most people I know, serves as a reminder to always be respectful to others at the table. A kind word or kind acknowledgement to another often has a powerfully positive ripple effect. 'Be kind to one another. I’ll save you all a seat in Dolly’s game in Heaven' - D. Brunson. Thanks folks, all the best.

[@Bogey007]

This video sheds no light on Scotty or his downfall. It’s a nothing highlight reel. Just another 7 mins wasted because some drama queen is trying to build likes.

[@PokerBoomYT]

Ouch

[@lovewolfsports]

Scotty is old school poker. I wish him well. ♥️🐺

[@jeffuryca]

Got to meet him at The Bike when I was watching a WPT event there. He was so nice, shook my hand and called my baby. BTW, the reason he calls everyone baby is it is easier for him to pronounce than many Americans names. Love me some Prince of Poker.. I wish him the best.

[@simpsons721]

One of my favorites, met him at Ballys back in the day, super cool!

[@wildfoodietours]

Always loved watching Scotty play poker, a master at his craft.

[@avaleesdad]

Before Theo Von, there was Scotty rocking the mullet.

[@epatter1]

I have been in and out of rehabs so I understand his boozing, but hell he won. Most poker players are terrible people including myself, that is according to society.

[@PhuPhillipTrinh]

Damn so sad about his brother I had no idea

[@MrStevie57]

Sad,I enjoyed watching,he was an entertainer for sure.

[@PokerBoomYT]

So charismatic

[@godonkgo]

im not sure what downfall they talking about...dudes address is a casino in vegas and hes valued at a couple million....kindest player u will ever meet

[@joedon1706]

He probably sold his WSOP bracelet for a nickel bag of smoke.

[@JeffZuccMusk]

I hope Scotty sees these comments. Only love for Scotty❤

[@steveludwig4200]

Best of luck to Scotty in being 100% "right" for the rest of his life....

[@nisanpara3572]

Aussie Matt. Matt kirk (where is he now)

[@midnighttoker1241]

I assume alcohol had much to do about his downfall he should have stayed on the boat

[@RyanDepauloDegenerateGambler]

Wow had no idea Mike had 1/3rd of scottys main win that’s cool

[@libertyforamericanow]

Imagine being on a high after winning the wsop and the next day your brother gets killed. Couldn't even enjoy the win

[@rezphilosophy]

we forget shinning stars are only people too

[@personalit]

Give me a cocktail, baby!

[@Trizzer89]

He didnt keep up with poker theory

[@filipinolovefoodsarap3607]

Very precise

[@user-sn4up4bo5v]

Picture of Peggy pearson is actually perry Green from alaska

[@PokerBoomYT]

You’re right, this was our mistake

[@MrR1D3R]

“It’s over baby” sorry couldn’t help it

[@DodgerGolfs]

Scotty plays over in Tulsa Oklahoma at the hard rock! Got to see him this past wpt tournament came! He is a super nice guy, I even out lasted him in the tournament which was cool!

[@PokerBoomYT]

That's awesome!

[@ordinarypete]

Scotty is a human and the MAN.

[@keithmorgan742]

He's a "human?" Wow, you have got to be kidding.

[@ordinarypete]

@@keithmorgan742 sorry that it was only my comment and not your greasy unc’s 🍆 . You have a blessed day 😉

[@markhutchison2240]

Met him on the World Poker Tour in the early 2000s. He was a genuinely nice guy. He was very approachable and went out of his way to be friendly to the kids watching him at the final table. I have nothing but respect for the dude.

[@TheFailedmessiah]

He always rocked that sweet mullet!

[@user-mn8lm8bc8b]

RIGHT ON BABY!!!!!❤

[@Chudy_ale_byk]

Scotty is a LEGEND ❤

[@adamjackson82]

Scotty Nguyen and Humberto Brenes were the reason I started watching and playing poker. 🙂

[@imxploring]

Gambling isn’t a sure thing.... even for the best players.

[@reeve2001]

Best poker channel around!

[@PokerBoomYT]

Sweetest guy around

[@user-fn9yc5tf5f]

Personally know Scotty, love the guy!!! He has a great wife for support and many friends here in Oklahoma. Proud to call him a friend

[@PokerBoomYT]

Thanks for sharing!

[@wolfhvac943]

I love Scotty!😊

[@PokerBoomYT]

Only one Scotty!

[@1410superboy]

A legend.

[@thangle7191]

where is Scotty now?

[@bretth4988]

He could of managed himself better. But adrenaline is also a factor... high's and lows. A lot of dynamics.

[@thewraithize]

Scottys a legend

[@butchbinion1560]

Thanks. ✌🏻👊🏼

[@avib1955]

One of my Favs The Prince!!! He's literally one of the best not just as a player but individual also

[@PokerBoomYT]

So much positivity around Scotty. Love it

[@johngreen7726]

A relationship with old Mike definitely was a bad idea & must have got him hooked. I remember the story of Mike selling to an undercover cop & going to jail, lol.

[@JB-df8hl]

I hope my rock bottom is drinking 30 beers on ESPN, talking shit and winning the WSOP $50K championship

[@user-yz7nq2gx4v]

This comment is underrated.

[@bluemonk611]

If he manages to handle his addiction this is anything but a tragic ending.

[@justbystander770]

A good player and i miss him at the tables. Ut he if Helmuth can comeback so can he. Stay safe scotty