David Benyamine

David Benyamine, originally uploaded by pokerwire.

David Benyamine (born July 5, 1972 in Paris, France) is a French professional poker player with a World Poker Tour title.

David Benyamine was a professional tennis player in his early career but had to retire because of back pain. He was also a successful top ten billiards player in France.

David Benyamine was employed as an aupair in Paris.

David Benyamine learned poker at the age of 12 and plays high-stakes cash games on a regular basis.

David Benyamine was deported from the United States during 2004. His name was the same or similar to one on the terrorist "watch list", but the resolution was that he was deported for not having a work permit.

David Benyamine lives in Henderson, NV. He has one daughter, and is engaged to professional poker and blackjack player Erica Schoenberg.

World Poker Tour
David Benyamine has made three final tables in World Poker Tour (WPT) open events:

2003 Grand Prix de Paris (second season) - 1st place (€357,200)
2004 L.A. Poker Classic (second season) - 6th place ($132,355)
2008 Bellagio Cup IV (seventh season) - 2nd place ($840,295)
David Benyamine is also the winner of the WPT Battle of Champions II invitational event, where he defeated a final table including Hoyt Corkins, Mel Judah, Antonio Esfandiari and Phil Laak.

World Series of Poker
David Benyamine is primarily a Cash Game player, but due to comments from his friends, he started playing more regularly during the 2008 World Series of Poker. As of 22nd June 2008, he has made 4 WSOP final tables, 3 of which where in 2008, as well as his one bracelet:

Year Tournament Prize (US$)
2008 $10,000 Omaha Hi-Low Split $535,687

David Benyamine currently plays high stakes online poker under his own name at Full Tilt Poker and is sponsored by them. David Benyamine is a Pot-Limit Omaha specialist.

As of 2008,David Benyamine total live tournament winnings exceed $3,100,000.