"I'm very, very happy," Nguyen said. "It feels so good to win a fourth bracelet." In addition to his four World Series of Poker titles, Nguyen has collected titles from numerous other major competitions, including the Hall of Fame Poker Classic, the Queens Poker Classic, and the L.A. Poker Classic. He now has 19 in-the-money finishes at the World Series, and with total earnings of $801,802, he ranks 21st on the tournament roster of all-time money winners. A retired businessman, Nguyen began playing poker many years ago in his native Vietnam.
Placing second in the limit Omaha High-Low Split event and winning $63,250 was Matthias Rohnacher of Heidelburg, Germany. A 35-year-old casino executive and professional player, Rohnacher now has 11 in-the-money finishes at the World Series of Poker and has won numerous European competitions. He has been playing poker seriously for just six years.
John Henson, a recreational poker player from Temple City, California, captured third place and $33,000.
The 1996 World Series of Poker continues at the Horseshoe through May 16. The $1,500 buy-in limit Ace-to-Five Draw (with Joker) competition begins today at noon, followed by the $5,000 buy-in Chinese Poker event at 5 p.m. The $3,000 buy-in limit Texas Hold'em event is scheduled Sunday, May 5, at noon.
More than 4,000 entrants - representing at least 20 countries - are expected to participate in this year's World Series, and the total money distributed is anticipated to be in excess of $11 million.
