David Williams
David Williams may not be a name that many people recognize, however, in the poker world, he is a name that most people automatically identify with one of the poker stars of this generation and those that are going to go down in history. Williams started playing poker in 1997 and started playing online and in a few card rooms in Dallas. His online game playing was how he scored himself a seat in the 2004 World Series of Poker. This was where he really made a name for himself as he took second place during the competition, which is pretty prestigious given that beforehand his name was not one that was easily recognized. This second place win gave him around $3.5 million dollars. This had many people wondering whether Williams would make poker his career path or if he would continue with his education at SMU, where he was majoring in economics. Williams informed everyone that poker would remain a favorite hobby of his, however, playing it as a career would be the one way in which all the magic would be ruined for him.
Before poker, there were many people that recognized Williams name and this were those that played in the online Magic game, the "Gathering". Those that are not familiar with this game, it is a tournament that is somewhat like the Pokemon games that children play. There are even tournaments that contain cash prizes, though these are not as high as the poker tournaments that people play in. He has traveled to thirty five countries playing this game, which did help him prepare for the World Series and the media coverage that comes along with this game, which includes twenty four hour coverage of many of those main events that take place.
After taking the second place at the World Series of Poker in 2004, his success continued. He ended up playing in many of the final tables that are on the World Poker Tour. He even finished second at the 2004 Bargata Poker Open. Following by the fourth place finish in the 2006 Bay 101 Shooting Stars game. And having a fourth place finish at the Mirage Poker Showdown. But probably the best finish that he has had was in the 2006 World Series of Poker Stud even in which he won the coveted bracelet that all players want to add to their collection.
David Williams has had his time in the spotlight through various television programs such as Poker Royale: Comedians vs Pros, King of Vegas and High Stakes Poker. He has also been featured in many interviews, including one for Playboy Magazine, which was the January 2005 issue.
Those that have met David automatically point out his amazing smile and how the camera seems to love him. He is a very friendly, laid back guy that does not take poker too seriously. Which makes sense since he does not intend to make poker a full-time career. However, for the time being, Williams seems to be content with his life in the limelight and the stardom that his poker playing has brought him.