David Benyamine Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

David Benyamine is a French professional poker player renowned for his high-stakes cash games and major tournament wins, including a WPT title and a WSOP bracelet.

Introduction

David Benyamine is a celebrated French poker pro whose strategic prowess at high-stakes tables and tournament success have earned him a prominent spot among the world’s top poker players. Born on July 5, 1972, his age/birthdate has guided a decades-long journey from tennis and billiards to the poker spotlight. Estimates place David Benyamine net worth at around US $5 million, though his total live tournament cashes and high-stakes game results suggest a broader picture. On the personal front, his relationships and private life — including past engagement and fatherhood — add depth to the man behind the poker persona.

From Parisian Courts to Las Vegas Tables: The Rise of David Benyamine

Benyamine’s early sporting life was far removed from poker. Raised in Paris, he initially pursued tennis and showed early promise. However, chronic shoulder pain forced him to abandon the sport. Not one to give up the competitive rush, he turned to billiards — quickly rising to become one of France’s top players.

At age 12, he was introduced to card games through family, learning 5-Card Draw. The fascination lingered. By his mid-20s, a friend introduced him to the cash game rooms of the legendary Aviation Club de France. There, in smoky, high-stakes rooms, his innate competitive drive and willingness to study the game closely laid the foundation for his poker ascent.

Defining moments in David Benyamine’s journey include:

• Transitioning from tennis to billiards, then to card games after shoulder injury.

• First cash game experiences at the Aviation Club de France.

• Learning poker fundamentals at age 12, building early familiarity with cards.

• Winning his first major title at the 2003 WPT Grand Prix de Paris. 

This progression — from athletic ambition, to precision games, to mastering poker’s psychological and strategic layers — shaped a player accustomed to pressure, discipline, and risk.

The Core Pillars of David Benyamine’s Wealth

The financial foundation behind David Benyamine net worth emerges from several intertwined sources.

• Live Tournament Winnings: Over his career, Benyamine’s live tournament cashes have exceeded US $8 million 

• High-Stakes Cash Games: Known primarily as a cash-game specialist — especially in Pot-Limit Omaha — his earnings from such games (in casinos and online) significantly supplement his income.

• Online Poker: Previously active on sites like Full Tilt Poker under his own name and aliases; these games reportedly generated substantial profits during his peak online activity. 

• Televised Appearances: As a frequent player on high-visibility poker shows, his presence likely added earnings through appearance fees and brand recognition. 

These pillars combine to shape a financial profile more complex — and often richer — than what headline “net worth” estimates alone suggest.

More Than Cards: What Powers His Fortune

David Benyamine Relationships & Personal Life

Despite his fame at the poker table, Benyamine has kept much of his personal life relatively private. He was publicly engaged to Erica Schoenberg, a professional poker and blackjack player. Though the engagement did not lead to marriage, the relationship is part of the public record. 

He is also a father, with one daughter.

Key insights into David Benyamine’s relationships and personal life:

• His engagement to Erica Schoenberg — a fellow card-game professional — suggests shared understanding of the highs and lows of a poker lifestyle. 

• Having a daughter brings a personal anchor to a life often on the road, balancing the unpredictability of high-stakes poker with private, family responsibilities. 

• Despite occasional public attention, Benyamine has maintained a low-profile personal life in recent years, focusing primarily on his poker career.

Beyond the Felt: Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond career success, David Benyamine leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• A residential base in Henderson, Nevada, affirming a long-term tie to the global poker epicenter of Las Vegas. 

• A deep specialization in Pot-Limit Omaha, marking him as one of the world’s foremost players in that discipline — an interest that informs his reputation and playing style. 

• Participation in televised poker shows and high-stakes cash games, which indicate a lifestyle accustomed to pressure, strategy, and public visibility. 

Public records on real estate holdings, car collections, or philanthropic ventures are limited — consistent with many professional gamblers who keep personal assets private.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Below is a simplified breakdown of the estimated values contributing to David Benyamine net worth:

Note: The publicly quoted “net worth” of US $5 million likely reflects conservative estimates — it does not fully account for ongoing cash-game earnings, private investments, or intangible value tied to reputation and career longevity.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

David Benyamine commands respect in the poker world for his fearless playing style and his mastery of cash games — especially in Pot-Limit Omaha. Among peers and fans, he’s regarded as a blend of discipline and volatility: a former athlete turned serious competitor at the felt.

His televised appearances on shows like High Stakes Poker and Poker After Dark helped popularize a sophisticated — sometimes unpredictable — playing style that’s influenced younger pros.

Moreover, his journey from tennis to billiards to poker serves as an inspiring narrative of adaptability and resilience. For many in the poker community, Benyamine represents the possibility of re-inventing oneself — a reminder that early setbacks can lead to mastery in completely different arenas.

Conclusion

David Benyamine’s story is more than just a tally of wins and losses; it’s a testament to reinvention, resilience, and relentless pursuit of one’s craft. Born on July 5, 1972, he transformed early promise in tennis and billiards into a legendary poker career — capturing a WPT title, a WSOP bracelet, and respect as one of the most skilled high-stakes cash-game players in the world. While public estimates put his net worth at around US $5 million, his tournament winnings, cash-game success, and enduring reputation hint at a far broader legacy. His relationships and personal life — including fatherhood — add human depth to a life led often under the spotlight. In a world defined by cards, risk, and strategy, David Benyamine stands out as a figure of enduring influence and quiet determination.