Gardens Qualifier Denny Tran Going Strong with Two Tables Left

By Sean Chaffin

The deep run of Denny Tran is one of the highlights of the WPT Choctaw. The 58-year-old player from Garden Grove, California, was among those at the final three tables after qualifying in a $20 WPT Satellite Spectacular at the Gardens Casino.

With $112,000 in live tournament winnings, Tran now has a chance to add significantly to that total. His biggest cash came in 2017, when he finished sixth in a $565 Poker Night in America Main Event at the Gardens for $32,000.

Even reaching 10th place here in Oklahoma would top that and be a massive return on his investment of twenty bucks.

“I feel very good,” he said laughing after the first break in the day with only 17 players remaining. “I’m very happy. Right now in the money I’ve made at least $15,950 – moneymaker!”

Tran is a full-time poker player back in California and can be found at the Gardens about five days a week, playing tournaments and cash games. His usual game is $3/$5 or $5/$5 No Limit Hold’em.

When not playing poker, look for him fishing on the Newport Beach Pier. With two tables left, Tran sits with 675,000 and is looking to make it a bit further to the WPT final table at HyperX Esports Arena in Las Vegas. 

Sean Chaffin is a freelance writer in Crandall, Texas, and his work appears in numerous websites and publications. Follow him on Twitter @PokerTraditions.