David Rheem of the WSOP Final Table

by Jake Gosselin | Aug 15 2008

David Rheem, aka "Chino Rheem," of Los Angeles, Calif., is by far the most accomplished poker player heading into the WSOP Final Table. David Rheem hit the WSOP tournament circuit three years ago and has been running deep in big tournaments since then. Most notably was in 2006, when he finished second to Allen Cunningham in the WSOP $1,000 NL Holdem Rebuy event where he cashed for $327,981.

This year, he made two WSOP final tables: the $5,000 Mixed Holdem event where he finished fifth, cashing for $93,624, and of course, the $10,000 Main Event.

Rheem has also won three Bellagio Cup events and finished third in the 2005 EPT Grand Final. His total live poker tournament winnings currently sits at just over $700,000, not to mention the $900,670 that all members of the final table have received for the minimum payout possible.

David Rheem started playing poker professionally 10 years ago by grinding low-stakes games at the Seminole Hollywood Casino in Florida. It was there that Rheem cut his teeth on poker, but it was also apparently where he cut his teeth on crime.

Eight years ago, while still living in Florida, David Rheem was convicted of felonies dealing in stolen property and burglary as well as misdemeanors larceny and possession of marijuana. He was sentenced to four months in jail and 30 months of probation.

He also failed to appear in court on a charge of trespassing in 2003 for which a warrant for his arrest was issued. While it was reported that the warrant was currently still active, Gambling911.com recently contacted the Hollywood, Florida Police Department, which confirmed that they are not currently seeking David Rheem. However, intrepid Gambling991 reporter Jenny Woo did caution that "there was some question as to the variations of his name in the computer system."

One thing that is for sure is that anyone who has been asked about David Rheem testifies to his outstanding character.

In a statement to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, former Seminole Hollywood Casino poker manager Steve Watkins said that Rheem learned to play soon after he turned the legal casino poker age of 18. The games included Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi, a former Seminole Classic dealer now among the world's top players.

Rheem "didn't act like he knew everything and became a good player by watching and playing a lot. A very polite young man," said Watkins.

Now, 28 years old and sitting at the second most lucrative WSOP Final Table in history, Rheem is doing his best to put that all behind him. He is very well-regarded by the poker community and is generally considered to be one of the most considerate and amicable poker players on the circuit.

The odds given to him to win the WSOP Final Table in the Bodog Sportsbook belie his talent and experience. Even though he is practically tied for the second smallest chipstack ($10,230,000 to Marquis’ $10,210,000), he has the fifth best odds to win it all at 15/2.

It will definitely be interesting to see if Chino's experience will be enough for him to overcome his lack of chips.

While we all wait for the WSOP Final Table to take place on Nov. 9-10, there will be plenty of WSOP action to enjoy. The WSOP Europe is happening from Sept. 19-Oct. 2 with the WSOPE Main Event beginning on Sept. 27.

Bodog Poker is currently running daily satellites to their WSOP Europe Two Seats Guaranteed Semifinal. The semifinal runs Sept. 7 at 3:15 p.m. EST with a $540 buy-in. Get all the details on their WSOP Europe online satellites, and hopefully I'll see you in London.