News / Chris Edwards / 26 July 2008 / Leave a comment

David 'Chino' Rheem is 28 years old and currently resides in Los Angeles. He is admittedly the most experienced among the November nine with a string of impressive cashes. He began playing poker in Florida after he turned 18 an goes to the final table with a chip count of 10,230,000.

Since 2005, he has over $700,000 in tournament earnings. His best result was at the 2006 WSOP where he came second to Allen Cunningham in the $1000 NLHE event, winning $327,981. The final table was featured in the years broadcast and well known players such as The Grinder, Amnon Filippi and JC Tran could be seen in attendance. He's had 4 other WSOP cashes including a 5th place at this years $5,000 Mixed Hold'em event worth $25,700.

Asked about the run up to the final table, Rheem described it as being a long day which by the time they got to 10 handed no one was playing a hand in fear of not making the November 9. Before the final 10 however the action had been pretty wild. Rheem talks about the hand that knocked out 11th place finisher Joe Bishop and said because Joe was likely on tilt and that they were all so tired he was ready to gamble.

Rheem raised under the gun with 2h 2c and as expected Bishop moved all in. Rheem states that as Bishop was likely moving with anything he would have to make the call. He did and Bishop showed Ac 3h. The flop was an interesting one, Ah 5s 3c giving Bishop two pair and Rheem a gutshot. The Qc on the river no help, but a 4h on the river completed Rheem's straight and took the players to the final table.

Asked about what he will do in the coming 3 months he plans on playing in the WSOPE but not much else, instead laying low and relaxing with friends and family. He feels that due to his experience he can spend less time playing and more time mentally preparing for the final 9.

However, Rheem may not make it back to Vegas in time to play. Recently a report was published stating that 8 years ago he was convicted of burglary and dealing of stolen property both of which are major offences. He was also convicted of possession of marijuana and was sentenced to four months in prison. He failed to appear in court for another offence in 2003 and a warrant was issued for his arrest which still remains active. If he is arrested and found guilty of avoiding the law he could face another jail term which could run past the final table.