The rise of Men “The Master” Nguyen to poker stardom is an object lesson in beating the odds.

Nguyen was born in 1954 in Vietnam’s Phanthiet province, just north of what was then Saigon.

After the south fell to the Communists, Nguyen fled Vietnam in 1978, taking a boat to Malaysia. It was a harrowing three-day ride with 87 other refugees crammed onto a 40-foot boat.

After an extended stay at a refugee camp, Nguyen was granted political asylum by the United States and moved to the Chinatown district of Los Angeles.

Nguyen found work as a furniture delivery man, then a machinist, which he did for eight years.

He also fell in love with a Hispanic woman and raised a family, but the relationship fell apart. One day, a friend convinced the despondent Nguyen to take a trip to Las Vegas.

Nguyen played at Caesar’s Palace and lost much of his savings, but came back the next week and won it all back.

He kept coming back week after week, learning the game as he went, then entered his first tournament in 1986. By 1997, he was Player of the Year.

At first, Nguyen developed a reputation as a poker brat (his propensity for Corona adding to the legend), but he’s since been able to channel his energy and determination.

Now, after six World Series of Poker bracelets and over $4 million in tournament winnings, “The Master” is often seen tutoring other players, including his cousin, David “The Dragon” Pham.

When he’s not passing on his knowledge, Nguyen lives in Bell Gardens, Calif. with his wife and three daughters.

He also does extensive charity work in Vietnam.