Scotty Nguyen returns to poker after a difficult surgery

Poker legend Scotty Nguyen has successfully recovered from a serious surgery and is sharing his plans for returning to the poker world.

Scotty Nguyen: Comeback After Major Surgery and New Poker Ambitions Scotty Nguyen’s Recovery After a Difficult Surgery Legendary World Series of Poker (WSOP) champion Scotty Nguyen, a five-time bracelet winner and the 1998 Main Event champion, was forced to miss the first half of the 2023 WSOP summer series due to a serious medical procedure. The poker icon underwent surgery for slipping rib syndrome, which also required operations on both of his hips. According to Nguyen, the recovery process was extremely challenging: “The surgery was tough. Over the past couple of years, my body felt like a training ground for doctors—they cut me open everywhere, baby. But now I’m doing fine,” he shared in an interview with PokerNews for the Life Outside Poker podcast. Following the surgery, Scotty significantly scaled back his tournament play. In 2023, he managed to finish in the money only a few times, and in both 2024 and 2025, he cashed just once at the WSOP. This season, he played very little, and his only in-the-money finish at the 2025 WSOP came in the $1,000 Seniors Championship , where he placed 39th and earned $17,948 in prize money. Now, according to the 62-year-old pro, he is spending time in his native Vietnam, visiting family and recharging after some difficult years: “I took a break for a few months. Right now, I’m in Vietnam, visiting family, relaxing, and enjoying my time here,” he says. The Importance of Support and Motivation in Scotty Nguyen’s Life During his recovery, Scotty wasn’t alone—he received tremendous support from his Russian partner, Alsu. According to Nguyen, she played a key role in helping him get back to an active lifestyle: “When I first arrived in Vietnam, it was tough for me. I was lazy, did nothing, and almost always felt unwell. But when I met her, she got me swimming, walking, and staying active every morning. Thanks to her, I felt alive again: ‘Yeah, baby, let’s go!’” Plans to Play the No Filter Poker Series and Return to Europe Scotty Nguyen joined the Life Outside Poker podcast not only to talk about his recovery, but also to share his plans for the near future. He will be taking part in the No Filter Poker Series in the Baltic region, and will also appear at the Nordic and Baltic Championship Open , which will be held in Tallinn, Estonia, from October 17 to 22 . “I want to make No Filter even bigger and better when I get there,” Nguyen said. “Every time I’m in Europe, it’s always exciting. The players, the people, the fans—they love Scotty Nguyen, baby! I’m totally ready for them. I’m ready to put on a real show.” For reference: The No Filter Poker Series is a tournament series held in the Baltic countries, attracting both local and international players. The Nordic and Baltic Championship Open is a major event that brings together players from Northern and Eastern Europe, and having a star like Scotty Nguyen participate gives the tournament special prestige. Quick Stats and Recent Results Scotty Nguyen is one of the most recognizable poker professionals, with his first recorded cash dating back to 1991. Over his career, he has earned $12,700,000 according to The Hendon Mob. However, his tournament activity has noticeably declined since his surgery. Scotty Nguyen’s Recent WSOP Results: 2023: several in-the-money finishes (exact number not specified) 2024: one cash at the WSOP 2025: one cash at the WSOP 2025, $1,000 Seniors Championship: 39th place, $17,948 In recent months, as Scotty himself admits, he has barely played poker, and after a disappointing run at the 2025 WSOP, he decided to take a break and focus on his recovery. Iconic Quote and Impact on Poker Culture In the interview, Scotty recalled his famous line from the final hand of the 1998 WSOP Main Event against Kevin McBride: “If you call, it’s gonna be all over, baby.” Nguyen said he never imagined the phrase would become so legendary: “When I said it to my opponent in the last hand, I couldn’t have guessed that it would live on like this… Now it’s known all over the world, everyone repeats it, everyone talks about it… Every time I show up at a tournament, I hear it not once, but at least ten times at every event.” That phrase has become an inseparable part of poker culture and is still closely associated with Scotty Nguyen’s charisma and playing style. The Toughest Opponents According to Scotty Nguyen During the interview, Scotty was asked who he considers the toughest opponents at the poker table. He named three players whom he believes are the most challenging to face. Their names can be heard in the full episode of the Life Outside Poker podcast. For reference, the podcast is hosted by Connor Richards, senior editor of PokerNews in the US and a three-time Global Poker Awards nominee for his work. What This Means for PPPoker Club Players Scotty Nguyen’s story is a reminder of how important it is to take care of your physical and mental health—even if you’re a world champion. Recovering from difficult life situations requires support, discipline, and time, and Scotty’s example shows that a return to poker is possible even after serious challenges. For PPPoker club players, this news can be a source of inspiration: everyone goes through tough times, even world-class stars. The key is not to give up, to keep working on yourself, and to lean on the support of family and friends. It’s also worth noting how important it is to balance play and rest: regular breaks and taking care of your health can be the foundation of a long and successful poker career. Moreover, the participation of legends like Scotty Nguyen in international series highlights that poker is not just a competition, but also an opportunity for connection, sharing experiences, and finding inspiration. Keep an eye on the schedules of major events, take part in PPPoker club tournaments, and remember: every player can become part of poker history.