Who Is Daniel Cates? Age, Biography and Wiki
Daniel Cates, an illustrious American poker player, was born on November 14, 1989, which makes him 35 years old as of 2025. Renowned for his exceptional skills in the world of poker, Cates has gained a reputation as one of the leading figures in the industry. He first became known in the online poker community, quickly rising through the ranks of high-stakes players. His Wikipedia page offers more in-depth insights into his career and achievements here.
| Occupation | Player |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 14, 1989 |
| Age | 35 Years |
| Birth Place | Bowie, Maryland |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country |
Popularity
Daniel Cates's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Daniel Cates stands at an impressive height of approximately 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm) and maintains a balanced weight of around 160 lbs (72 kg). His athletic build combined with sharp features set him apart in both the poker scene and beyond. While specific measurements like chest, waist, and shoe size are typically less publicized, his overall appearance reflects dedication to fitness and health.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Daniel Cates is reported to be in a committed relationship, although details about his girlfriend have been kept private. Unlike some celebrities who often share their personal lives, Cates prefers to maintain a level of discretion regarding his romantic affiliations. Information about his family remains sparse, as he tends to keep his family life away from the limelight, focusing on his career and personal growth.
Net Worth and Salary
Daniel Cates has amassed substantial wealth throughout his career as a professional poker player. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. His earnings come not only from tournament winnings but also from sponsorships, endorsements, and content creation in the poker domain. With an average yearly salary fluctuating based on tournament success, Cates remains a prominent figure in high-stakes poker, ensuring his status as a top earner in the industry.
Daniel Cates (born November 14, 1989) also known as jungleman12 or w00ki3z. is a professional poker player from the United States, once considered to be one of the best heads-up No Limit Texas Hold 'em players in the world. By 2014, his online cash game earnings at Full Tilt Poker and PokerStars was over US$11 million. In 2010, he won over $5 million, making him the biggest winner for the year.
Career, Business, and Investments
Cates first captured attention during the online poker boom and transitioned effectively to live tournaments. Known in the poker community as "jungleman," he has participated in multiple World Series of Poker (WSOP) events, bringing home impressive winnings over the years. Beyond poker, Cates has invested in various ventures, including online poker training sites and collaborations with other poker professionals to create educational content.
In the evolving landscape of poker, Cates continues to innovate, embracing new formats and technologies, including cryptocurrency-based poker platforms. His forward-thinking approach solidifies his status as a leader in the industry.
He has said that at first he was a big loser and even took a job at McDonald's in order to refuel his bankroll. He describes his childhood as "weird, a bit aloof and mostly spent alone". He spent much of his time playing Command and Conquer and had an uncontrollable obsession with video games.
He studied Economics at the University of Maryland before dropping out of college to make poker a full-time career.
Social Network
Daniel Cates is active on several social media platforms, where he connects with fans and fellow poker enthusiasts. You can follow him on:
- Twitter: @junglemandan
- Instagram: @danielcates
In 2009, Cates lost most of his bankroll to Viktor Blom at Full Tilt Poker before rebuilding. In 2010, he began to play higher and higher stakes, racking up victories against many noted pros, including heads-up specialist Tom Dwan.
In August 2010, Cates agreed to take the Durrrr Challenge, playing Dwan at four tables of $200/$400 no limit for 50,000 hands. If Cates should beat Dwan by $1 or more after 50,000 hands, he will win $1.5 million from Dwan. As of April 2011, the two had played 19,335 hands, and Cates was up over a million dollars.
On December 31, 2018, Cates called out Dwan publicly on Twitter for his apparent welching. However, Cates also said that Dwan paid out approximately $700,000 in 2017.
Education
Daniel Cates pursued his education at the University of Maryland, where he initially studied economics. However, his passion for poker took precedence, leading him to drop out to focus on his burgeoning poker career. Despite not completing a formal degree, Cates has demonstrated remarkable self-education and expertise in strategy, mathematics, and psychology—skills that have undoubtedly contributed to his success at the poker table.
