Dan Cates "Jungleman"

Dan “Jungleman” Cates is one of the most accomplished high-stakes poker players of his generation. A two-time World Series of Poker champion, he has won nearly $12 million in live tournaments and millions more battling the toughest opponents online.

Away from the tables, Dan hosts Winning the Game of Life, a podcast exploring poker, success, health, personal growth, philanthropy, and the lessons learned from competing at the highest levels of the game.

Who Is Jungleman?

Daniel “Jungleman” Cates is one of the most successful and unconventional poker players of the online era. Rising through the ranks under the screen name “jungleman12”, he became feared in the toughest heads-up No Limit Hold’em games, regularly taking on the best players in the world when most were looking for easier opponents.

Born in Maryland in 1989, Cates began playing poker at 17 and quickly developed a reputation for his aggressive style and unique approach to the game. By 2010, he was widely regarded as one of online poker’s biggest winners, earning millions in high-stakes cash games and famously taking on Tom Dwan in the Durrrr Challenge.

While many fans first discovered him through online poker, Jungleman has also built an impressive live tournament résumé. He made history by winning the prestigious $50,000 Poker Players Championship at the World Series of Poker in both 2021 and 2022, becoming the first player ever to win the event in consecutive years.

Today, with more than $18 million in live tournament winnings and millions more earned online, Jungleman remains one of poker’s most respected competitors and one of its most fascinating personalities.

Jungleman’s Most Popular Video

Poker Champion Explains Poker Mistakes At Every Level

In this popular strategy breakdown, Jungleman explores the mistakes that hold poker players back at every level. From beginner fundamentals and common leaks to advanced adjustments used by elite professionals, Dan explains how better decision-making, emotional control, and strategic flexibility can transform results and accelerate improvement.