Yann “DaProd” Del Ray

Engineering school graduate, Yann is one of the very talented amateurs that can be found in the world of poker. And after winning the Top Shark 2012/13 competition on Winamax, he has put his regular career — developing mobile applications — on the backburner to join the Winamax Pro Team for a year. He is now living every amateur's dream and touring the world, taking part in the biggest tournaments around!

Determined and audacious, Yann Del Ray has all the qualities necessary to succeed at poker. From the first time he discovered poker he has been a winner. In 2006 he played his first hand in a game amongst friends, where the maximum bet was just five euros. “When I choose to do something, it's all or nothing!” says Yann, who was an avid gamer before becoming a card-shark, playing Counter Strike and Warcraft 3 in particular.

A first deposit of thirty-something euros later and Yann began to make some deep runs in the Winamax Miniroll tournaments. Strict bankroll management and, of course, good play allowed him to work his way up the levels, with the added benefit of developing a healthy bank balance in the process. It was during his studies in Canada that Yann visited the USA and experienced Las Vegas for the first time, acquiring a taste for big live tournaments.

Upon returning to Europe with a reinforced passion for the game, Yann entered the Winamax Series, transforming an investment of just €10 into a very profitable €4,600 in one of the events. This was a defining moment: “It was at that moment that I decided to take poker very seriously,” says Yann. He began reading strategy books and watching videos posted by members of Team Winamax; however, the most important step was his decision to join the Lyon poker club. His perception of the game changed and thanks to the many events organised by the club, his level of play improved constantly.

His hard work was soon rewarded when he took part in the Trip to Vegas contest on Winamax. His finish among the winners earned him a shot at a World Series of Poker bracelet under the tutelage of Winamax Pro, Davidi Kitai. A very respectable performance finishing 371st from a field of 4,620 players and taking home a prize of $2,079 was followed by two victories in minor side tournaments, concluding a successful summer for Yann.

Not resting on his laurels, Yann entered the Top Shark Academy with his eyes firmly on the elusive sponsorship deal for first place. After two months of unrelenting and fierce competition against thousands of players across France and Europe, he emerged victorious. In a world of professionals, Yann is now flying the flag for amateurs everywhere as a member of the Winamax Pro Team.

Of course, you can still find Yann on the Winamax tables too, under the name “DaProd”.