Erica Schoenberg

Early Years and Hobbies

From a young age, Erica showed an interest in math and sports. Her family supported her intellectual pursuits, which helped her develop the analytical mindset necessary for gambling. Sports, especially volleyball, taught her discipline and the ability to work in a highly competitive environment.

A Career in Modeling

Before Erica became famous in the world of poker, she had a successful career in the modeling industry. Her striking looks and self-confidence helped her gain recognition. Her experience in fashion not only enhanced her charisma, but also taught her how to handle pressure, a skill that has become indispensable at the poker table.

Blackjack Addiction

Gambling attracted Erica even before she knew about poker. She became interested in blackjack and even studied under the legendary Ken Uston, a master of card counting. This experience laid a solid foundation for her knowledge of probability and strategic thinking.

Intellectual Interests and Psychology

Erika has always strived to develop her intelligence and skills. Studying psychology has given her a better understanding of people’s emotions and behavior, which has been an important advantage at the poker table.

Personal Life

Erika’s personal life has often been discussed in poker circles. She was in a relationship with professional player David Benyamini and later married Erik Lindgren, another famous poker player. The couple has children and Erika successfully combines her role as a mother with other hobbies.

First steps into professional poker

She made her national television debut on Poker Royale: Young Bloods on the Game Show Network. Erica played against such notable players as David Williams and Michael Mizrahi. Although she admits her mistakes at the time, playing in the tournament was an invaluable experience for her. Soon after, she won a seat to the 2006 PokerStars Caribbean Adventure, which reinforced her desire to grow as a player.

Her first significant result came in April 2006 when she finished in 16th place at the Five-Star World Poker Classic $25,000 WPT NLH in Las Vegas, earning $117,165. This success not only gave her confidence, but also caught the attention of sponsors. Erica got a contract with Mansion Poker and then Full Tilt Poker.

A breakthrough poker career

The year 2007 was a landmark year in her poker career. Erica scored her first big win at the $2,500 NLH Mandalay Bay Poker Championship where she beat 118 entrants to earn $105,875. Even more impressive was her third place finish at the WSOP $1,500 NLH that same year where she won her biggest prize of $261,646.

Live Poker Achievements

It’s hard to call Erika the most outstanding player, but her stats do include accomplishments that she’s not ashamed to brag about:

• May 2007: Winning the $2,500 No-Limit Hold’em event at the Mandalay Bay Poker Championship for $105,875;
• June 2007: Third place in the $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em event at the World Series of Poker (WSOP), winning $261,646;
• April 2006: 16th place in the $25,000 WPT Championship at the Five-Star World Poker Classic, $117,165 prize;
• July 2007: 18th place in the $10,000 Bellagio Cup III, $41,310 prize;
• October 2008: 20th place in the $15,000 WPT Championship at the Festa Al Lago Classic, winning $37,305.

Online Poker Achievements

Erika is one of the few poker professionals who has been able to prove herself not only in live tournaments but also in online play. The following achievements can be found in her online profile:

• 2008: Winning the $1,000 No-Limit Hold’em tournament on Full Tilt Poker for $45,000;
• 2009: Second place in the Sunday Million at PokerStars, winning $350,000;
• 2010: third place in the FTOPS Main Event at Full Tilt Poker, $150,000 prize;
• 2011: Winning a $500 No-Limit Hold’em tournament on PokerStars, winning $25,000;
• 2012: final table at the WCOOP $2,100 No-Limit Hold’em, $75,000 prize.