A Behind-the-Scenes Look at High-Stakes Without the Glamour
The book Pokerworld, co-written with Washington Post journalist Rick Maese, is set to hit the shelves in May 2027. It chronicles the fascinating journey of a young, solitary boy from the suburbs who, before the age of 22, became a fearsome online heads-up specialist with winnings over $5 million.
Jungleman reminisces about past online battles against legends like Viktor Blom and Tom Dwan and offers a glimpse into the private games in Las Vegas, Macau, and Montenegro.
Instead of focusing on charts and mathematical formulas, the book intertwines poker with business and real life. It concentrates on decision-making with incomplete information and handling uncertainty and unexpected crises.
Cates also shares his unique perspective on the importance of discipline, emotional control, and humility, which carry more weight at the table than flashy gestures and postures. A significant part of the narrative explores building trust and reputation, granting access to the most lucrative private games in the world.
A Player with a Unique Style and Record
Today, the Maryland native is hailed as one of the most respected cash game players in history, a title he solidified in 2025 with a record-breaking live stream, winning an incredible $15 million in a series of heads-up matches against Ossi "Monarch" Ketola.
On the tournament scene, he made headlines with a rare feat by winning the prestigious $50,000 Poker Players Championship at the WSOP in consecutive years, 2021 and 2022.
He further bolsters his reputation with eccentric costumes at the tables and an idiosyncratic sense of humor.
A Literary Boom Among Poker Stars
Jungleman isn't the only player recently choosing to pen their experiences. Just recently, renowned Los Angeles cash game specialist Garrett Adelstein released his own book, Beneath the Cards.
In his autobiography, Adelstein delves into wild poker stories, including the scandal surrounding the controversial J-4 hand and his feud with Robbi Jade Lew.
Sources: Pokerworld book, YouTube
