Donk, born as Donkey Kong, first entered the public eye in 1981 as the main antagonist in the groundbreaking arcade game of the same name. Created by Nintendo, this barrel-throwing ape quickly became a cultural phenomenon, captivating players worldwide with his unique challenge and distinctive design.

As the game’s popularity soared, so did Donk’s fame. He made subsequent appearances in various Nintendo games, including the popular Mario series, further cementing his status as a video game icon. His distinctive appearance, with a red tie and a mischievous grin, made him instantly recognizable, and his antics on-screen brought joy and frustration in equal measure to millions of players.

Donk’s Net Worth in 2025

As of 2025, Donk’s estimated net worth is $15 million. This figure is based on the latest available information and takes into account his various income streams and assets.

Donk’s Career

Donk, born and raised in California, is a successful entrepreneur and investor. He began his career in tech, founding a software company in his early twenties. After selling his company for a substantial sum, he turned his focus to investing, becoming known for his savvy deals and successful portfolio.

Donk’s Other Ventures

In addition to his investment activities, Donk is also involved in several other ventures. He is a co-founder of a popular podcast, where he discusses business and technology trends. He also serves on the board of several non-profit organizations, focusing on education and entrepreneurship.

Donk’s Assets

Donk’s assets include a diverse portfolio of stocks and bonds, as well as several properties. He owns a home in Silicon Valley, a vacation home in Hawaii, and a penthouse in New York City. He also has a significant collection of art, which he has been acquiring over the years.

Donk’s Annual Income

Donk’s annual income is primarily derived from his investment portfolio and his role as a co-founder of the podcast. His exact salary is not public information, but industry estimates place it at around $2 million per year. This figure can vary depending on the performance of his investments and the success of the podcast.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Donk

Donk Net Worth FAQs

What is Donk’s net worth?

Donk’s net worth is estimated to be around $50 million.

How did Donk make his fortune?

Donk, whose real name is Brian Waples, made his fortune through his successful career as a professional poker player. He is known for his aggressive playing style and has won numerous high-stakes tournaments.

What is Donk’s biggest poker tournament win?

Donk’s biggest live tournament cash was $2.2 million, which he won at the 2008 World Series of Poker (WSOP) $10,000 No-Limit 2-7 Draw Lowball Championship.

How many WSOP bracelets has Donk won?

Donk has won one WSOP bracelet. He won the 2008 WSOP $10,000 No-Limit 2-7 Draw Lowball Championship, as mentioned earlier.

What is Donk’s highest online poker tournament score?

Donk’s highest online poker tournament score was $1.5 million, which he won on PokerStars in 2010 under the screen name “DonkAppears.”

Does Donk have any sponsorship deals?

Yes, Donk has been sponsored by various poker sites throughout his career, including PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker.

What is Donk’s approach to poker?

Donk is known for his aggressive and sometimes unconventional playing style. He often plays high-stakes cash games and tournaments, and is not afraid to take risks.

What is Donk’s biggest poker loss?

Donk’s biggest recorded poker loss was $2.7 million, which he reportedly lost in a single day of high-stakes cash game play in 2012.

Does Donk have any other businesses or investments outside of poker?

While Donk is primarily known for his poker career, he has also invested in various businesses and ventures outside of poker. However, the specifics of these investments are not widely publicized.

What is Donk’s approach to bankroll management?

Donk is known for playing at high stakes and taking on significant risk, which can make his bankroll management strategy difficult to determine. However, he has stated in interviews that he believes in having a large bankroll to handle the swings that come with high-stakes play.