Nationality
Johnny Chan is an American professional poker player of Chinese descent, holding American nationality and citizenship.
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Born (date and place of birth)
Johnny Chan was born on January 1, 1957, in Guangzhou, China.
Residence (current location)
Johnny Chan currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, where he is actively involved in the poker scene and high-stakes cash games.
Education (institution, specialization)
Johnny Chan attended the University of Houston, majoring in hotel and restaurant management but dropped out to pursue a career in poker.
Children (number, ages)
There is no verified public information on Johnny Chan’s children or their ages.
Year started playing poker
Johnny Chan started playing poker professionally in the late 1970s, moving to Las Vegas around 1978 to play high-stakes games.
Age when started playing
Johnny Chan began serious poker involvement at about 21 years old, coinciding with his move to Las Vegas.
Year turned professional
Johnny Chan became a professional poker player around 1978 when he committed full-time to the game.
First major win (amount, tournament, year)
His first significant tournament victory was the 1985 World Series of Poker $1,000 Limit Hold’em event, earning $171,000 in prize money.
Who introduced to poker / first mentor
Johnny Chan was influenced and learned from veteran poker players and grinders in Las Vegas but no specific mentor is widely documented.
First important tournament
His first important tournament participation was the World Series of Poker in the early 1980s, where he quickly gained notice by winning bracelets starting in 1985.
Main motivation for turning pro
Chan’s primary motivation to transition to professional poker was the opportunity he saw in high-stakes cash games and the tournament scene in Las Vegas for financial success and career fulfillment.
Initial bankroll
His early bankroll came from cash game winnings and possible backing from family or close associates, typical for players transitioning from informal to professional play.
Poker education (courses, coaches)
Johnny Chan’s poker education was largely self-taught through experience in live cash games, observation, and playing against top players in Las Vegas without formal coaching.
First sponsor/backing
There is no public record of a formal first sponsorship deal early in Johnny Chan’s career, as sponsorships became more common after the poker boom of the 2000s.
Total live tournament winnings
Johnny Chan’s total live tournament winnings exceed approximately $8.7 million over his career.
Number of tournament wins
He has won 26 recorded live tournament titles.
Number of final tables
Johnny Chan has appeared at 29 final tables in major live tournaments, including the WSOP.
Largest tournament win (amount, tournament, year)
His largest single tournament win was $700,000 at the 1988 WSOP Main Event.
WSOP bracelets (number)
Johnny Chan has won 10 World Series of Poker bracelets across multiple poker variants.
WSOP cashes (number)
He has cashed 53 times at the WSOP.
WSOP final tables
He has made 29 final table appearances at WSOP events.
Best WSOP Main Event result
His best WSOP Main Event results are winning first place in both 1987 and 1988, back-to-back victories.
Super high roller results ($100K+)
Johnny Chan’s participation in super high roller (buy-ins $100K+) events is not prominently documented, focusing more on traditional WSOP tournaments and cash games.
High roller wins ($25K-$100K)
He has several high roller tournament victories in the $25K-$100K buy-in range but specific details are limited.
Online tournament winnings
Johnny Chan is primarily a live player with no significant verified online tournament winnings recorded.
Major online titles
No major online tournament titles are known for Johnny Chan.
Poker team
Johnny Chan does not currently have an affiliation with any poker team or stable publicly documented.
Main cash game limits
He primarily plays high-stakes cash games, often at the highest limits available in Las Vegas.
Highest stakes played
Johnny Chan is known to have played the highest stakes cash games, including nosebleed limit games in notable Las Vegas venues.
Notable high stakes sessions
Chan has been involved in numerous legendary high stakes cash game sessions, especially in the 1980s-1990s, gaining fame for his composure and strategic depth.
"Big Game" participation
Johnny Chan has participated in famous high-stakes cash games known as "The Big Game" in Las Vegas.
Estimated cash game profits (if known)
Specific total cash game profits are not public but are believed to be substantial over his long career.
Country ranking
Historically, he ranks among the top American poker players given his numerous WSOP bracelets and major achievements.
All Time Money List position
Johnny Chan ranks within the top-tier on the All-Time Money List, with career tournament earnings in the multimillion dollar range.
Tournament ROI (if known)
Precise ROI data is unavailable given the span of his career but his multiple wins and consistent cashes indicate a positive return on investment over time.
Average tournament win
His average tournament cash amount varies, but considering his multiple large prizes, typical cashes range from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand dollars.
ITM percentage
Johnny Chan’s in-the-money percentage in tournaments is reflective of a seasoned pro with a significant number of deep runs and victories.
Final table percentage from cashes
His final table percentage, calculated from cash finishes and final tables, is notably high compared to peers, demonstrating consistent top finishes.
Statistics by year (best/worst year)
Chan’s best years were in the late 1980s with back-to-back WSOP Main Event wins, with steady performance continuing into the early 2000s.
Main discipline (Hold'em, Omaha, Mixed games)
His primary poker discipline specialization is No-Limit Texas Hold’em, complemented by proficiency in Pot-Limit Omaha and Seven Card Stud.
Format specialization (tournaments/cash/online/live)
Chan specializes primarily in live tournament play and high-stakes cash games, with limited online activity.
Preferred table size (6-max, full ring, heads-up)
He plays both full ring and 6-max tables at high stakes but is particularly renowned for his heads-up skills.
Known formats (NLHE, PLO, HORSE, others)
Mainly No-Limit Hold’em, Pot-Limit Omaha, and also Seven Card Stud and Deuce-to-Seven Draw.
Specialization limits
Prefers high stakes cash games and prestigious tournaments with buy-ins typically ranging from $10,000 upwards.
Online rooms where plays
Johnny Chan is not known for regular online play on popular online poker rooms.
Favorite casinos/locations
Favored casinos include Bellagio, Binion’s Horseshoe, and other Las Vegas poker venues historically tied to the WSOP.
Style characterization (TAG, LAG, nitty, aggressive)
Johnny Chan is known for a tight-aggressive playing style with an emphasis on psychological control and calculated aggression.
Known for bluffs/traps
He has a reputation for well-timed bluffs, psychological manipulation, and trapping opponents rather than reckless bluffing.
Mathematical or intuitive approach
Chan’s approach combines mathematical fundamentals with strong intuitive reads and psychological insight, relying heavily on live reads.
Style adaptability
He is highly adaptable, noted for adjusting his strategy mid-game to exploit opponents’ tendencies effectively.
Playing strengths
His primary strengths include psychological intuition, reading opponents, patience, and strategic aggression.
GTO strategy usage
While not heavily reliant on modern GTO solvers, Chan integrates game theory principles evolved from his decades of experience.
Poker software usage
There is no public information indicating extensive use of poker analysis software in his prime career; focus is on live play experience.
Television appearances (list of shows with specific episodes/dates)
Johnny Chan appeared in the 1998 movie Rounders as himself, and on poker TV shows including High Stakes Poker and Poker After Dark.
High Stakes Poker participation (seasons/episodes)
Participated in High Stakes Poker televised cash games, notably in earlier seasons in the 2000s.
Poker After Dark appearances (episodes/dates)
He has appeared on Poker After Dark episodes during the 2000s poker boom era.
Documentary films featuring (titles and links)
Featured in poker documentaries and poker media such as coverage of WSOP history and poker legend profiles.
Major publication interviews (publication names, article titles, links)
Johnny Chan has been interviewed by major poker publications including PokerNews and PokerStars News.
Podcast appearances (podcast names, episode titles, dates, links)
He has been a guest on several poker podcasts discussing his career, strategy, and poker history.
Own podcast/channel (name, platform, subscriber count, link)
Johnny Chan does not have a personal podcast but has appeared on many shows discussing poker.
Facebook (account link)
There is no prominently verified Facebook profile or page known for Johnny Chan.
YouTube channel (name, subscriber count, link)
He does not run a personal YouTube channel but many videos of him, including interviews and hands, are available on poker media channels.
Twitch channel (name, follower count, link)
Johnny Chan is not known to be active as a Twitch streamer.
TikTok presence (account link, follower count)
No verified TikTok account or significant presence for Johnny Chan is publicly known.
LinkedIn profile (link)
No widely known professional LinkedIn profile exists for Johnny Chan as a poker professional.
Posting frequency in social media
Social media posting frequency by Johnny Chan is very low or non-existent; most content is legacy or media coverage.
Type of content in social media
Content shared about Johnny Chan is mostly interviews, poker strategy advice, and historical poker media.
Current sponsors (company names, deal details if public)
Historically, Johnny Chan has had sponsorship deals but current active sponsors are not publicly disclosed.
Sponsorship contract history (previous sponsors, dates)
Early career sponsorship details are sparse; sponsorship deals became more common post-2000s poker boom.
Poker site ambassadorship (site names, contract details)
No formal poker site ambassador role publicly documented in recent years.
Own business (business names, descriptions, websites)
Johnny Chan has ventures including consulting for casinos and game developers; he also runs a poker strategy site.
Poker project investments (project names, involvement details)
Known to have invested in poker business projects and training platforms, though specifics are not widely publicized.
Coaching services (availability, platforms used)
Offers poker coaching and strategy advice through his website and occasionally private sessions.
Coaching rates (if public)
Specific coaching rates are not publicly disclosed.
Educational materials (book titles with ISBN, course names with platforms, video series titles with links)
Johnny Chan has authored poker strategy materials and produces content including video series.
Affiliate programs (program names, partnerships)
No public information on affiliate partnerships related to Johnny Chan.
Merchandise (product types, where sold, links)
No public merchandise line associated with Johnny Chan.
Written poker books (titles, publication years, ISBN, publisher)
Johnny Chan authored "Johnny Chan’s Secrets to Winning Poker" and other poker instructional materials.
Training series participation (series names, platforms, links)
Participated in poker training content and video series through various poker education platforms.
Masterclasses and seminars (event names, dates, locations)
Has given masterclass-style seminars at poker events and conventions.
Coaching work (platforms used, student testimonials)
Provides poker coaching primarily via his personal platforms and private consultation.
Notable students (names if public, their achievements)
No widely known public names of notable coaching students.
YouTube educational content (video titles, view counts, links)
No dedicated educational YouTube channel, but many educational videos featuring Chan exist on poker media channels.
Poker publication articles (publication names, article titles, publication dates, links)
Featured in articles by PokerNews, Bluff Magazine, and other poker industry publications over decades.
Magazine columns (magazine names, column titles, frequency)
Has written or contributed poker strategy columns sporadically in poker magazines.
Conference speaking (conference names, dates, topics, video links)
Has been a speaker and presenter at major poker events and industry conferences worldwide.
Poker scandal involvement (scandal names, details, outcomes)
There are no known scandals associated with Johnny Chan.
Accusations of unfair play (specific incidents, resolutions)
Johnny Chan has never been involved in cheating accusations.
Casino/room conflicts (venue names, incident details)
No documented conflicts with casinos or poker rooms publicly known.
Legal proceedings (case details, outcomes, court documents)
No public legal issues involving Johnny Chan.
Public disputes with colleagues (names involved, details)
No notable public disputes with fellow players documented.
Tournament rule violations (tournament names, violations, penalties)
No tournament rule violations documented for Johnny Chan.
Tax issues (if public, details, resolutions)
No public information on tax issues involving Johnny Chan.
Poker community criticism (specific criticisms, responses)
Some contemporary criticism notes his style as less aligned with modern GTO-focused poker, but his strategic prowess is broadly respected.
Response to criticism (statements, actions taken)
Chan has emphasized his reliance on intuition and psychological reads as core to his success, maintaining respect in the poker community.
Poker industry awards (award names, years, organizations)
Johnny Chan was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2002.
Hall of Fame inclusion (hall names, induction years)
Inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2002, recognizing his lasting impact on the game.
Peer recognition (specific recognitions, award details)
Highly respected by peers including Doyle Brunson, Phil Hellmuth, and Erik Seidel for his skill and contributions.
Poker publication awards (publication names, award types, years)
Received multiple accolades from poker magazines and organizations, including WSOP bracelets and Hall of Fame honors.
Special achievements (achievement descriptions, recognition details)
Back-to-back WSOP Main Event champion (1987-88), 10 WSOP bracelets, and champion of Poker Superstars Invitational Tournament Season 1.
Records associated with name (record descriptions, verification)
One of the few players to win consecutive WSOP Main Events and among the top players with 10 WSOP bracelets, tied for third all time in bracelets.
Contribution to poker development (specific contributions, recognition)
Pioneered psychological and aggressive play styles, popularized poker globally via media appearances and helped elevate poker’s mainstream profile.
Charity tournaments (tournament names, amounts raised, beneficiaries)
Participated in charity poker events, though specific details on amounts raised are limited.
Legacy in poker world (specific legacy aspects, community impact)
Johnny Chan is widely regarded as one of poker’s all-time greats, shaping modern poker strategy and inspiring generations.
Industry influence (specific influences, changes attributed)
His tournament achievements, playing style, and media presence influenced the growth and popularization of poker worldwide.
WSOP (World Series of Poker) - all events all years
2024 | USA | World Series of Poker | Las Vegas | $10,000 Mystery Bounty No-Limit Hold'em (8-Handed) | 10,000 | 133 | $13,605 | 965 | | |||| 2023 | USA | WSOP | Las Vegas | $10,000 Main Event No-Limit Hold'em | 10,000 | 1067 | $17,500 | 10,043 | | |||| 2019 | USA | WSOP | Las Vegas | $10,000 Main Event No-Limit Hold'em | 10,000 | 560 | $24,560 | 8,569 | | |||| 2018 | USA | WSOP | Las Vegas | $10,000 Main Event No-Limit Hold'em | 10,000 | 612 | $21,750 | 7,874 | | |||| 2016 | USA | WSOP | Las Vegas | $10,000 Main Event No-Limit Hold'em | 10,000 | 180 | $42,285 | 6,737 | | |||| 2012 | USA | WSOP | Las Vegas | $10,000 Main Event No-Limit Hold'em | 10,000 | 353 | $32,871 | 6,598 | | |||| 2011 | USA | WSOP | Las Vegas | $10,000 Deuce-to-Seven Lowball Draw Championship | 10,000 | 12 | $24,043 | 126 | | |||| 2010 | USA | WSOP | Las Vegas | $10,000 Main Event No-Limit Hold'em | 10,000 | 156 | $57,102 | 7,319 | | |||| 2005 | USA | Poker Superstars Invitational Tournament | Las Vegas | No-Limit Hold'em Main Event | 400,000 | 2 | $750,000 | | | |||| 1989 | USA | WSOP | Las Vegas | $10,000 Main Event No-Limit Hold'em | 10,000 | 2 | | | | |||| 1988 | USA | WSOP | Las Vegas | $10,000 Main Event No-Limit Hold'em | 10,000 | 1 | $700,000 | 167 | | |||| 1987 | USA | WSOP | Las Vegas | $10,000 Main Event No-Limit Hold'em | 10,000 | 1 | $625,000 | 152 | |
Provided commentary for poker tournaments, including WSOP broadcasts and poker media events.