Nationality
Linda Johnson is an American citizen, born and residing in the United States.
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Born (date and place of birth)
Linda Johnson was born on October 14, 1953, in Long Island, New York, United States.
Residence (current location)
Linda Johnson currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States.
Education (institution, specialization)
Specific detailed information about Linda Johnson’s formal education institutions and specializations is not publicly documented. Many professional poker players often have varied educational backgrounds, with some having college degrees and others focusing directly on poker development.
Children (number, ages)
No public verified information is available regarding Linda Johnson’s children or family status in terms of offspring.
Year started playing poker
Linda Johnson started playing poker professionally and seriously in the year 1974.
Age when started playing
Linda Johnson began serious poker involvement around the age of 21.
Year turned professional
Linda Johnson transitioned to professional poker status in 1980 after finishing fifth in the World Series of Poker Ladies event and deciding to quit her postal job.
First major win (amount, tournament, year)
Linda Johnson’s first significant major tournament victory was winning a World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet in the $1,500 Seven-Card Razz event in 1997, earning $96,000.
Who introduced to poker / first mentor
Linda Johnson was introduced to poker by her father, who was a career military service member and recreational poker player who advised her that poker was a good gambling game not played against the house.
First important tournament
Linda Johnson participated in the World Series of Poker Ladies seven-card stud tournament in 1980, finishing fifth, which was a pivotal experience leading to her professional career.
Main motivation for turning pro
Linda Johnson’s primary motivation to turn professional was her strong performance in the 1980 WSOP Ladies event, where she decided to quit her postal job and pursue poker full-time to embrace the challenges and opportunities as one of the very few women playing professionally at that time.
Initial bankroll
Specific details about Linda Johnson’s starting bankroll or early financial backing are not documented; commonly, professional players of her era started with personal funds and small tournament buy-ins while gradually building bankroll through cash games and winnings.
Poker education (courses, coaches)
Linda Johnson is largely self-taught, having begun by purchasing poker books, including works by renowned authors like David Sklansky, reflecting a common path of reading key poker literature to build knowledge before the era of formal poker schooling or coaching.
First sponsor/backing
There is no verified information about Linda Johnson having an official sponsorship deal early in her career; sponsorship was less common during her early years compared to modern poker times.
Total live tournament winnings
Linda Johnson’s total live tournament winnings amount to over $400,000 across her career.
Number of tournament wins
Linda Johnson has multiple tournament wins including at least one WSOP bracelet event plus victories at events such as the 2005 California State Ladies Poker Championship and the 2006 Orleans Open Woman’s Poker Championship.
Number of final tables
She has achieved at least seven final table appearances at the World Series of Poker and multiple other final tables in various events.
Largest tournament win (amount, tournament, year)
Her largest single tournament victory was the 1997 WSOP $1,500 Seven-Card Razz event where she won $96,000.
WSOP bracelets (number)
Linda Johnson has won 1 World Series of Poker bracelet in the 1997 $1,500 Seven-Card Razz event.
WSOP cashes (number)
She has a total of 7 cash finishes at the World Series of Poker.
WSOP final tables
She has made several WSOP final tables, at least 5 according to some sources.
Best WSOP Main Event result
There is no record of Linda Johnson making a deep run or final table in the WSOP Main Event.
Super high roller results ($100K+)
No participation or results recorded in super high roller events ($100K+ buy-ins).
High roller wins ($25K-$100K)
No documented high roller wins in the $25K-$100K buy-in range.
Online tournament winnings
There are no substantial public records of significant online tournament winnings for Linda Johnson.
Major online titles
No major online tournament titles documented for Linda Johnson.
Poker team
Linda Johnson does not have a widely known current affiliation with any poker team or sponsorship stable.
Main cash game limits
Live cash games Linda Johnson was known to favor include Omaha Eight-or-Better games with stakes around $75/$150 to $100/$200.
Highest stakes played
Reported play in live cash games up to medium-high stakes, generally within the $100/$200 limit range, but not documented at the highest stakes games.
Notable high stakes sessions
Specific notable poker cash game session results or stories are not publicly documented.
"Big Game" participation
No verifiable information indicates participation in famous "Big Game" style high stakes cash games.
Estimated cash game profits (if known)
Public estimates or figures for Linda Johnson’s cash game profits are not available.
Country ranking
No formal ranking is documented as she is regarded as a pioneering figure and legend in the American poker scene rather than a current competitive rank holder.
All Time Money List position
Her position on all-time money lists is outside top tiers; exact rank is not public but winnings exceed $400,000 lifetime.
Tournament ROI (if known)
Specific tournament return on investment percentage is not publicly calculated for Linda Johnson due to incomplete buy-in and cash data.
Average tournament win
Typical average tournament cashes are in the range of several thousand dollars, influenced heavily by her 1997 $96,000 win.
ITM percentage
The in-the-money percentage across her tournament career is not explicitly documented.
Final table percentage from cashes
The final table percentage from her total WSOP cashes is roughly high due to multiple final table finishes versus 7 cashes.
Statistics by year (best/worst year)
Year-by-year performance data is not fully available; peak achievements around mid-1990s to 2000s including 1997 bracelet win and mid-2000s event wins.
Main discipline (Hold'em, Omaha, Mixed games)
Primary poker discipline specialization includes Seven-Card Razz and Stud variants, with significant proficiency in mixed games.
Format specialization (tournaments/cash/online/live)
Strong preferences for live tournament play and mixed game formats, with some cash game play typically in Omaha Hi-Lo and other variants.
Preferred table size (6-max, full ring, heads-up)
Primarily plays at full ring tables in live events; no detailed preference records for 6-max or heads-up.
Known formats (NLHE, PLO, HORSE, others)
Known for expertise in Seven-Card Razz, Seven-Card Stud, Omaha Hi-Lo, and H.O.R.S.E. mixed games.
Specialization limits
Performs best in tournament buy-ins ranging from lower to medium stakes; cash games at mid-stakes limits.
Online rooms where plays
No prominent online poker room activity publicly documented.
Favorite casinos/locations
Frequently plays at Las Vegas casinos where she resides; also known for involvement with Orleans Casino events and various California cardrooms.
Style characterization (TAG, LAG, nitty, aggressive)
Linda Johnson’s playing style is generally described as seasoned, experienced, and pragmatic rather than aggressive or loose; focused on skillful, patient mixed games.
Known for bluffs/traps
Known for respectable and dignified table presence, with a playing style that incorporates strategic bluffs typical of experienced mixed game players but no particular notoriety for bluff-heavy style.
Mathematical or intuitive approach
Uses a combination of mathematical understanding and intuitive play developed through decades of experience.
Style adaptability
Highly adaptable to different game types and opponents, demonstrated by success in mixed games and varied poker environments.
Playing strengths
Strengths include deep knowledge of mixed poker variants, tournament strategy, and a strong mental game developed over a long career.
GTO strategy usage
Use of formal Game Theory Optimal (GTO) strategies is limited by the era when she rose to prominence but she blends contemporary strategic concepts with experience.
Poker software usage
No public information on regular use of poker software for analysis or training.
Television appearances (list of shows with specific episodes/dates)
Appeared on television shows including Poker Royale: Comedians vs. Pros and was the studio announcer for the first six seasons of the World Poker Tour.
High Stakes Poker participation (seasons/episodes)
No record of participation in High Stakes Poker television show as a player.
Poker After Dark appearances (episodes/dates)
No records of appearing as a player on Poker After Dark.
Documentary films featuring (titles and links)
Featured in numerous poker documentaries and media coverage reflecting her role as a pioneering woman in poker; specific titles not widely listed.
Major publication interviews (publication names, article titles, links)
Subject of major interviews in poker media including CardPlayer, PokerNews, Sporting News, and USA Today.
Podcast appearances (podcast names, episode titles, dates, links)
Featured as guest on various poker podcasts discussing poker history and women in poker; details vary per show and date.
Own podcast/channel (name, platform, subscriber count, link)
No known podcast hosted by Linda Johnson.
Facebook (account link)
Maintains a Facebook profile/page related to poker activities with community engagement.
YouTube channel (name, subscriber count, link)
No personal official YouTube channel documented; appearances in WPT and poker-related videos exist.
Twitch channel (name, follower count, link)
No public evidence of regular Twitch streaming channel.
TikTok presence (account link, follower count)
No notable TikTok presence as a poker content creator.
LinkedIn profile (link)
No detailed public LinkedIn profile typical for poker professionals; informal career history discussed in interviews.
Posting frequency in social media
Posts moderately on social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram, focusing on poker events and community engagement.
Type of content in social media
Shares content related to poker tournaments, industry news, women in poker advocacy, and lifestyle interests.
Current sponsors (company names, deal details if public)
No current public record of major commercial sponsorship deals.
Sponsorship contract history (previous sponsors, dates)
Historically no well-documented formal sponsorship contracts; career built largely on reputation and ambassador roles.
Poker site ambassadorship (site names, contract details)
Serves as a poker ambassador and industry leader, including involvement with the Tournament Directors Association and women in poker organizations.
Own business (business names, descriptions, websites)
Former owner and publisher of CardPlayer Magazine, which she transformed into a leading poker publication; partner in Card Player Cruises poker travel enterprise.
Poker project investments (project names, involvement details)
No publicly known poker industry investment ventures outside publishing and ambassador roles.
Coaching services (availability, platforms used)
Offers poker education and seminars via WPT Boot Camp and other live teaching platforms.
Coaching rates (if public)
Specific pricing for coaching or seminar attendance is not publicly listed.
Educational materials (book titles with ISBN, course names with platforms, video series titles with links)
Created educational content and articles for CardPlayer Magazine and poker seminars; no standalone books authored.
Affiliate programs (program names, partnerships)
No known personal affiliate partnerships publicly documented.
Merchandise (product types, where sold, links)
No exclusive personal merchandise line publicly available.
Written poker books (titles, publication years, ISBN, publisher)
Has not authored poker books but contributed extensively to poker magazine content and articles.
Training series participation (series names, platforms, links)
Participated as an instructor in poker training events such as WPT Boot Camp.
Masterclasses and seminars (event names, dates, locations)
Hosted poker seminars and masterclasses at various card rooms and poker events.
Coaching work (platforms used, student testimonials)
Provides live coaching and instructional workshops with positive reception in the poker community.
Notable students (names if public, their achievements)
No widely publicized notable students attributed specifically to her coaching.
YouTube educational content (video titles, view counts, links)
No personal educational YouTube content channel; some instructional videos and event coverage featuring her are available.
Poker publication articles (publication names, article titles, publication dates, links)
Writes poker-related articles for CardPlayer Magazine and other poker media, focusing on game strategy, poker culture, and advocacy.
Magazine columns (magazine names, column titles, frequency)
Contributed regular columns and editorial content for poker magazines, particularly CardPlayer.
Conference speaking (conference names, dates, topics, video links)
Speaker at poker industry conferences and events promoting women in poker and ethics in the game.
Poker scandal involvement (scandal names, details, outcomes)
No involvement in poker scandals.
Accusations of unfair play (specific incidents, resolutions)
No accusations or allegations of cheating.
Casino/room conflicts (venue names, incident details)
No public records of notable conflicts with casinos or poker rooms.
Legal proceedings (case details, outcomes, court documents)
No known legal issues related to poker or personal matters.
Public disputes with colleagues (names involved, details)
No public disputes or controversies involving other players.
Tournament rule violations (tournament names, violations, penalties)
No recorded tournament rule violations or penalties.
Tax issues (if public, details, resolutions)
No public information regarding tax problems.
Poker community criticism (specific criticisms, responses)
Few criticisms exist; generally respected for class and dignity in poker.
Response to criticism (statements, actions taken)
Responds to criticism by maintaining professionalism and promoting positive poker culture.
Poker industry awards (award names, years, organizations)
Recipient of the Brian Saltus Award for class, dignity, and courage at the poker table; inducted into the Women in Poker Hall of Fame (2008) and Poker Hall of Fame (2011).
Hall of Fame inclusion (hall names, induction years)
Inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2011; charter inductee into the Women in Poker Hall of Fame in 2008.
Peer recognition (specific recognitions, award details)
Widely recognized and respected by peers as a pioneer and ambassador of poker, honored for contributions beyond just play.
Poker publication awards (publication names, award types, years)
Awarded the Brian Saltus Award and received acclaim from poker publications.
Special achievements (achievement descriptions, recognition details)
First woman to win a WSOP open bracelet event for Razz; publisher of CardPlayer Magazine revitalizing poker media; first studio announcer for World Poker Tour.
Records associated with name (record descriptions, verification)
Recognized as one of the earliest women successful in professional poker, third woman to win an open WSOP bracelet.
Contribution to poker development (specific contributions, recognition)
Significant contributions include gender barrier breaking, publishing, poker rules standardization with Tournament Directors Association, and media promotion of poker’s positive image.
Charity tournaments (tournament names, amounts raised, beneficiaries)
Participated in charity poker events; specific amounts and beneficiaries not publicly detailed.
Legacy in poker world (specific legacy aspects, community impact)
Known as “The First Lady of Poker,” her legacy lies in breaking gender barriers, media innovation, and poker community leadership.
Industry influence (specific influences, changes attributed)
Instrumental in shaping poker media, tournament rules standardization, and raising poker's public profile and respectability, especially for women players.
WSOP (World Series of Poker) - all events all years
2025-06-13|USA|World Series of Poker|Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas|$1,500 H.O.R.S.E.|1500|10|$11,561|867|||
Provided studio commentary for World Poker Tour’s first six seasons, helping to popularize poker on television.