Johnny Chan

word type: person

  1. Johnny Chan is one of the most recognizable and successful professional poker players in the world.

WSOP Bracelet List

YearTournament(US$) Prize Won
1985$1,000 Limit Hold'em$171,000
1987$10,000 No Limit Hold'em World Championship$625,000
1988$10,000 No Limit Hold'em World Championship$700,000
1994$1,500 Seven Card Stud$135,600
1997$5,000 Deuce to Seven Draw$164,250
2000$1,500 Pot Limit Omaha$178,800
2002$2,500 No Limit Hold'em Gold Bracelet Match Play$34,000
2003$5,000 No Limit Hold'em$224,400
2003$5,000 Pot Limit Omaha$158,100
2005$2,500 Pot Limit Hold'em$303,025

Rounders Movie Appearance

Chan was made famous in mainstream media with his appearance in the movie Rounders. Many poker players scoff at Mike McDermott's (played by Matt Damon) revelation that he can outplay Chan based on the fact that McDermott made Chan fold one hand in an hour's time.

Personal History

Chan was born in China and moved in 1968 to Phoenix, Arizona. Later in 1973 he relocated to Houston, Texas where his family owned and managed restaurants. At age 16 he made his first trip to Las Vegas and at age 21 he dropped out of the University of Houston to move to Las Vegas to become a professional gambler and poker player. His ten World Series of Poker bracelets tie him with Doyle Brunson for second most in World Series history and won consecutive main events in 1987 and 1988.

Historical Record

Chan won consecutive Main Events in 1987 and 1988 and nearly won a third when he came in second place to Phil Hellmuth. As of 2008, Chan's career live tournament winnings are in excess of $6,700,000.