Johnny Chan
Wednesday, November 12th, 2008You’ll usually find Johnny Chan playing among the best poker players in the world. He has had his own success in the professional poker circuit with over $5 million in total tournament winnings. This sum does not include the pot he takes home during cash games.
He had to work hard to enjoy the success he has at present. He was born in China in 1957. His family moved to Hong Kong in 1962. Then in 1968, they migrated to Phoenix, Arizona. Finally, in 1973, they settled in Houston, Texas where his family owned several restaurants.
When he first arrived in the United States, Chan didn’t speak any English. But one thing that he liked about America is bowling. If he’s not at the family restaurant helping out, he’ll be found at the bowling alley. This is also where he discovered poker, which became his passion. He started playing small with his friends which became bigger in time. By the time he was always winning, he was not allowed to join anymore.
At 16 he decided to try the poker rooms in Las Vegas. He started with $500 and turned it into $20,000 in just one night of playing. Then what seem to be a pattern in his early poker career, he would lose all his bankroll the next night.
He didn’t pursue a career in poker just yet. He first went into college and took up hotel and restaurant management in the hope that someday he’ll take over the family business. Yet fate took over and at 21 he quit school and moved to Las Vegas to become a full time poker professional.
Those early years were full of ups and downs. There were times that he had to get a temporary job to keep his dream going. Chan has the potential and everyone around him so it. Even the great Doyle Brunson once said that Chan has the talent but didn’t know how to control his temper or doesn’t know when to quit playing.
Besides his talent, his Asian ethnicity gives Chan the edge. During that time, there were few Asian players in Las Vegas. People tend to underestimate Chan. They would assume that he’s not a good player and would call a bet just to see his hand.
In 1982 he began his second life. He quit smoking and began living a much healthier life. His play was improving as well. It was also that year that he entered the America Cup of Poker. He was given the nickname Orient Express by Bob Stupak because he eliminated 13 of 16 players in just 30 minutes of play. He won the said event.
To date, he has already amassed 10 World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets. Only Phil Hellmuth has more WSOP bracelets with 11. Two of those were back to back Main Event wins, in 1987 and 1988. He could have made it three in a row but was foiled in the heads up by Phil Hellmuth and had to settle for a second place finish.
He met Hellmuth again in 2002 during a WSOP $2,500 No-Limit Hold’em event. It was again down to the two of them in a heads up match. Chan was victorious and earned his 7th bracelet.
Chan is famous for his trademark orange that he brings to the poker table. During the time smoking was allowed, he would bring an orange to serve as air freshener for the room. These days the orange serve as his personal lucky charm.
He is considered as one the most well rounded poker players around. His wins would not only come from Texas Hold’em Events but also from Omaha and Draw poker. His fame has been brought a notch up when he did a cameo in the movie Rounders. Also the movie showed footage of his winning hand during the 1988 WSOP Main Event against Erik Seidel. He flop a nut straight and slow handed it. This move trapped Seidel to raise all-in in the river.
In 2002 he was inducted to the Poker Hall of Fame because of his achievements in the poker tables. He continues to play up to this day such as competing in the Poker Superstars Invitational Tournament. He has also successfully mentored 2006 WSOP champion Jamie Gold. Proving he has not lost his touch, Chan has reached the final table of a 2006 WSOP event.
To date he has the most wins in NBC’s Poker after Dark with three wins. He only appeared four times on the show. The one match he didn’t win, we placed second. Not bad for an old timer.
Chan would still be seen playing at high stakes cash games and is currently living in Las Vegas with his family. His dream is to open his own casino someday. When not playing poker, he could be swimming, bowling or playing pool.