Johnny Chan

Introduction

Johnny Chan’s life is a rags to riches story. He was an ordinary Chinese boy who went on to become a Chinese – American professional poker player. He has won 10 World Series of Poker bracelets as well as the 1987 and 1988 World Series of Poker main events consecutively.

Chan was born in Guangzhou China in 1957 and arrived in the States in 1968 where his family settled in Arizona and later moved to Houston, Texas, where his family owned restaurants. This is where he first started playing cards. At the age of 21, he dropped out of University and moved to Las Vegas to become a professional poker player.

Chan’s Gambling Career

Chan had his first casino experience at the age of 16 where he managed to buy-in for a cash game, allegedly turning $500 into $20 000 in one night. However, he lost it all the following day. He was also the first foreign national to win the World Series of Poker (WSOP). The final round of the 1988 WSOP final heads up is featured in the movie Rounders in which Chan makes a cameo appearance.

In 1989 he almost won his third consecutive title, but instead finished in second place to Phil Hellmuth and lost out on an NBA championship ring promised to him by Jerry Buss the owner of the LA Lakers if he had won three consecutive events.

In 2005 Johnny Chan became the first player to win ten WOSP bracelets and is currently tied with Phil Ivey and Doyle Brunson for second place. In addition to playing Poker, Chan also owns a fast-food franchise in the Stratosphere Hotel situated in Las Vegas. He is also a consultant for game makers and casinos and the author of the book “Card Player.”

Chan or Orient Express as nicknamed is a true American success story.