Johnny Chan Biography

Johnny Chan Poker Player Biography

Johnny Chan was born in 1957, in Canton, China. In 1968, he and his family emigrated to the United States, where he lived in Phoenix until 1973. In 1973, the family moved to Houston, where Chan grew up

.

As a youngster, Chan enjoyed bowling, and it was at a local bowling alley that he was introduced to poker. He began playing in underground poker games, but was eventually banned from the games because of his tendency to win. At 16, he went to Las Vegas and played illegally there. He turned $500 into $20,000 in one night, but unfortunately lost it all the next night. At 21, Chan left university to move to Las Vegas. He began playing poker in $3 games to build his stack.

Johnny Chan is known for both his nickname and his good luck charm. As a young poker player, he entered Bob Stupak's America's Cup Tournament, where he knocked 13 of 16 players out in 30 minutes. This earned him the nickname "Orient Express". He is also known for bringing an orange to the table when he plays. When younger, Johnny smoked 4 packs of cigarettes a day. He was able to quit, and could no longer tolerate the smell of smoke. He brings an orange to the table because he prefers it's smell to that of cigarettes.

Johnny Chan has been most successful at the the World Series of Poker. He is currently tied for the most bracelets with Doyle Brunson - each having earned 10. He won two WSOP main events back-to-back, in 1987 and 1988. In 1989, he placed 2nd in the same event. As of 2005, Chan had earned $3,744,331 at the World Series of Poker. Chan's win in the 1988 WSOP is featured in the poker movie "Rounders".

Recently, Chan placed second in the Poker Superstars Invitational in February, 2005. In the summer of 2005, he competed in the Poker Superstars Invitational II, which he won, earning himself $400,000.

In addition of playing poker, Chan owns a fast food franchise in the Stratosphere hotel. He occasionally writes for Card Player magazine, and is a featured player on the "High Stakes Poker" show. His eventual goal is to own his own casino.

• Francais
• Deutsch
• Espanol
• English
• Italiano