“The Orient Express” is also famous for keeping his lucky orange next to him at the table, but the reasoning didn’t stem from superstition.īack in the smoke-filled and less glitzy days of the poker room, Chan would keep the orange at hand and use its fragrance to break the persistently unpleasant vapors that would envelop non-smoking poker players.

He certainly isn’t a frugal character and won’t shy away from spending his winnings on frivolous pleasures.

Seen most often in the ‘80s and ‘90s in his designer track suits, Chan mostly sports flamboyant (costly) and colorful shirts at the table. Other major accomplishments include winning the second version of the Poker Superstars Invitational in 2005, beating out a couple dozen of the best poker players in the world. He almost made poker history by winning 3 titles in a row but was edged by then-24-year-old Phil Hellmuth in ’89. Phil Hellmuth stopped Johnny on his way to win third WSOP Main Event title in a row His trap set for Erik Seidel during heads-up play in the ’88 Championship is predominantly featured in Rounders.

Johnny’s fame set in stone by “Rounders”Ĭhan boasts one of the best showings ever at the World Series of Poker Main Event, winning back-to-back titles in 1987 and ’88 while sporting those oversized ‘80s sunglasses. He was essentially the first Asian breakout poker player and is the self-proclaimed role model for Asians on the current poker circuit.ĭespite his 10 WSOP bracelets (a number that he shares with a fellow poker legend Doyle Brunson and the one and only Phil “No Home Jerome” Ivey), he may be best known by non-poker players for his cameo appearance in the poker movie Rounders, starring Ed Norton and Matt Damon. Still considered to be one of the top professional tournament and cash game players in the world the “Orient Express” sports a swagger that can be backed up by his abilities at the table. By Josh H | Last Updated: NovemJohnny Chan: despite his tremendous poker success (including 10 WSOP bracelets), he will remain best remembered for his appearance in Rounders

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