Cliff Josephy

Cliff Josephy is an American professional poker player from Syosset, New York. He has accumulated over $8.4 million in live tournament earnings and holds two WSOP bracelets. His largest cash prize, totaling $3,453,035, was awarded for his third-place finish at the 47th WSOP in July 2016.

In addition to his live tournament achievements, Josephy has earned more than $4 million in online tournament winnings under the screen name “JohnnyBax” on PokerStars. He is also a lead instructor and co-owner of PokerXFactor, a well-regarded poker training site.

Cliff Josephy: Early Life

Cliff Josephy, a native of New York, began his poker journey at age 37 while working as a stockbroker. His interest was ignited in December 2003, during a JetBlue flight to Florida, when he stumbled upon the WSOP coverage of the 2003 Main Event, featuring Chris Moneymaker’s iconic victory that sparked the poker boom. Although he was unfamiliar with no-limit hold ’em, Josephy felt inspired. He recalled the various games he had played at home and believed he could excel in poker.

Dedicating himself to the game, he read extensively, engaged with knowledgeable players, and spent countless hours playing online. His efforts quickly transformed him from a novice into a skilled player, and he relished the excitement of winning. About a year later, when his firm faced bankruptcy, he saw an opportunity to pursue poker full-time. With the support of his wife, he embraced this new path, and the alias “JohnnyBax” soon became legendary in online poker circles as he dominated high-stakes games and built a successful career.

Cliff Josephy: Live Tournament Participation

Cliff Josephy began his poker career in November 2004. He participated in a $2,000 + $150 No Limit Hold’em event at the World Poker Finals in Mashantucket. Josephy placed 18th and pocketed $4,065.

He captured his first WSOP bracelet in June 2005. Josephy competed in a $1,500 Seven Card Stud event at the 36th WSOP in Las Vegas. He took the top spot, securing a prize of $192,150.

In September 2006, Josephy entered a $5,000 + $200 Championship Event at the 2006 UltimateBet Aruba Poker Classic in Palm Beach. He finished in 2nd place, taking home $446,975.

Josephy claimed his second WSOP bracelet in June 2013. He played in a $3,000 No Limit Hold’em Shootout event at the 44th WSOP in Las Vegas. Josephy emerged victorious, winning $299,486.

In July 2016, he achieved his largest live cash in a $10,000 No Limit Hold’em Main Event at the 47th WSOP in Las Vegas. He finished in 3rd place and took home an impressive $3,453,035.

A year later, in January 2017, he took part in a $4,717 + $283 No Limit Hold’em event at the PokerStars Championship in Paradise Island, Bahamas. He secured 2nd place and walked away with $403,445.

In a recent appearance in July 2024, he played in a $700 + $300 Pot Limit Omaha Mystery Bounty Bracelet Event at the 55th WSOP in Las Vegas. Josephy finished in 118th place and collected $2,610.

JohnnyBax on Online Poker

Cliff Josephy is a prominent figure in the online circuit. He competed on both the now-defunct Full Tilt Poker and PokerStars. Notably, he achieved two PocketFives Triple Crowns and claimed victory in the FTOPS X Pot Limit Omaha Hi/Lo Event #15 in November 2008, earning a prize of $46,000.

Josephy has amassed over $4,000,000 in online tournament winnings on PokerStars. From April 18th, 2005, to September 18th, 2006, he held the #1 spot on the PocketFives rankings following significant wins. In 2009, he won the Super Tuesday on PokerStars for $68,250 and also secured an FTOPS title from Full Tilt in 2008. Between 2007 and 2010, he consistently ranked in the top 0.01% of online tournament earnings, according to the Official Poker Rankings.

Some of his notable cashes include:

• $85,000 in the PokerStars $1,000 Super Tuesday tournament
• $78,300 in the Full Tilt Poker Sunday Brawl
• $38,500 in the Full Tilt $1,000 Monday event
• $64,500 for a second-place finish in the PokerStars $100 Sunday rebuy.

Conclusion

Cliff Josephy stands out as a remarkable figure in the poker world, showcasing an impressive career that spans both live and online formats. With over $8.4 million in live tournament winnings and more than $4 million accumulated online as “JohnnyBax,” he has established his status as a respected and influential player in the poker community.