John Anthony Cernuto

John Anthony “Miami” Cernuto is a Las Vegas, Nevada American professional poker player. He has over $6.4 million in live tournament earnings. His best live cash of $259,150 came when he finished in 1st place at the 28th WSOP in April 1997. Cernuto holds the record for the most cashes of any player on The Hendon Mob, with results documented over 38 consecutive years. In March 2020, He received The Hendon Mob Award at the Global Poker Awards.

Cernuto has secured three WSOP bracelets and two WSOPC rings, all acquired through participation in live tournaments. Additionally, Cernuto was a sponsored pro at now-defunct Full Tilt Poker.

John Anthony Cernuto: Early Life

John “Miami” Cernuto, born on January 11, 1944, in Jersey City, New Jersey, developed his poker skills through home games at the kitchen table. After earning a finance degree from Florida State University, he began his career as an air traffic controller. However, his life changed dramatically in 1981 when President Ronald Reagan fired air traffic controllers during a strike. This event prompted Cernuto to pursue poker professionally.

Initially facing challenges, he returned to Florida before relocating to Las Vegas in 1986, where he worked at the Las Vegas Hilton to support himself while chasing his poker ambitions. His dedication paid off in 1988 when he won a $50,000 Seven Card Stud tournament, marking a significant victory that led him to leave his job at the Hilton and fully commit to a professional poker career.

However, earlier this year, Cernuto took what may be his longest hiatus from poker since the mid-1990s to receive treatment for an ongoing illness.

John Anthony Cernuto: Live Tournament Participation

John Cernuto recorded his frist live cash in January 1987, he finished 21st in a $500 No Limit Hold’em at the Grand Prix of Poker in Las Vegas, winning $1,062.

Then, in April 1996, he won the $1,500 Seven-Card Stud Split at the 27th World Series of Poker, earning $147,000.

Following that, in April 1997, he took 1st place in a $2,000 No Limit Hold’em event at the 28th World Series of Poker, winning $259,150.

In December 2002, he achieved another victory by winning the $4,000 + 100 Seven Card Stud at the United States Poker Championship in Atlantic City, taking home $153,600.

Years after, in January 2005, he placed 5th in the $7,800 + 200 WPT Main Event No Limit Hold’em at the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure, earning $155,800.

In February 2010, he finished 7th in a $5,000 No Limit Hold’em at the Deep Stack Extravaganza in Las Vegas, earning $104,461.

Most recently, in July 2024, he placed 3rd in a $900 + 200 Big O Bounty at the Venetian DeepStack Championship Poker Series in Las Vegas, cashing $14,962.

John Anthony Cernuto’s WSOP Bracelet and Rings

• April 1996 – $ 1,500 Seven-Card Stud Split, 27th WSOP. (1st place, won $147,000)
• April 1997 – $ 2,000 No Limit Hold’em, 28th WSOP. (1st place, won $259,150)
• April 2002 – $ 1,500 Limit Omaha, 33rd WSOP. (1st place, won $73,320)
• May 2005 – $ 1,500 + 70 No Limit Hold’em, WSOPC Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. (1st place, won $70,190)
• December 2012 – $ 365 Limit Omaha Hi/Lo, WSOPC Atlantic City. (1st place, won $13,461)

Conclusion

John “Miami” Cernuto’s journey in poker showcases resilience and dedication, transforming from an air traffic controller to a celebrated professional player. With multiple prestigious titles, including two WSOP bracelets, Cernuto has made a lasting impact on the poker community. His recent return to the game after a significant hiatus highlights his enduring passion and commitment to the sport. As he continues to compete, Cernuto remains an inspiring figure for both aspiring players and seasoned professionals alike.