John Bonetti

John Bonetti was an American professional poker player from Houston, Texas, with over $4.1 million in live tournament earnings. His best live cash of $341,250 came when he finished in 3rd place at the 27th WSOP in May 1996. John passed away on June 27, 2008.

He began his career managing rental properties, and it wasn’t until he was about to move to Houston, Texas, and considering retirement, that he started playing poker in his mid-fifties. During his poker career, he won three bracelets at the 21st, 24th, and 26th World Series of Poker events, respectively.

John Bonetti: Live Tournament Participation

John Bonetti first recorded live cash occurred in May 1987 at the 18th World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. He secured 23rd place in a $10,000 No Limit Hold’em World Championship, cashing $10,000.

In January 1993, John played in a $5,000 + 80 No Limit Hold’em Championship Event at the Queens Poker Classic III in Las Vegas. He finished in 1st place and won $168,000.

Later in May of that year, he participated in a $10,000 No Limit Hold’em World Championship at the 24th WSOP. John finished in 3rd place and earned $210,000.

At the 27th WSOP in May 1996, he secured his biggest live cash of $341,250. John entered in a $10,000 No Limit Hold’em World Championship and finished in 3rd place.

In the following years, in April 1999, he joined in a $1,500 Limit Hold’em at the 30th WSOP. John finished in 2nd place and secured a prize of $173,565.

Continuing his career, John finished in 3rd place at the 36th WSOP in June 2005, earning $175,215.

Most recently, in October 2006, he competed in a $3,000 + 120 No Limit Hold’em during the Festa Al Lago V Poker Tournament. John placed 14th and cashed $4,105.

John Bonetti 3 WSOP Bracelets

• May 1990: $5,000 No Limit Deuce to Seven Draw at the 21st WSOP ($83,250)
• May 1993: $1,500 Hold’em Pot Limit at the 24th WSOP ($122,400)
• May 1995: $5,000 No Limit Deuce to Seven Draw at the 26th WSOP ($101,250)