John Cynn

John Cynn is an American professional poker player, widely recognized for his remarkable victory as the 2018 World Series of Poker Main Event Champion. During this historic event, he not only secured the coveted bracelet but also claimed the top prize of $8.8 million. As of October 2023, his exceptional skills have enabled him to accumulate an impressive total of $10.2 million in total live earnings. Let’s take a look at his early poker days, biggest wins and his life after the WSOP Main Event Championship.

John Cynn Early Life

John Cynn was born on December 24th, 1984, in Evanston and raised in Northbrook, Chicago. His journey into the world of poker began during high school at Glenbrook North and continued to flourish during his college days at Indiana University.

While in Indianapolis, Cynn met Lance Keating, an avid poker player and owner of the Circle City Volleyball Club. This encounter had a profound impact on Cynn’s poker career, as Keating introduced him to advanced games and strategies. Inspired by these experiences, Cynn decided to pursue professional poker after completing his education. Upon completing his studies, Cynn briefly worked as an IT Analyst in California but ultimately made a decision to pursue a full-time career as a professional poker player in 2013.

John Cynn Poker Career Highlights

Cynn’s journey in live tournaments began in July 2010 at the Horseshoe Poker Classic $350 No Limit Hold’em, where he pocketed $1,096. Over the years, he steadily improved his skills. This culminated in a significant moment at the July 2016 World Series of Poker Main Event, where he earned $650,000.

With the $650,000 from the 2016 Main Event, Cynn was able to participate in higher buy-in events more frequently. He added five additional five-figure scores to his poker resume over the following two years. Notably, he achieved a 10th-place finish at the World Poker Tour L.A. Poker Classic Main Event in February 2017, which earned him $80,280. Although Cynn made four cashes at the 2017 WSOP, his most remarkable achievements at the WSOP were still ahead.

Fast forward to the July 2018 WSOP Main Event, where the Indianapolis-native displayed remarkable improvement. Ultimately, Cynn triumphed in poker’s most prestigious event, earning a staggering $8.8 million. He defeated a field of 7,874 entries, claiming the coveted bracelet and setting a record for the highest number of hands played at a WSOP Main Event final table. During the final showdown, Cynn faced strong opponents Michael Dyer and Tony Miles ultimately securing the title. 

Currently, Cynn’s career tournament earnings are just shy of the $11 million milestone. He recently bolstered his winnings with a remarkable 2nd-place finish in the $25K partypoker MILLIONS Sochi Super High Roller Series, adding $252,000 to his record.

John Cynn’s Post-Championship Journey

Since his Main Event victory, Cynn hasn’t been seen too much. In post-WSOP interviews, he expressed his eagerness to travel the world and engage in high-stakes cash games. Notably, he made appearances on shows like Live At The Bike and featured once on Hustler Casino Live Episode 164. 

However, it has been a while since poker enthusiasts have had the opportunity to witness Cynn in action. His most recent appearance was on LATB Episode 198, which aired on January 20, 2023. During this episode, he managed to rake in an impressive $25,000 in earnings.

Conclusion

John Cynn, the 2018 WSOP Main Event Champion, has earned over $10.2 million in his poker career by October 2023. His historic Main Event victory has solidified his status in the poker world. While he’s been less active in recent years, Cynn still occasionally joins high-stakes cash games, hinting at the potential for more poker success in the future.