John ‘World’ Hennigan

John Hennigan, also recognized as ‘World’, is a distinguished American professional poker player hailing from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Renowned for his exceptional skills, Hennigan has amassed six WSOP bracelets and a coveted WPT title. With total live earnings tallying nearly $9.5 million and a best live cash amounting to $1.6 million, Hennigan’s accomplishments speak volumes. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the game, Hennigan was duly honored with induction into the esteemed Poker Hall of Fame in 2018.

John Hennigan: Early Life

John Hennigan was born on August 10th, 1970. He began his journey in the world of games and gambling from a young age. Initially drawn to Pool, he honed his skills on the pool circuit, showcasing his aptitude for competition and risk-taking. With a penchant for gambling, Hennigan earned the moniker “Johnny World” for his fearless approach to placing bets on various ventures. It was through his ventures in pool gambling that Hennigan found his way into the realm of poker, marking the beginning of a remarkable career in the card game.

As Hennigan delved deeper into the poker world, he maintained his involvement in cash games alongside his tournament pursuits. Renowned for his versatility and skill, he frequently joined high-stakes cash games, rubbing shoulders with the top players in the industry. Widely regarded as one of the premier all-around cash players, Hennigan earned the respect of his peers for his formidable prowess at the tables. In 2007, his talents culminated in a significant triumph at the Borgata Winter Open in Atlantic City, where he emerged victorious in the Championship Event, securing over $1.6 million in winnings, a milestone that remains his most lucrative live cash achievement to date.

Hennigan’s 6 WSOP Bracelets

1. 2002 $2,000 H.O.R.S.E. $117,320
2. 2004 $5,000 Limit Hold’em $325,360
3. 2014 $50,000 The Poker Players Championship $1,517,767
4. 2016 $10,000 2-7 Triple Draw Lowball (Limit) Championship $320,103
5. 2018 $10,000 H.O.R.S.E. Championship $414,692
6. 2019 $10,000 Seven Card Stud $245,451

John Hennigan: Live Tournament Participation

John ‘World’ started his live tournament endeavors in December 1997. He participated in the $1,500 + 80 Limit Hold’em event at the 1997 World Poker Finals in Mashantucket. Johnny clinched the 3rd place position, amassing a cash prize of $11,520. His initial triumph in the WSOP came to fruition in April 2002. It happened during the 33rd WSOP in Las Vegas. He secured his first WSOP bracelet in the $2,000 H.O.R.S.E. event, garnering a substantial prize of $117,320. Subsequently, in May 2004 at the 35th WSOP in Las Vegas, Hennigan emerged victorious in the $5,000 Limit Hold’em event. John secured his second WSOP bracelet and a notable cash prize of $325,360.

Transitioning to the WPT circuit, in January 2007, at the WPT Championship Event No Limit Hold’em during the World Poker Tour Borgata Winter Open in Atlantic City, Hennigan claimed the top position, clinching a staggering sum of $1,606,223. Returning to the WSOP in June 2013, during the 44th edition in Las Vegas, he attained 3rd place in the $50,000 Poker Players Championship Event. Hennigan pocketed a substantial $686,568. Notably, in June 2014, at the 45th WSOP in Las Vegas, Hennigan triumphed in the same event. He secured his third WSOP bracelet and an impressive prize of $1,517,767.

Hennigan’s Continued Legacy in Live Poker Tournaments

Continuing his remarkable streak, in June 2016 at the 47th WSOP in Las Vegas, Hennigan emerged victorious in the $10,000 2-7 Triple Draw Lowball Limit Championship Event. He seized his fourth WSOP bracelet and accrued $320,103.

On June 12th, 2018, during the 49th WSOP in Las Vegas, he clinched his fifth WSOP bracelet. It occurred during the $10,000 H.O.R.S.E. Event. He accumulated $414,692 in winnings. Subsequently, on June 15th, 2018, in the $50,000 Poker Players Championship Event at the same venue, he secured 2nd place, cashing for $765,837.

Hennigan’s sixth WSOP bracelet was attained in June 2019. It happened during the 50th WSOP in Las Vegas. He emerged victorious in the $10,000 Seven Card Stud Championship Event, adding $245,451 to his accolades. His most recent notable cash came in March 2024, during the PokerGO Tour Mixed Games in Las Vegas. John attained 4th place in the $10,000 + 200 Triple Draw Mix Event, amassing $49,350 in winnings.  

Conclusion:

John ‘World’ Hennigan emerges as a luminary in professional poker, boasting an impressive array of accomplishments that underscore his remarkable skill and dedication to the game. With six WSOP bracelets, a prestigious WPT title, and total live earnings nearing $9.5 million, Hennigan’s journey exemplifies the epitome of success in the competitive world of poker. His induction into the esteemed Poker Hall of Fame in 2018 serves as a fitting tribute to his enduring impact and contributions to the sport.