Johnny “Orient Express” Chan

Johnny Chan, also known as “Orient Express,” is a Chinese-American professional poker player born in Guangzhou, China, now living in Las Vegas, Nevada. He has accumulated over $8.7 million in live tournament earnings, with his largest single cash being $750,000. Chan won the WSOP Main Event back-to-back in 1987 and 1988. He currently holds 10 WSOP bracelets.

Chan was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2002.

Additionally, Chan has appeared in films such as Rounders (1998) and Poker King (2009).

Johnny Chan: Early Life

Born on December 10, 1957, in China, Johnny Chan and his family immigrated to the United States in 1968, settling in Arizona. A few years later, they relocated to Houston, where they owned a family restaurant. Initially planning to take over the family business, Chan attended the University of Houston but later moved to Las Vegas to pursue a career as a professional poker player.

Johnny Chan’s Poker Journey on High Stakes Poker

Johnny debuted in HSP Season 1 Episode 6 on February 21st, 2006. He participated in a $300/600 +$100 ANTE ($1.2K) No Limit Hold’em game with Eli Elezra, Fred Chamanara, Doyle Brunson, and others. Johnny ended the night down $8,900.

He experienced his biggest loss as he returned to the tables on April 7th, 2006 in HSP Season 1 Episode 12. Chan played with Barry Greenstein, Daniel Negreanu, Phil Hellmuth, and others in another $300/600 +$100 ANTE ($1.2K) No Limit Hold’em game. He incurred a $43,200 loss.

His last appearance happened on May 15th, 2011 in HSP Season 7 Episode 13. Johnny achieved his biggest win in a $400/800 +$100 ANTE No Limit Hold’em game alongside Bill Klein, Phil Galfond, Erik Boneta, and others. At the end of the game, he collected an impressive $446,100.

Johnny Chan: Live Tournament Participation

Johnny Chan first appeared in a recorded live tournament in January 1982. He finished 1st place in a $10,000 No Limit Hold’em event at the America’s Cup of Poker in Las Vegas. The amount he won was not disclosed.

He achieved his highest single cash in a $400,000 Grand Final of the Poker Superstars Invitational Tournament held in Las Vegas in February 2005. He secured 2nd place and earned a whopping $750,000.

In November 2005, Chan triumphed in a Grand Final Event of the Poker Superstars Invitational Tournament Season 2 in Cabazon. He took home $400,000 for this victory.

Most recently, Chan entered at the 55th WSOP in Las Vegas in July 2024. He participated in a $7,000 + $3,000 No Limit Hold’em – Mystery Bounty event. He cashed for $13,605.

Johnny Chan and His 10 WSOP Bracelets

• May 1985: $1,000 Limit Hold’em, 16th WSOP, First Bracelet, Won $171,000
• May 1987: $10,000 No Limit Hold’em World Championship, 18th WSOP, Second Bracelet, Won $625,000
• May 1988: $10,000 No Limit Hold’em World Championship, 19th WSOP, Third Bracelet, Won $700,000
• May 1994: $1,500 Seven-Card Stud, 25th WSOP, Fourth Bracelet, Won $135,600
• May 1997: $5,000 No Limit Deuce to Seven Draw, 28th WSOP, Fifth Bracelet, Won $164,250
• April 2000: $1,500 + $70 Pot Limit Omaha, 31st WSOP, Sixth Bracelet, Won $179,400
• April 2002: $2,500 No Limit Hold’em – Gold Bracelet Match Play, 33rd WSOP, Seventh Bracelet, Won $34,000
• April 2003: $5,000 No Limit Hold’em, 34th WSOP, Eighth Bracelet, Won $224,400
• May 2003: $5,000 Pot Limit Omaha, 34th WSOP, Ninth Bracelet, Won $158,100
• June 2005: $2,500 Pot Limit Hold’em, 36th WSOP, Tenth Bracelet, Won $303,025

Conclusion

Johnny Chan is a renowned professional poker player for his exceptional achievements in the game. He has earned over $8.7 million in live tournament winnings, highlighted by his back-to-back victories in the WSOP Main Event in 1987 and 1988. 

His poker career has been marked by significant victories, including an impressive tally of 10 WSOP bracelets and notable performances on High Stakes Poker. Inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2002, Chan’s contributions to the sport continue to be celebrated by fans and peers alike.