Justin Cuong Van Tran

Justin Cuong Van Tran, also known as “J.C.,” is a Vietnamese-American professional poker player currently residing in Sacramento, California. Born on January 20th, 1977, Tran has achieved significant success throughout his poker career, earning over $13.4 million in live tournament winnings, securing two WSOP gold bracelets and one WSOP circuit gold ring.

Notably, his best live cash of $2,106,893 came when he reached the final table and finished fifth in the 44th WSOP in July 2013. Additionally, Tran was named the WPT Player of the Year in 2015 and is a WCOOP Main Event champion. He also secured a WPT title by winning the 2007 World Poker Challenge and has made multiple final table appearances in WPT events.

Justin Tran: Early Life

Justin Cuong Van Tran was born on January 20th, 1977, in Nha Trang Vietnam as the youngest of eight children. At the age of two, his family relocated to Sacramento, California, in search of better opportunities. After completing high school, Tran pursued a degree in Business Management Information Systems at California State University, Sacramento.

Tran developed an interest in poker and taught himself the game through personal experience. He began with friendly home games and eventually progressed to playing in the $9/$18 game at Capitol Casino in Sacramento. His first major live tournament success came in 2004 at the World Poker Tour World Poker Finals, where he finished fifth and earned a cash prize of $353,850.

Justin Tran: Live Tournament Participation

Justin Cuong Van Tran began his poker career in March 2003. He participated in a $120 Second Chance No-Limit Hold’em event at the 2003 Peppermill Spring Tournament in Reno. Tran finished in 2nd place and took home $1,849.

In February 2007, he competed in a $9,900 + $100 No-Limit Hold’em event at the L.A. Poker Classic in Los Angeles. He placed 3rd and cashed for $1,177,010.

Shortly thereafter, in March 2007, he won his first WPT title at the World Poker Challenge in Reno, finishing 1st in a $5,000 + $150 No-Limit Hold’em Championship event and taking home $683,473.

In December 2007, he triumphed in a $5,000 + $180 No-Limit Hold’em event at the Doyle Brunson Five Diamond World Poker Classic in Las Vegas, earning $523,075.

Following this, in June 2008, he secured his first WSOP bracelet in a $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em event at the 39th WSOP in Las Vegas, winning $631,170 in prize money.

Tran captured his second WSOP bracelet in June 2009 by finishing 1st in a $2,500 Pot-Limit Omaha event at the 40th WSOP, which earned him $235,685.

He achieved his best live cash in July 2013. Tran took part in a $10,000 World Championship No-Limit Hold’em event at the 44th WSOP in Las Vegas. He placed 5th and took home $2,106,893.

Moving forward to January 2020, J.C. took part in a $3,250 No-Limit Hold’em High Roller event. It happened at the WSOP Circuit in Thunder Valley, Lincoln. He finished 1st and won $49,035 along with a gold ring.

Most recently, in July 2024, he participated in a $700 + $300 Pot-Limit Omaha Mystery Bounty Bracelet event. It took place at the 55th WSOP in Las Vegas. He finished in 104th place and cashed for $2,610.

Conclusion

Justin “J.C.” Cuong Van Tran’s journey from Vietnam to becoming one of the top poker players in California shows his dedication and passion for the game. With two WSOP bracelets and over $13.4 million in winnings, he proves that hard work can lead to remarkable success in the poker world.