John Juanda
John’s nickname is “Luckbox,” but “Silent Assassin” might be more appropriate, since John is one of the most masterful tournament players in the world, but you would never know it by looking at him. He is quiet and respectful of his opponents at the table, but do not let his demeanor fool you – he is always plotting about how he is going to get your chip stack.
John was born and raised in Indonesia to entrepreneurial parents, and he caught the gambling bug from his father (who unfortunately enjoyed it best when drunk). It was not until his flight to the United States in 1990 at age 19, however, that John learned about poker, and in 1996 John Juanda decided to make poker his profession.
In the meantime, he earned a double bachelor’s degree in marketing and management from Oklahoma State University, followed by an MBA from the University of Seattle. Once he started playing poker for a living, he was an almost immediate force.
In 1999, he played in the World Series of Poker for the first time, making the final table in both events in which he entered. In 2001, he notched his first major tournament victory, winning the World Poker Open. In 2002, John won his first WSOP bracelet and followed it up by winning two more in 2003. In 2008, Juanda captured another WSOP bracelet by winning the WSOP Europe for a whopping $1.5 million. He won his fifth WSOP bracelet in 2011. John Juanda was a sponsored pro at Full Tilt Poker
All told, John Juanda has won over 20 poker tournaments and has collected over $16 million in tournament winnings. Has 32 Final table finished and 65 money finishes in the WSOP making him one of the most successful WSOP tournament players of all time.
He was selected to join the Poker Hall of Fame in 2015.
John Juanda Fun Facts and Finishes
- Five WSOP Bracelets -- $1,500 Triple Draw Lowball (2002), $2,500 Seven Card Stud High-Low Split (2003), $2,500 Pot-Limit Omaha (2003).E10,000 No Limit Hold'em Main Event (2008E). $10,000 2-7 Draw Lowball Championship in 2011.
- Six WPT final tables, but has not been able to win one yet.
- Named 2002 Tournament Champion of the Year.
- Runner-up in 2001 and 2002 for CardPlayer’s Player of the Year.
- Sold bibles before turning pro.
World Series Of Poker Bracelets
Year |
Tournament |
Prize (US$) |
2011 |
$10,000 2-7 Draw Lowball Championship |
$367,170 |
2008E |
$10,000 WSOP Europe Main Event |
$1,539,250 |
2003 |
$2,500 Pot Limit Omaha |
$203,840 |
2003 |
$2,500 Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo Split |
$130,200 |
2002 |
$1,500 Triple Draw Lowball Ace to Five |
$49,620 |