Johnny Chan
Johnny Chan is considered to be one of the top cash and tournament game players in the world, and the man nicknamed the "Orient Express" can definitely live up to the hype. Chan is the first famous Asian poker player, and he is a mentor for other Asians on the circuit. Chan has ten WSOP bracelets, a number only matched by legend Doyle Brunson. He is best known for his small role in the movie "Rounders" which starred Matt Damon and Edward Norton.
Johnny Chan has one of the best-ever showings at the WSOP's main event, winning in both 1987 and 1988. He almost won three titles in sequence, but he was narrowly defeated by upstart Phil Helmuth in 1989. Chan's other accomplishments include a win at the Poker Superstars Invitational in 2005, where he bested some of the greatest players in the world.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Chan was known for his flashy track suits and colorful shirts. He's definitely not frugal; he likes to spend his money on fun stuff. He is also known for keeping a lucky orange next to him at the poker table- a throwback from the days of hazy, smoky and smelly poker rooms.
Johnny Chan's family came from China by way of Hong Kong; they moved to Texas when Chan was a boy. He learned English eventually, and helped his father run the family's restaurant. Chan attended classes at the University of Houston, but he soon dropped out to play poker full time.
He learned from pros like Chip Reese and Doyle Brunson, finally winning his first WSOP bracelet in '85. His aggressive style of play and friendly demeanor make him a hit with spectators and fellow players alike. Currently, he plays in some of Vegas' highest-stakes games, such as those aired on "High Stakes Poker".