Johnny Moss Poker Legend

  • Birthdate: May 14, 1907
  • Died: December 16, 1995
  • Birthplace: Odessa, Texas
  • Resides: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

LAS VEGAS, UNITED STATES - MAY 01: Professional gambler Johnny Moss having the sweat wiped from his face during the World Poker Championship at the Horseshoe Casino. (Photo by John Olson/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images) When he was in his teens, eminent poker legend Johnny Moss worked at a local saloon, making sure poker players weren't cheating. After two years he became a rounder, travelling around the country playing poker.

Moss played in a famous heads-up match against the far older and more experienced high-roller, "Nick the Greek" Dandalos. The match-up was arranged by Horseshoe owner and World Series of Poker (WSOP) founder Benny Binion, and spanned five months during 1949.

World Series of Poker Career Johnny Moss

Moss won the 1970, 1971, and 1974 WSOP Main Events, although in 1970 he was elected champion by the other players and won no prize money.

Moss didn't miss a single World Series of Poker between 1970 and 1995 and amassed 9 bracelets, currently placing him 4th on the all-time list and cementing his status as a poker legend.

Over the course of his 25-year career, Johnny Moss won over $680 000 in tournament play prizes.

Johnny Moss Trivia

  • Moss is often called the "Grand Old Man" of poker, because of his staying power on the tour and his impressive poker skills
  • He was inducted as a charter member of the Poker Hall of Fame in 1979
  • The Texas Hold'em starting hand Ace-Ten is named "The Johnny Moss" in his honour.