Poker Profiles: John Juanda
His charismatic Asian features consistently take up most of the female fans' attention; his gambling expertise earned him the respect of the Poker world.
John Juanda of Marina Del Rey California was born in Indonesia on July 8, 1971. Before he turned 20, he made the move to live in the United States. At that time, John's attention was focused into the physical challenges of sports. He was an athletic scholar who thrived through his skills in track and field. John earned an MBA at the Seattle University but discovered a couple of years later that the career for him needs no degree. His father, who told him not to gamble while he was growing up, would not have liked it this way. But since operating at the Poker table proved to be successful, John pushed back his dreams of becoming a doctor.
John's introduction to Poker was in a flight from Indonesia to Oklahoma. At that time, luck smiled at him, giving a Royal Flush at the first hand. He himself could not believe his eyes because it was never possible to get a Royal Flush at a first draw of cards. It turns out that the episode was a joke from a friend who stacked the deck. Although he knows that luck could not stay at one side, the allure of Poker money he could win continuously lured him to join the club. Before he did full-time, John held numerous jobs -- marketing executive, stock trader, and bible salesman. In 1997, John made 13 tournament appearances, leading the way to what is going to be an accomplished career in playing cards.
Since joining Poker, Mr. Nice Guy as he was fondly called, already has $6 million fortune in his purse and a couple of recognitions under his belt. John has made 108 tournament cashes and bagged three WSOP bracelets to name just a few items in his long list of accomplishments.
The most wonderful thing that people would remember about this cool Asian guy is not about his winnings. It will be his very pleasant attitude. He is always modest and big-hearted in and out of the Poker spotlight. More than his Poker skills, fans and fellow professional players alike would remember John as their Mr. Nice Guy, especially since it was very easy to be boastful when you are winning. Unlike other players, however, he never dared and that's basically what Poker fans love about him.
