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John Juanda is a Hall of Fame professional poker player who has maintained elite-level performance for over three decades, widely regarded as one of the most consistent and respected figures in the history of the game. Originally from Indonesia and now a global ambassador for the sport, he has successfully transitioned through every era of poker, from the early WSOP days to the modern high-stakes circuit in Asia.
Career Earnings & Rankings
With over $26,473,000 in total live tournament winnings, John Juanda currently holds the 1st position on the Indonesia All Time Money List. According to The Hendon Mob, he ranks 47th on the global All Time Money List as of late 2025, having previously reached a career-high rank of 5th in the world. His career-best live score remains his $2,870,092 victory in the 2017 Triton Super High Roller Series Main Event in Macau.
A defining pillar of his legacy is his success at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) , where John Juanda has captured five gold bracelets in various disciplines, including Triple Draw, Seven Card Stud, and Pot Limit Omaha. In 2015, his immense contributions and sustained excellence led to his induction into the prestigious Poker Hall of Fame.
The year 2025 has been a remarkably active and successful season for Juanda, as he continues to dominate fields across the Asian circuit. His recent triumphs and podium finishes include:
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Winner, APT Taipei Single Day High Roller (April 2025) for $110,401 (TWD 3,571,700).
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Winner, Poker Dream 16 Jeju Superstar Challenge (February 2025) for $288,284 (KRW 389,400,000).
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7th Place, Jeju Poker Festival KPC Super High Roller (November 2025) for $22,860.
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8th Place, APT Championship Taipei High Roller Ultra Stack (November 2025) for $9,948.
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15th Place, APT Championship Taipei Super High Roller Championship (November 2025) for $36,378.
His victory in Taipei was particularly historic, as the event set new records for the largest field and prize pool in APT Single Day High Roller history, further proving that John Juanda remains a top-tier threat in the “New Era” of poker.
Biography & Poker Background
John Juanda was born in Medan, Indonesia, and moved to the United States in 1990 to pursue higher education at Oklahoma State University. He later earned an MBA from Seattle University, where he began honing his poker skills in local card rooms on the weekends. Before turning professional in 1996, he worked various jobs, including being a stockbroker and even a traveling Bible salesman. Known for his calm, Buddhist-inspired demeanor and legendary “death stare,” John Juanda is often praised by peers for his exceptional ability to read opponents’ body language, a skill he developed while learning English as a second language.
Play Style & Strategy
John Juanda is celebrated for his versatility, possessing a world-class grasp of nearly every poker variant, including No Limit Hold’em, Short Deck, and Mixed Games. His strategy is characterized by extreme patience and discipline, balanced with the cold aggression necessary for high-stakes tournament play. During his recent win at the APT Taipei High Roller, he demonstrated his ability to navigate massive, modern fields by utilizing a deep-stacked technical approach. His reputation as a “gentleman of the game” is matched by a ruthless tactical efficiency that has allowed him to remain profitable across four different decades of professional play.
