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Cliff Josephy, widely known by his iconic online screen name “JohnnyBax,” is an American professional poker player, legendary staking mentor, and former top-ranked online tournament player. A two-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner, Josephy has remained a respected figure in the professional circuit for over two decades, transitioning from a successful career as a stockbroker to becoming one of the most influential minds in modern poker history.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
With total live tournament earnings of over $9,217,000 (according to The Hendon Mob), Josephy has cemented his place as a titan of the game. He achieved his career-best live cash in 2016 when he finished 3rd in the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event for $3,453,035. His bracelet collection includes a 2005 victory in a $1,500 Seven-Card Stud event and a 2013 win in a $3,000 No Limit Hold’em Shootout. Josephy remains a highly active and competitive player in 2026, recently capturing a major title at the 2025 World Poker Tour (WPT) World Championship at Wynn Las Vegas for $700,157. His long-standing success in both live tournaments and high-stakes online games keeps his estimated poker net worth in the multi-million dollar range.
Biography & Poker Background
Born in Muttontown, New York, Josephy’s professional journey began on Wall Street as a stockbroker. His life changed in 2003 after he caught coverage of the WSOP Main Event on television, which ignited a passion for the game. After leaving his career in finance, he quickly transformed himself from a “home game amateur” into one of the most feared online players in the world under the name “JohnnyBax.” He rose to international fame not only for his own play but as a foundational mentor and staker, famously backing 2009 WSOP Main Event champion Joe Cada. As a co-founder of the influential training site PokerXFactor, he played a pivotal role in teaching the next generation of professional players how to analyze the math and strategy behind the game.
Play Style & Strategy
Josephy is the embodiment of the analytical, math-driven professional. He relies on a combination of deep theoretical understanding, sharp instincts, and relentless focus. Having dominated the online scene during the “poker boom,” he possesses a unique ability to adjust his strategy across diverse game formats, from Seven-Card Stud to modern No Limit Hold’em. He is known for being an incredibly balanced player who excels at managing high-variance spots and maintaining composure during long-form tournament structures. His peers often highlight his ability to “level up” his play, consistently adapting his aggression to exploit modern high-roller fields.
Social Media & Online Presence
To follow Cliff Josephy’s continued success on the tournament circuit, you can check his official profiles here:
