Joel Harwood Poker Profile: Net Worth, Earnings & Stats (2026)

Joel Harwood is an American professional poker player and veteran of the Florida circuit who has built a long career based on consistency and deep technical knowledge. Living in Hallandale, Florida, Harwood is a familiar face in the high stakes rooms of the East Coast, where he has spent decades competing in both No Limit Hold’em and mixed games. Beyond his own success at the tables, he is famously known as the mentor and father to poker superstar Loni Hui (formerly Loni Harwood ), passing down the skills that helped her become one of the game’s most decorated female champions.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Joel Harwood has won over $379,000 in live tournament earnings. His biggest single score happened in 2023 at the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open (SHRPO) Championship in Hollywood, Florida, where he finished in 12th place for a career best $68,500.

Harwood has proven himself to be a versatile player with a massive list of cashes in a wide range of formats. He is particularly strong at the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, where he won a Pot Limit Omaha Hi/Lo title in 2018 for $8,633. His resume includes over 100 recorded cashes, featuring deep runs in H.O.R.S.E., Seven Card Stud, and Omaha 8 or Better events. Most recently, in February 2026, he added another cash to his total by placing 107th in the SHR Hollywood Escalator X Series, showing that he still has the stamina to compete in large fields today.

Biography & Poker Background

Joel Harwood has been a fixture in the poker world since the early days of the online boom. Originally from the Northeast, he eventually moved to Florida, where the year round poker scene allowed him to treat the game as a professional pursuit. Harwood was an early adopter of online poker, and it was during these years that he taught his daughter, Loni, the fundamentals of the game. Loni often credits watching her father play online as her primary source of poker education. While he may not chase the global spotlight like some younger pros, Harwood’s longevity in the game is a testament to his ability to adapt as poker strategy has evolved over the decades.

Play Style & Strategy

Harwood is known for a disciplined and calculated approach to poker. Coming from an era before solvers and advanced software, he relies heavily on his ability to read the table and adjust to different types of opponents. He is a true “player’s player” who excels in mixed games, where the complexity of the rules often gives experienced veterans an edge over No Limit specialists. At the table, he is a steady and focused presence, rarely letting the swings of the game affect his decision making. His strategy is built on patience and finding high value spots, a style that has allowed him to maintain a winning record for over 20 years.