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John “Large” Kabbaj is a legendary British professional poker player and a dual World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner. A fixture of the London poker scene and a veteran of the “Golden Era,” Kabbaj is widely respected for his technical mastery across multiple variants, from No-Limit Hold’em to complex Mixed Games. Often referred to as the “unofficial fifth member” of the Hendon Mob, Kabbaj has maintained a world-class presence for over three decades. In 2026, he continues to crush the circuit, recently securing a massive victory in the King’s Million PLO in Rozvadov and remaining a top-50 fixture on England’s All-Time Money List.
Career Earnings & WSOP Legend Status
As of March 2026, John Kabbaj’s total live tournament earnings stand at $3,232,904 (according to The Hendon Mob). His career is highlighted by two gold bracelets: his first in the 2009 $10,000 Pot-Limit Hold’em World Championship($633,335) and his second in the 2014 $2,500 Omaha/Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo ($267,327). Proving his longevity, Kabbaj had a resurgent 2025, winning the King’s Million PLO Mystery Opener for $98,011. His estimated poker net worth, bolstered by decades of high-stakes cash game success, is estimated at over $5 million.
Major Tournament Results:
| Year | Event | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | WSOP $10,000 Pot-Limit Hold’em World Championship (1st – Bracelet) | $633,335 |
| 2014 | WSOP $2,500 Omaha/Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo (1st – Bracelet) | $267,327 |
| 2004 | WSOP $3,000 No-Limit Hold’em (2nd) | $260,520 |
| 2025 | King’s Million PLO Mystery Opener (1st) | $98,011 |
Biography: The Journey of “Large”
Born in Birmingham and long-based in London, John Kabbaj earned his nickname “Large” not just for his physical presence but for his “large” approach to life and the game. He turned professional in 1995 and quickly became one of the faces of the early televised poker era, appearing in the original Late Night Poker series. Kabbaj’s career has seen remarkable resilience; after facing personal and professional challenges in the early 2010s, he relocated to Austria, focused on health and a mountain lifestyle, and returned to the WSOP to win his second bracelet. In 2026, he is celebrated as a bridge between poker’s past and present, frequently competing in major events across Europe and the PokerGO Tour (PGT).
Play Style & Mixed Game Proficiency
Kabbaj is renowned for his versatility and fearlessness. While originally a No-Limit Hold’em standout, his greatest technical evolution has been in Pot-Limit Omaha and Mixed Games. His ability to navigate split-pot games and “limit” structures is considered elite, as evidenced by his victory in the Omaha/Stud Hi-Lo championship. Strategically, he is a proponent of mental toughness and physical well-being, often citing his lifestyle changes in the Austrian mountains as the catalyst for his modern-era success. His 2025 victory in the King’s Million PLO proves that his reading of hand equities remains among the best in the high-stakes world.
Social Media & Online Presence
Follow John as he chases his third bracelet in the 2026 WSOP summer circuit:
