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Shawn Buchanan is a legendary Canadian professional poker player who has been a top competitor in the game for over twenty years. Hailing from Vancouver, British Columbia, he is known as one of the most well rounded players in poker history. He was the first person ever to win the PokerStars Triple COOP, an incredible feat that required winning titles in the WCOOP, SCOOP, and TCOOP online series. Today, he remains a permanent fixture near the top of Canada’s all-time money list.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
With total live tournament earnings of over $7.4 million (according to The Hendon Mob), Buchanan has proven his staying power across different eras of the game. He has recorded massive results in both the World Series of Poker and the World Poker Tour.
His biggest live payday came in 2010 at the WSOP $25,000 No Limit Hold’em Six Handed event, where he finished as the runner-up for $812,941. He also holds a prestigious WPT title from the 2007 Mandalay Bay Poker Championship, where he took first place for $768,775. In 2019, he finally captured his first WSOP gold bracelet by winning a $800 6-Handed online event for $223,119. More recently, in 2025, he showed he is still a major threat by finishing 4th in a WSOP $800 Deepstack event for $128,100.
Biography & Poker Background
Originally from Abbottsford, British Columbia, Buchanan’s introduction to poker was a family affair. He often tells a story about how his grandmother “snowed” him in a game of five-card draw when he was only eight years old. Before turning to cards professionally, he worked as a landscaper but eventually grew tired of the physical labor and decided to see if he could make a living at the tables.
He began his professional journey in 2004, playing his first recorded tournament in Regina, Saskatchewan. While his first year was a bit of a struggle, he quickly found his footing. Under the famous online screen name “buck21”, he became one of the most feared players on the internet. His ability to win in every format, from Razz and Stud to No Limit Hold’em, made him a hero to many aspiring Canadian pros. Despite his massive success, he is known for being a very private and humble person who prefers to let his results do the talking.
Play Style & Strategy
Buchanan is widely respected as a true mixed game specialist. While many pros only focus on one type of poker, Shawn is an expert in almost every variation. This versatility is his greatest strength, as it allows him to find an edge in any room he walks into. He is often described as having a very “pure” feel for the game, relying on years of experience and deep intuition to outplay his opponents.
His strategy is built on patience and mental toughness. He has faced many heartbreaks in his career, including multiple second-place finishes in major events, but he has always managed to bounce back. Other professionals often call him one of the most talented players to never have the public recognition he deserves. Whether he is playing a small buy-in tournament in Calgary or a high-roller event in Las Vegas, he approaches every hand with the same level of focus and respect for the game.
Social Media & Online Presence
Want to follow Shawn “buck21” Buchanan as he continues his 2026 run in the major live and online circuits? You can track his latest stats and updates here:
