Johnny Moss - May 14, 1907 - December 16, 1995

Johnny Moss was born May 14, 1907 in Marshall, Texas and passed away on December 16, 1995.

Moss grew up in the town of Odessa, Texas where he learned how to gamble as a young boy. He learned a few tricks of the trade, but Moss put this knowledge to good use. As a teen he was hired to watch over card games to make sure they were played fairly. While he was keeping the games safe from cheaters, he learning the strategy behind playing poker. Two years later he became a rounder, a player who travels the country looking for gambling action.

There are numerous stories abound about Moss, including in 1949 when Moss played with Nick the Greek in a five month long poker marathon set up by Benny Binion. Down millions of dollars, Nick the Greek uttered the famous quote: "Mr. Moss, I have to let you go."

Johnny Moss won the 1970, 1971, and 1974 World Series of Poker main events. Although for the 1970 WSOP, Moss was actually elected champion by his peers and received a silver cup as his prize. Moss played at every WSOP from 1970 to the 1995 World Series and during his career he won 9 WSOP bracelets; 1970 in the World Series of Poker Championship (voted by his peers), 1971 in $5,000 No Limit Hold'em World Championship, 1971 in Limit Ace to 5 Draw, 1974 in $10,000 No Limit Hold'em World Championship, 1975 in the $1,000 Seven Card Stud, 1976 in $500 Seven Card Stud, 1979 in $5,000 Seven Card Stud, 1981 in $1,000 Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo, 1988 in $1,500 Ace to Five Draw. The 9 bracelets places him in fourth overall behind Johnny Chan, Doyle Brunson (10 each) and Phil Hellmuth(11).


Fun Facts:

• One of the charter inductees to the Poker Hall of Fame in 1979.
• Was nicknamed "The Grand Old Man of Poker".
• Has the starting hand A-T named in his honor.