John Cernuto was a longtime poker pro who won three World Series of Poker bracelets and two World Series of Poker Circuit rings over the years.
- Died: February 10, 2025 (Who else died on February 10?)
- Details of death: Died in Las Vegas of colon cancer at the age of 81.
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John Cernuto’s legacy
The poker scene wouldn’t be the same without Cernuto, who was nicknamed “Miami John.” Entering professional play after his career as an air traffic controller was pulled out from under him during a 1981 strike, Cernuto tried his hand at the card game and never looked back.
His first cash in the World Series of Poker was in 1989, his first of nine in total. In the years that followed, the Florida State University graduate proved to be a perennial contender. In 1996, Cernuto won his first of three WSOP bracelets, followed by another in 1997, and his third in 2002.
As of his passing, he also boasted 597 live tournament cashes, number one among the more than a half-million players tracked by The Hendon Mob. His total winnings exceeded $6 million. Cernuto also won two World Series of Poker Circuit rings, and he had at least 85 tournament wins in all.
Tributes to John Cernuto
Full obituary: Poker News
