WSOP Classic Moments – Johnny Chan Wins 1987 WSOP Main Event
It’s hard to imagine Johnny Chan with only one bracelet, but that is all the hardware that Chan held coming into the 1987 WSOP Main Event. He took down a Limit Holdem event in 1985 for his first bracelet, but Chan was now ready for the big time.
Chan made the final table of the Main Event with veteran Frank Henderson and known poker author and player Bob Ciaffone. Two others that were not well known at the time but have since carved their own place in history were Howard Lederer and Dan Harrington. Harrington and Lederer were the first two to be eliminated from the event and James Spain heading out in 4th. Bob Ciaffone finished in 3rd to leave Frank Henderson and “The Orient Express” heads-up.
Chan held a dominating chip lead going into heads-up play. The final hand of the event saw Henderson move all-in with pocket fours and Chan call with As-9c. The flop Kd-8h-5c and turn 10c missed both players. Henderson was in prime shape to double-up until Chan spiked a river 9h to give him a pair and his first Main Event title.
Johnny Chan was the WSOP Main Event Champion and took home $625,000. As most know, Chan went on to take down the 1988 Main Event and finished 2nd in 1989. In total, Chan currently holds 10 WSOP bracelets, tied for 2nd with Doyle Brunson. Phil Hellmuth holds the all-time bracelet lead with 11.
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