WSOP Player Spotlight: Johnny Moss

Johnny Moss (may he rest in peace) was one of the most brilliant poker players ever to play the tables. If his 25 money finishes in WSOP events don't manage to prove it, then the nine bracelets that he won at those events should. This "Grand Old Man of Poker" earned his reputation through impressive play in the 88 years of his life. He was one of the first players inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 1979.

He learned the game in the early 1920's when he was still a teenager, but didn't do it by playing. As an employee at a local saloon, he would watch over games being played by the saloon's guests. He would make sure that they didn't cheat. This gave him an early chance to watch the way people behave and to learn the rules and tricks of the game.

Johnny Moss may have helped to inspire the WSOP when he played in a famous head-to-head game with Nick the Greek. On finally being able to beat Johnny Moss's hand, Nick the Greek supposedly uttered the words, "Mr. Moss, I have to let you go." When the WSOP came into being, Moss became a player and gained significant success throughout the years. He won over $800,000 in tournament winnings (without calculating for inflation).

In 1979, when the Poker Hall of Fame came into being, he was one of the charter names to be signed to it. Many of his greatest honors have been bestowed on him since that time. Since his passing, more than one honor has been bestowed on Moss. The nickname "Grand Old Man of Poker" has become his moniker permanently, and even a starting hand bears his name. Every time you get Ace-Ten, remember that you've picked up a Johnny Moss.