John Smith

John Smith is an American businessman who is known for competing in the World Series of Poker (WSOP), particularly the high-stakes heads-up events.

Born in 1947, Smith is one of the older players on the poker circuit, but don't let his age fool you; Smith is a beast at the poker tables. Smith grew up in a small Californian town before joining the US Army after graduating high school. After serving in the Army in Europe in 1965, Smith spent two years fighting in the Vietnam War. In 1967, a couple of months before his tour was due to end, the tank Smith was traveling in hit a landmine, which tore through the vehicle, killing everyone onboard apart from Smith. He escaped with shrapnel injuries and a burst eardrum. Smith was later awarded the Purple Heart for sustaining injury in battle.

After recovering from his injuries and returning home, Smith worked as a road contractor before starting his own company. He now owns an asphalt company in Los Angeles.

When he's not running his business, Smith loves playing poker. He plays high-stakes events because he believes players in these tournaments take the game more seriously.

Smith's first recorded WSOP cash came in 1991, a 14th-place finish in the $1,500 Seven-Card Stud event. In October 2005, he finished eighth in a $10,000 WSOPC Southern Indiana Main Event for $48,640, and followed that up a month later with a sixth-place finish in the $10,000 WSOPC Las Vegas Main Event for an additional $75,576.

The 2014 WSOP in Las Vegas saw Smith cash in the $10,000 No-Limit Hold'em Heads-Up event. He finished as runner-up in the 2016 edition for $198,192 and was second again in 2017, banking another $208,154.

At the 2024 WSOP, Smith entered the $25,000 No-Limit Hold'em Heads-Up Championship, where he finished fifth for $86,000.

John Smith's Top 5 Poker Results