The 81-year-old has three WSOP bracelets, two WSOP Circuit rings, and 85 tournament victories
John Cernuto, a highly respected figure in the poker world and the record holder for the most live tournament cashes, is currently in hospice care at his home in Las Vegas. Jeanne David, a Women in Poker Hall of Famer and a close friend of Cernuto, shared the update on social media, explaining why he had been unresponsive to messages and calls.
With “Miami” John Cernuto in hospice we have been let down yet again by the Poker Hall of Fame (PHOF).
Last year on our show John made a compelling case for induction. He checked off all the boxes, and fans rallied behind his nomination, yet when it came time the PHOF failed us…
— SoftwareBrian (@SoftwareBrian) February 8, 2025
Cernuto, who recently turned 81, has long been a fixture in the poker community. Despite being widely regarded as one of the game’s greats, he only became a nominee for the Poker Hall of Fame last year. With 597 live tournament cashes, the man many know as “Miami” sits atop the Hendon Mob rankings, ahead of Roland Israelashvili and Ari Engel. His career earnings exceed $6.4 million, and he has captured three WSOP bracelets, two WSOP Circuit rings, and 85 known tournament victories.
Originally from Jersey City, New Jersey, Cernuto transitioned to professional poker in the early 1980s after losing his job as an air traffic controller due to the mass firing ordered by President Ronald Reagan. His impact on the game extends beyond his personal success, as he has mentored numerous players, including actor and poker enthusiast James Woods.
Woods has been vocal about Cernuto’s contributions to the game, calling him one of the best poker thinkers he has ever met. He has also advocated for Cernuto’s induction into the Poker Hall of Fame, emphasizing his influence on the game and the respect he has earned among players.
Cernuto is currently battling colon cancer. Many in the poker community are rallying behind him, with some calling for the Poker Hall of Fame to grant him the long-overdue recognition he deserves.
