Cernuto had been a regular fixture in the poker ecosystem for decades
The poker community is mourning the loss of “Miami” John Cernuto, who passed away on Monday in Las Vegas at the age of 81. His death came shortly after entering hospice care due to colon cancer. Known for his longevity and skill in mixed-game poker, Cernuto left behind an enduring legacy in the game.
Cernuto holds the record for the most tournament cashes in poker history, with 597 recorded finishes, according to the Hendon Mob. He was the first player to surpass 500 cashes, with most of his earnings coming from mixed-game events. His ability to consistently perform across different formats made him one of the most respected figures in the poker world.
Born on January 10, 1944, in New Jersey, Cernuto attended the University of Florida before working as an air traffic controller. His career in aviation ended in 1981 when he, along with thousands of others, lost his job after participating in a nationwide strike. With his profession suddenly gone, he turned to poker to support himself and soon became a force in the tournament scene.
Cernuto’s first major win came in 1988 when he took down a $1,000 limit seven-card stud event at Amarillo Slim’s Superbowl of Poker, earning $58,000. A year later, he made his first World Series of Poker final table, finishing fourth in a $5,000 seven-card stud event. Over his career, he won three WSOP bracelets and two WSOP Circuit rings, amassing more than $6.4 million in live tournament earnings.
Even in his later years, Cernuto remained active on the circuit. In May, he won a $600 Limit Omaha 8 or Better event at the Venetian DeepStack Championship. His final recorded cash came in July, finishing third in a $1,000 event at the same series.
Cernuto was nicknamed “The Ironman of Poker” by actor and poker enthusiast James Woods, a name that reflected his dedication to the game. Many players, including Ari Engel, expressed their respect and admiration for him. Engel shared on social media how competing against Cernuto over the years was an honor, emphasizing the impact he had on the poker world.
In 2024, Cernuto was nominated for the Poker Hall of Fame for the first time, an honor many believe was long overdue. There is already a push to ensure he receives posthumous induction this summer.
Per his wishes, there will be no formal funeral, but the poker community is expected to celebrate his life during this year’s World Series of Poker.
