According to Women in Poker Hall of Fame‘s Jeanne David, “Miami” John Cernuto, who has more recorded poker tournament cashes than anyone in the history of the game, is now in end-of-life care at his house.
After Allen Kessler put out a worrying tweet asking about Miami John’s whereabouts, David confirmed that Cernuto’s comfortable at his house surrounded by loved ones.
“John is not answering his phone, but appreciates all of the text messages & phone calls,” David started.
“He’s on hospice care at home now, and generally sleeping most of the days.
“His son is there taking care of him. I may see him Sunday and I will let him know all the outpouring of love.”
She also said: “”He’s been sick for a long time, he had prostate cancer but it seems to have spread. He’s been battling for a while but he decided several months ago to stop the treatments and just live out his life.”
According to PokerNews, Cernuto was diagnosed with prostate cancer and has been in hospice care for roughly a month. The news outlet also claims that Cernuto is expected to pass away any day now.
Cernuto’s list of poker accomplishments is absolutely incredible, with one of the most decorated resumes in the history of the game.
His 597 live tournament cashes (not including recurring events) is a record, ahead of well-known tournament grinders Roland Israelashvili (574), Ari Engel (565), and Men “The Master” Nguyen (524).
Cernuto, who recorded nearly $6.5 million in career live tournament earnings, is a three-time WSOP bracelet winner as well as a two-time WSOP Circuit ring winner.
Miami John’s WSOP Bracelet Wins
- 1996 $1,500 Limit Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo ($147,000)
- 1997 $2,000 No-Limit Hold’em ($259,150)
- 2002 $1,500 Limit Omaha ($73,320)
In fact, Cernuto’s penultimate cash proved that he remained more than competitive even into his 80’s, finishing in third place in the 2024 $1,500 8-Game Mix WSOP bracelet event for $ 57,249.
Cernuto also recorded an incredible 85 tournament victories, which ranks third all-time behind Italy’s Flaminio Malaguti (97) and Men Nguyen (96).
Miami John was given “The Hendon Mob Award” at the Global Poker Awards in 2019 after becoming the first-ever player to record 500 career cashes.
Cernuto, 81, was a first-time Poker Hall of Fame nominee in 2024, an award ultimately given to Patrik Antonius. If the poker gods are fair, he should be a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame.