Johnny Chan’s legendary back-to-back 1988 WSOP Main Event triumph

A rule that kept hands alive if players returned in time. A $700,000 payday. How Chan’s 1988 win reshaped poker history—and inspired *Rounders*.

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2025 November 9 . 4:01 AM

1 min read

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Johnny Chan’s legendary back-to-back 1988 WSOP Main Event triumph

In the 1988 World Series of Poker Main Event, Johnny Chan secured his second consecutive victory, taking home $700,000. This edition was the second to be telecast on ESPN and featured a unique rule regarding player's hands. Chan's triumph over Erik Seidel was later immortalised in the film Rounders.

The event attracted 167 entries, generating a prize pool of $1,670,000. Chan's victory was remarkable, given the unique rule that kept a player's hand alive if they returned to the table in time to act. The tournament structure consisted of three two-hour levels each day, with dinner and cash games in between.

Phillip Hellmuth Jr. made his first Main Event cash in this tournament, finishing 31st. Despite the absence of information about the astrologer Chan consulted, his victory was undeniably impressive.

Chan's victory, along with Seidel's runner-up finish earning $280,000, contributed to the event's success. This edition of the World Series of Poker Main Event set the stage for future tournaments, with its innovative rules and growing popularity.