Johnny Chan, better known as the “Orient Express,” is synonymous with greatness in the world of professional poker. His most notable achievements include 10 WSOP bracelets, his legendary back-to-back Main Event titles in 1987-1988, and his constant presence at high-stakes tables. However, behind the relentless and calculating player is a man whose hobbies and off-table activities reveal a complex personality, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a deep connection to his roots. In this article, we will explore Johnny Chan’s main hobbies.
Gastronomy
One of Johnny Chan’s most significant hobbies, which eventually evolved into a successful business career, is gastronomy and restaurant management. This interest is no coincidence; Chan grew up in a family dedicated to the culinary arts. After emigrating from China to Houston, Texas, his family opened a restaurant. Before conquering Las Vegas, Chan worked in the family businesses, where he developed a profound interest in Asian cuisine and restaurant administration.
Even at the peak of his gambling career, Chan never abandoned this passion. He has owned various fast-food franchises and high-end restaurants in Las Vegas. For Chan, cooking and managing dining spaces is not just a business, but a hobby that allows him to connect with his cultural heritage and apply the service discipline he learned in his youth.
Entrepreneurial spirit
Far from being a player who lives solely off bets, Johnny Chan has cultivated a business mindset that reflects his family heritage. His education in hotel and restaurant management at the University of Houston—though unfinished—planted a seed. Instead of limiting himself to winning tournaments, Chan invested in the sector he had known since childhood: restaurants.
He owns several fast-food franchises and, most notably, founded “Johnny Chan’s Asian Bistro” at the Stratosphere Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. This restaurant was not a mere branding exercise but an extension of his identity, merging his poker legend status with a culinary offering.
Chan has also worked as a consultant for various casinos and game manufacturers, applying his deep knowledge of the game from the other side of the counter. His role as an author also falls into this category, with poker books such as “Play Poker Like Johnny Chan” and “Million Dollar Hold’em,” where he seeks to educate and share his strategy. He even ventured into the digital world with an online poker room, ChanPokerOnline.com, demonstrating his willingness to adapt to online trends. For him, teaching and writing are ways to leave a legacy that transcends his own tournament results.
Craps and Baccarat
Although poker is his primary discipline, Chan has confessed on several occasions that he enjoys other casino games, such as craps and baccarat. Chan practices both games as a form of recreation following the tension of tournaments. They represent an “escape route” where money becomes a tool for entertainment rather than an object of strategic study. In interviews following his major triumphs, Chan has mentioned that celebrating a victory often involves relaxing at the tables of other games, seeking the adrenaline of “pure chance” before heading off to rest.
Healthy lifestyle
A lesser-known but fundamental aspect of Johnny Chan’s daily life is his commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Unlike the classic image of the old-school poker player surrounded by smoke and alcohol, Chan decided decades ago to distance himself from vices. In the early 80s, realizing his performance at the table was tied to his physical and mental condition, he made transformative decisions: he quit smoking, began exercising regularly, and improved his diet. According to reports, this change had a direct positive impact on his game, providing the mental clarity and stamina needed for long, exhausting tournament days.
This focus on health has become a hobby of self-discipline. Chan dedicates time to staying in shape and advocates for a balanced life, which has allowed him to compete at the highest level for over four decades. His famous “lucky orange,” which he placed on the table during games, originated from this desire for balance. Initially, it was a simple air freshener to counteract the cigarette smoke in poker rooms, but over time, it became his personal amulet—a symbol of his methodical approach. This search for balance also extends to his family life; he is currently married to Sue Chan and is a father of six, building a stable core away from the casino lights.
Cinema and popular culture
Johnny Chan has also enjoyed brief but memorable forays into the entertainment world. His cameo in the cult film Rounders (1998), in which he plays himself, was not just a business opportunity but also a moment of personal enjoyment that solidified his status as a legend.
Chan frequently participates in television programs like Poker After Dark, where his aggressive yet composed demeanor makes him a fan favorite. These appearances allow him to enjoy the game from a more social and media-oriented perspective, stepping away from the rigors of professional play.
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