Affectionately known as the “First Lady of Poker,” Linda Johnson is a professional poker player and co-founder of the World Poker Tour. She was the second woman inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame.
Linda’s remarkable journey encompasses her accomplishments as a World Series of Poker bracelet winner, successful poker journalist, and entrepreneur.
With a rich list of achievements and a lasting impact on the poker community, join us as we examine Linda Johnson’s life and achievements in today’s casino news.
Linda Johnson: The First Lady of Poker and the Hall of Fame
Born in Long Island, New York, on October 14th, 1953, Linda Johnson was formerly a blackjack player who worked for the United States Postal Service. However, her father, who served in the Air Force and was a winning player of poker casino games, played a crucial role in her introduction to poker. He advised her that poker offered the best chance of success in gambling, as she wouldn’t compete against the house. Seeing the logic behind that, Linda Johnson started her adventure in poker at the age of 21.
She began learning the basics of poker through books and other resources at the time. After mastering essential poker terms and moves, she joined colleagues at work, displaying impressive skills in the game. Living in California at the time, Linda would travel to Las Vegas to play Limit Texas Holdem and Six-card Stud. She showed exceptional skill and talent for the game, consistently winning the game for six years.
She opted for her first live tournament in 1982, the 13th WSOP tournament. If she did well, she planned to quit her 9-5. She performed remarkably well in the $500 Women’s 7-Card Stud, finishing fourth among 64 entrants. That was the beginning of her professional table gaming career.
Johnson’s expertise spans various poker games, including Texas Hold’em and Deuces Wild, fueling her success as a professional player.
Linda Johnson and Her Outstanding Contributions to Poker
Linda Johnson contributes to the poker community in ways that extend far beyond her impressive achievements at the tables. Her career saw her play a role in shaping the industry and championing the growth and development of the game. She has become a role model and a casino guide on poker games for many live and online casino players who want to follow her steps to a successful poker career.
1992, along with two colleagues, she acquired CardPlayer Magazine, fulfilling a long-held desire since her initial Card Player Cruises trip. The magazine owners were retiring. Linda served as the editor-in-chief from 1993 to 2000. She also contributed to numerous other poker-related media outlets that provide answers to questions like What is ICM in poker? And other common poker inquiries from beginners of the card game.
During her tenure at the magazine, she co-founded the now-defunct World Poker Players Conference and World Poker Industry Conference. In addition, Linda co-founded the Tournament Directors Association (TDA) and the Poker Players Alliance (PPA). The latter is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting poker players’ rights and advocating for the legalization of casino online poker in the United States.
Another of Linda Johnson’s contributions to the game is her role as a powerful advocate of online poker in the United States so players can easily access online games, such as the Orbital Casino Holdem. She tirelessly advocated for players’ rights and a fair environment through her work with the Poker Players Alliance.
Furthermore, she is one of the contributors to the book Winning Women in Poker: Secret Strategies Revealed. This book targets women who love the game, including those interested in modern poker theory and playing techniques.
Induction into the Poker Hall of Fame and Other Accolades
Recognizing her significant contributions to poker, the prestigious Poker Hall of Fame inducted Johnson in 2011. As only the second woman to receive this honor, Johnson’s induction was a testament to her skill, dedication, and impact on the game.
Linda also received the inaugural World Poker Tour (WPT) Honors Award in 2017, becoming the first person inducted into the WPT Honors Program.
Poker’s Matriarch
Linda Johnson’s remarkable journey from poker enthusiast to Hall of Fame inductee has solidified her status as a true pioneer in poker. Through her accomplishments, advocacy, and unwavering dedication to the game, Linda Johnson continues to ensure her enduring legacy as the “First Lady of Poker.”
To walk her path, visit Vegas Aces Casino to play the online poker free version of our poker games, so you can hone your skills and become a pro like Johnson.
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