In 1997 World Series of Poker runner-up John Strzemp II passes away.
Hey there! Let's talk about the life and career of a poker star who made waves back in the day. John Strzemp II, famously known for sharing headlines with poker great Stu Ungar, is no more. At 73, he bid farewell after a long struggle with illness. Although he had numerous feats under his belt, it was his runner-up finish to Ungar in the 1997 World Series of Poker (WSOP) that catapulted him into the limelight.
A quick glance at his poker career reveals he cashed out a whopping 62 times, which includes appearances at some of the biggest poker tournaments, like the WSOP, World Poker Tour and more. Interestingly, his last live cashout was at The Wynn Signature Series in Las Vegas in 2022, where he finished 20th and pocketed $916. In the WSOP alone, he secured 20 cashouts across various events. Active during the '80s and '00s, Strzemp was among the few poker players who continued to dominate the scene for decades.
Remembering Stu Ungar's Fierce Competitor
ALSO READ: Stu Ungar Net Worth
John Strzemp II was a significant figure in the gaming community, extending beyond poker. He served as a president of Treasure Island, an MGM Resorts International Casino resort on the Las Vegas Strip. Additionally, he had associations with the Bellagio, Golden Nugget, and Hilton Casinos in Las Vegas.
His journey in the corporate world also led him to hold key roles in Mirage Resorts and Wynn Resorts. Strzemp served as the executive vice president and chief administrative officer of Wynn Resorts starting in March 2008. Before that, he was the executive vice president and chief financial officer from September 2002 to March 2008. He even served as the company's treasurer between March 2003 and March 2006.
Stay Updated:
Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on the latest news and happenings in the real-money gaming and poker industry. From poker tournament itineraries to winners lists to interviews with some of the most popular poker players, we've got you covered. We also provide relevant information on any corporate and federal decisions that might impact the industry.
The Man Behind the Stories
Roy D'Silva, a published author and journalist with a decade of experience, is the man behind our poker coverage. An avid cyclist and documentary lover, D'Silva is eager to uncover the next big story in the poker world.
More News For You
- 2022: 4 Poker Players Who Went Broke!
- 2020: 5 Poker Movies To Watch During Lockdown
- 2020: Best Poker Players Of All Time
Your Thoughts?
Share your thoughts and remembrances of John Strzemp II below. Remember, "Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *." Stay connected and keep reading!
- John Strzemp II, the poker legend who competed fiercely with Stu Ungar, held roles in several casinos, such as the president of Treasure Island and executive vice president at Bellagio, Golden Nugget, and Hilton Casinos.
- Strzemp also had notable stints in the corporate world, serving as a key executive in Mirage Resorts and Wynn Resorts, even holding the position of chief administrative officer of Wynn Resorts.
- Outside of poker, Strzemp was keen on real-money gaming, following sports, and was an avid cyclist.
- In his poker career, Strzemp cashed out 62 times, including appearances at various casino-and-gambling tournaments like the WSOP, World Poker Tour, and The Wynn Signature Series.
- Although known as a poker legend, Stzemp also made a mark on corporate gaming, with significant contributions to casino companies throughout his career.
