Johan Storakers

Johan Storakers (also spelled Storaakers) is a Swedish professional poker player who has been active since the mid-1990s. With lifetime live tournament winnings exceeding $3.6 million, he ranks fifth among Swedish live poker earners. He is known for his deep runs in major European Poker Tour (EPT) events and his aggressive yet calculated playing style.

Growing up near Stockholm, Sweden, Storakers was an outstanding chess player in his youth, drawn to games requiring tactics and strategy. In 1987, while participating in a school "five-in-a-row" tournament, he met some contestants who played poker. He joined them, and his poker journey began. For many years, poker was a hobby; he worked as a newspaper delivery boy to fund his tournament entries. After six years of losing, he matured, studied his opponents, incorporated mathematical calculations, and eventually turned his career around. He began winning and secured sponsorships, traveling to tournaments worldwide.

Storakers has an extensive tournament résumé, with highlights including:

• 2008 UltimateBet Aruba Poker Classic: Runner-up in a 551-player field, earning $486,000 – his largest cash to date. Early in the event, he was crippled to 2,000 chips when his pocket kings lost to aces, but he battled back to reach the heads-up stage against Matt Brady.
• 2009 EPT Dortmund Main Event: 4th place out of 667 entries for €237,000.
• 2019 EPT Barcelona Main Event: 7th place out of 1,489 players for €226,490.
• 2018 EPT Barcelona Main Event: 19th place for €59,940.
• 2023 EPT Prague Main Event: 113th place for €12,020.
• 2026 Kings of Tallinn Main Event: 18th place for €6,750.

He also has a 2019 EPT Prague Main Event cash (160th, €8,960) and several other EPT and WPT cashes dating back to 2007.

According to WSOP.com, as of 2025 Storakers has 17 WSOP cashes, 3 final tables, and $1,177,264 in WSOP earnings, though no bracelets or rings.

Storakers' total live tournament earnings are $3,644,014 (as per the top Swedish earners list). His largest single cash is $486,000 from the 2008 Aruba Poker Classic.

Storakers is described as a disciplined, analytical player who relies on mathematics, opponent study, and emotional control. He emphasizes not playing if he cannot enjoy himself. He is known for his aggressive style, often putting pressure on opponents in key moments. He also shares his knowledge through coaching and webinars under the PokerPro brand.

Johan Storakers is considered one of Sweden's poker legends, having transitioned from a struggling hobbyist to a consistent winner and captain of the Cream Poker Team. His story of perseverance and skill development continues to inspire aspiring poker players.