Vendel Johnson

Vendel Johnson is a native Floridian who has been playing poker for over a decade. He works full-time at Port Everglades and plays poker primarily at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. Johnson's first tournament trophy came about ten years before 2022, though details of that victory are not widely documented.

After a two-year break from poker due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Johnson returned to the felt in March 2022 at the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown. Event 7 was a $200 Big Stack No-Limit Hold’em (Re-Entry) with a $150,000 guarantee. The tournament attracted 1,462 entries across six starting flights, and 149 players survived to Day 2.

Johnson navigated the field and reached the final five players, where an ICM deal was struck. As the chip leader with 7,675,000 (31 big blinds), Johnson secured the title and the trophy along with $26,497. The key hand of his tournament came with 10 players remaining, when he got all-in with ace-king against Kelly Alonso’s ace-queen and held to take a commanding chip lead.

“This was a big payday for me,” Johnson said. “This is the second trophy of my poker career. The last one was probably ten years ago, because I don’t play that much.” He also noted, “I’ve always played at the Hard Rock. We’ve been straddled to the house for the past two years since COVID, but when things kind of loosened up, this was the obvious place. I love the Hard Rock. Best place in the world.”

Johnson has also participated in several World Series of Poker events. In 2015, he played Event #5: THE COLOSSUS ($565 No-Limit Hold’em) and placed 2,059th out of 22,374 entrants, earning $1,286. In 2017, he again played the COLOSSUS III and finished 2,381st out of 18,054 for $832. At the 2023 WSOP, he competed in Event #39: $1,500 MONSTER STACK and took 969th out of 8,317, winning $2,626.

Beyond the WSOP, Johnson has cashed in other Seminole Hard Rock events. In March 2022 (the same series as his victory), he also finished 17th in Event 22 ($150 No-Limit Hold’em) for $656. According to WSOP.com records, Johnson has total career earnings of $32,720, with 5 cashes and 1 final table.

While specific details of Johnson's playing style are limited, his interviews reveal a cautious approach. He emphasized the need to “be careful and pick your spots,” which was evident in his victory when he avoided big confrontations and let the cards fall his way. He demonstrated patience and discipline, especially during the final table where he navigated ICM considerations effectively.

Vendel Johnson represents the many successful amateur players who balance poker with full-time careers. His story highlights that dedication and smart play can yield significant results even with limited tournament volume. Johnson's loyalty to the Seminole Hard Rock and his willingness to return after a pandemic layoff show his enduring passion for the game.