Miami John Cernuto, Poker Legend, Passes Away Battling Cancer, Leaving Behind Two Children!

February 11, 2026

This article was last updated by Aditi Rai on February 11, 2026

John Anthony Cernuto, widely known as “Miami John,” passed away on February 11, 2026, at the age of 81, after a battle with colon cancer.

His final chapter began quietly, as Miami John Cernuto was reported to be in hospice care at his Las Vegas home, battling colon cancer on February 11, 2026.

Concerns about his well-being surfaced on social media when Allen Kessler noted that he hadn’t heard from Cernuto in several days.

Later, Jeanne David, a Woman in Poker Hall of Famer (WiPHOF), took to Twitter to explain that her friend and fellow poker professional had been unresponsive due to his health condition.

With his son at his side, Miami John approached his illness with the same determination that had defined his poker career.

Several coveted public figures came forward to share their thoughts after hearing the news that Miami John Cernuto was in hospice care.

Chad Holloway, a columnist for the Poker industry, wrote:

I’m saddened to hear that “Miami” John Cernuto is in hospice and some close to him say he likely doesn’t have long.

I wish nothing but best for Miami John and his family at this time, and I urge the poker world to take some time to learn about the legend if you’re not already familiar.

Unfortunately, on February 11, 2026, Miami John succumbed to cancer at the age of 81.

James Woods, an American actor and one of Miami John’s close friends, took to Twitter to relay a message from Miami John Cernuto’s son. He wrote:

Miami John’s son has asked me to speak to his friends in the poker community about his condition. He is at home surrounded by family, cared for by hospice, and by God’s grace, completely at peace.

“There will be no service now, but a Celebration of Life in June at the WSOP,” James Woods added in the post.

Miami John Holds the Record for the Most Live Tournament Cashes, with an astounding 597 cashes!

Born on January 11, 1944, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Miami John Cernuto was a legendary figure in the poker world who had amassed over $6.4 million in live tournament earnings.

Cernuto was renowned for his impressive poker career, which included 597 live tournament cash, the most among nearly 700,000 players tracked by The Hendon Mob.

His successful career is highlighted by his accolades, including three World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets, two WSOP Circuit rings, and over $2 million in WSOP cash. In total, Miami John Cernuto boasts 85 known tournament victories.

Before his poker career, Cernuto worked as an air traffic controller until he was fired during a strike in 1981, which led him to pursue poker full-time.

I’m saddened to hear that “Miami” John Cernuto is in hospice and some close to him say he likely doesn’t have long.

He has more poker tournament cashes than any player in history!

He’s truly a legend of the game and one of my favorites even before I worked in poker and was…

— Chad Holloway (@ChadAHolloway)

He was a mentor to many, including actor James Woods, who credited Cernuto with teaching him how to think strategically about poker.

James Woods, a close friend of Cernuto’s, has been a vocal advocate for his induction into the Poker Hall of Fame. In a recent interview, Woods praised Cernuto’s strategic thinking and poker prowess, emphasizing his friend’s profound influence on the game.

James Woods, a close friend of Cernuto’s, has been a vocal advocate for his induction into the Poker Hall of Fame.

In Case You Didn’t Know

• Miami John Cernuto is a graduate of Florida State University.
• John Anthony Cernuto had a net worth of over $6.4 million from his live poker tournament earnings.

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Aditi is an avid music lover whose interest's goes beyond the realm of music, with passion in digital marketing. A Gen Z who loves her personal space and is keen to exploring new things. An optimist who seeks silver lining in every circumstances life throws at her.

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