Linda Johnson

Johnson is known as "The First Lady of Poker" due to her lengthy association with the game.

She worked as the publisher of CardPlayer Magazine for eight years, before selling the company to Barry Shulman. However, she still writes articles for the magazine. She also set up the Tournament Directors Association (TDA) which sets common rules for tournaments such as the World Poker Tour (WPT). She continues to be involved with the TDA by serving on the Board of Directors.

Johnson currently works as a Poker Relations Consultant for the WPT, also working as an announcer to the studio audience. In addition, she is an organiser for Card Player Cruises.

Johnson helped found PokerGives.org in 2008, a nonprofit organization that makes it easier for poker players to donate to charity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Poker Accomplishments:

  • Inductee into the Women in Poker Hall of Fame 2008
  • Publisher and owner of Card Player magazine 1993-2000
  • 2006 Brian Saltus Award winner for “class and dignity” in the poker world
  • 2006 Orleans Open Ladies Champion
  • 2006 Elle Magazine WSOP Team Member
  • 2006 Featured on cover of Card Player Magazine, Issue 24
  • 2005 California Ladies State Poker Champion
  • Featured on the television show Poker Royale
  • WSOP gold bracelet winner – 1997 razz event
  • Five final-table finishes at WSOP
  • Columnist Card Player magazine
  • Original Chairwoman for the Poker Players Alliance.org and now on Board of Directors
  • Co-founder Tournament Director’s Association
  • Co-founder of World Poker Players Conference
  • Founder World Poker Industry Conference
  • Co-author Championship Stud
  • Co-author Card Player Digest
  • Partner in Card Player Cruises
  • Commemorative Linda Johnson poker chip
  • World Poker Tour studio announcer for the first six seasons
  • World Poker Tour Boot Camp Instructor
  • Member of the Professional Poker Tour Advisory Board
  • Participant in the Professional Poker Tour
  • Speaker at Poker School Online Seminar, World Poker Players Conference, World Poker     

Industry Conference:

  • Presented poker seminars at more than 20 cardrooms and on Card Player Cruises
  • Hostess at more than 50 poker tournaments and charity events around the world
  • Guest speaker at BARGE, FARGO, ESCARGOT, and MARGE banquets
  • Speaker Chicago Humanities Festival
  • Guest poker authority on multiple radio stations
  • Cardroom manager on Card Player Cruises
  • Professional poker player 13 years
  • Announcer for ESPN at 1997 WSOP final table and the Tournament of Champions
  • Shooting Star at Bay 101
  • Widely known as the “First Lady of Poker”
  • Featured in USA Today and many national magazines
  • Winner inaugural TDA tournament
  • Gave opening address at the 2010 WSOP ladies tournament
  • Approved special interest lecturer for poker on the cruise circuit