Seat 2: Marco Johnson, 35, United States (2,475,000)
When Marco Johnson grew up, his neighbor was Chip Reese. Inspired by the poker legend and Hall of Famer, Johnson, at 15 years of age, decided to pursue a career in the same industry. That path has proved very rewarding.
Similarly to Jeff Madsen, four years younger, Johnson also notched his first reported live tournament results in 2006. He would have to wait seven more years for his first career bracelet.
Johnson is a well-versed player, which he proved when he paired his WSOP silverware in 2016, topping the $3k H.O.R.S.E. event for $259,730. That is currently Johnson's third-best score.
The parallel with Madsen stretches further. Johnson has also successfully navigated through both no-limit and mixed-game waters for nearly two decades, and just as Madsen will have a chance to improve his long-time career-high – $491,273 from June 2008 – should he go all the way.
Career Record:
Career earnings: $4,307,364
Best cash: $491,273, 2nd, 2008 WSOP $2,000 No-Limit Hold'em
Tourmanet Progression:
Day 1: 129,500 (23/163, 1b)
Day 2: 128,000 (68/77)
Day 3: 760,000 (17/18)
Day 4: 2,475,000 (5/6)
Event Highlights
On Day 3, Johnson was all in for 321,000 with two tens against Nicholas Manganaro's ace-king. An ace on the flop left Johnson at risk of elimination, but he spiked a set on the turn to double up.
Johnson was the second-shortest stack entering Day 4 but doubled up early with queens against Brent Hart's ace-king. Mike Vanier then moved all in for 2,300,000 with two kings, but Johnson woke up with two aces in the small blind to win the massive pot and bust Vanier in 11th place.