| 1987 WSOP Main Event Winner | Johnny Chan |
|---|---|
| Runner Up | Frank Henderson |
| Winning Hand | A 9 |
| Losing Hand | 4 4 |
| 1st Place Prize | $625,000 |
| Number of Main Event Entrants | 152 |
Johnny Chan will always remember 1987, the year he first won the World Series of Poker Main Event. Chan was still one of the young guys at the time of his first victory, but his performance at the WSOP was impressive as he refused to be bullied by the more experienced players at the table. The “Orient Express” was not about to be stopped anywhere short of victory.
Johnny Chan would face Frank Henderson in heads-up play, and Johnny would finish as champion after a lucky river card came for him on the final hand. Johnny Chan raised preflop with A-9 in the final hand, and his opponent responded by moving all-in with his pocket fours. Johnny Chan made the call, and the two combatants were off to the races. No help came for the Orient Express on either the flop or turn, but the river came down with a bang as it revealed a 9 to give Johnny a better pair and the victory. Johnny Chan would collect the first place prize money of $625,000.