Only a few names command as much respect and admiration in high-stakes poker as Justin Bonomo’s. Nicknamed “ZeeJustin,” Bonomo has climbed the ranks of professional poker to become one of the most successful players ever. His strategic playing style has earned him fame and fortune and the title of the second-leading money winner in live tournaments. But what is his net worth exactly?
In this article, we will examine Justin Bonomo’s net worth, explore his early life, and reveal some information almost nobody knew about him.
About Justin Bonomo
Justin Bonomo, also known online as ZeeJustin, is a well-known American professional poker player and former competitor at Magic: The Gathering, one of the world’s most widely played trading card games. At just 19, he made history by being the youngest player to reach a televised final table during the first year of the EPT at the French Open in Deauville, France.
ZeeJustin is renowned for his strategic prowess and composure under pressure. He holds the record for the second-highest live tournament earnings, with over 60 million won.
Bonomo has demonstrated his skill in the game by winning the World Series of Poker, the World Poker Tour, and other high-roller tournaments.
Early life and family
Justin Bonomo was born on September 30, 1985, in Fairfax, Virginia, USA. He was raised in a supportive environment, and his parents encouraged his interests early on.
Despite his age, Bonomo displayed remarkable dedication to the game, honing his skills through practice and study. Raised amidst the backdrop of gambling in Virginia, he found inspiration in the vibrant poker culture surrounding him. This supportive upbringing instilled in him values of perseverance and determination, shaping his path to becoming one of the most prominent figures in the poker world.
Career and Major Milestones
A string of remarkable achievements defines Justin Bonomo’s poker career. Here is a breakdown of some of his significant milestones;
World Series of Poker (WSOP)
Justin Bonomo’s journey in the World Series of Poker (WSOP) began in 2007, marking the commencement of a remarkable series of appearances and successes.
In his debut year, Bonomo cashed in three events, with his most significant win being a fourth-place finish in the $2,000 No-Limit Hold ’em event, earning over $150,000.
Over the following years, Bonomo continued to make waves at the WSOP. Notable highlights include a runner-up finish in the $5,000 Mixed Hold ’em event in 2008 and a final table appearance at the $40,000 No-Limit Hold ’em – 40th Anniversary event in 2009, where he secured over $400,000 in prize money.
In 2014, Bonomo clinched his first WSOP gold bracelet in the $1,500 No-Limit Hold ’em 6-Handed event, pocketing $449,980. His success at the WSOP reached new heights in 2018 when he captured two more bracelets, including a monumental victory in the $1,000,000 Big One for One Drop event, where he claimed a staggering $10,000,000 prize.
World Poker Tour (WPT)
Justin Bonomo’s World Poker Tour (WPT) success includes multiple final tables and significant cash. Notably, in 2006, he finished seventh in the Main Event of the Five-Diamond World Poker Classic for $152,230.
Despite not securing a WPT title yet, Bonomo has consistently performed well on the tour since 2008, accumulating impressive scores.
European Poker Tour (EPT)
Bonomo’s notable European Poker Tour (EPT) achievement came in 2012 when he won the €100,000 Super High Roller event at the Grand Final in Monte Carlo for €1,640,000.
He also succeeded at the 2018 Monte Carlo stop, winning two editions of the €25,000 High Roller tournament.
Other Achievements
In addition to his success in major tournaments, Bonomo has secured notable victories in events such as the Caesars Palace Classic in 2007, where he finished fifth for over $160,000, and the WSOP Circuit Championship Event at Caesars Palace in 2009, where he earned $227,692 after a challenging heads-up battle with Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi.
A Few Things You Didn’t Know About Justin Bonomo
While Justin Bonomo’s poker prowess is undeniable, there’s more to him than meets the eye. Here are a few lesser-known facts about the champion:
- In 2006, Bonomo was caught using multiple accounts to enter significant tournaments on Partypoker, violating the site’s terms. This resulted in a ban from two sites and the seizure of tens of thousands of dollars.
- Before his high-roller stardom, Bonomo was a sponsored member of Team Bodog, representing the brand in various poker tournaments until January 2010.
- Bonomo is open about practicing polyamory, a relationship style involving multiple romantic partners with everyone’s consent.
- Showing his philanthropic side, Bonomo donated $13,250 to the SENS project, a life extension research project aimed at advancing scientific understanding of aging and developing interventions to treat age-related diseases.
Net Worth
Justin Bonomo, currently ranking second on poker’s all-time money list with an impressive $63.4 million in tournament earnings (as of March 2024), has a remarkable net worth of approximately $60 million, primarily due to his unparalleled success in professional poker.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
- Who is the wealthiest poker player in the world?
The world’s richest poker player as of March 2024 is Andrew Beal, with over $14.6 billion winnings in poker games.
- How much money has Justin Bonomo won in poker tournaments?
As of March 2024, Justin Bonomo had accumulated over $63.4 million in tournament earnings, making him one of the highest-earning players in poker history.
- Who is the number 1 all-time leading money winner in live tournaments?
Bryn Kenney is the number one all-time leading money winner in live tournaments, with over $65 million in winnings.
Conclusion
Justin Bonomo’s journey from aspiring young player to poker icon is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and unwavering dedication.
As we’ve explored his life and career, one thing becomes abundantly clear: Justin Bonomo is not just a poker player; he’s a force to be reckoned with, both at the tables and beyond.
