Springfield entrepreneur John Lopez wins major World Series of Poker event
Away from a poker table, John Lopez knows when to hold 'em or fold 'em.
The Springfield entrepreneur keeps his eye on the market for cannabis-based companies including Bison Infused, Old 66 Wellness, 420 Marketeers and Ozarks Protective Agencies, seeing what works and what doesn't.
Lopez, a military veteran who also founded the dog adoption nonprofit K9s for Camo, also has a keen awareness with cards in his hand.
He won the World Series of Poker circuit's main event on Monday at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tulsa, taking home $145,876 in prize money.
Lopez also earned his first gold ring, a memento issued to winners of major World Series of Poker events. Monday's win earned him a spot at the Tournament of Champions in Las Vegas in May, an event where the 2022 winner was given a $1 million check.
Lopez, who has been playing poker since his days at Missouri State University 20 years ago, said he tries to get to three or four major tournaments a year, if time allows.
He has played on poker's biggest American stages, and has also made it to the final table on live televised events.
"I'm 40 now, so this is the only way I can stay competitive in some way," Lopez said.
Lopez wears an elbow brace at the poker table. The combat veteran with tours in Afghanistan sustained multiple injuries, and he found cannabis to be the best form of medicine for his back and neck aches.
It inspired his current string of businesses. Poker helps keep him sharp.
"It's like chess or backgammon," Lopez said.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Local entrepreneur John Lopez wins major World Series of Poker event
