Poker is one of the most exciting and popular card games in the world. Many players look up to those who have achieved great success in high-stakes games. Picking the greatest poker players ever is tough because many have achieved so much in different ways. However, when discussing the best poker players ever, names like Doyle Brunson, Phil Ivey, and Daniel Negreanu often come up, showcasing their incredible skills and achievements. This list highlights some of the best poker players of all time, including these legends, whose legacies continue to inspire players worldwide.
Key Takeaways
- Phil Ivey, often regarded as the best poker player ever, is frequently called the ‘Tiger Woods of Poker’ and is known for his incredible skills in various poker formats.
- Daniel Negreanu, also known as ‘Kid Poker,’ is famous for his adaptability and has won six WSOP bracelets.
- Phil Hellmuth, known as the ‘Poker Brat,’ holds the record for the most WSOP bracelets, with a total of 15.
- Justin Bonomo is one of the top earners in poker history, with over $44 million in winnings.
- Doyle Brunson, called ‘Texas Dolly,’ played professional poker for over 50 years and won 10 WSOP bracelets.
1. Phil Ivey
Phil Ivey, often called the “Tiger Woods of Poker,” is widely regarded as the best all-around player in the world. Born in 1977, Ivey has been a dominant force in poker for decades. He has won 10 WSOP bracelets, a WPT Main Event, and numerous high roller titles, amassing over $38 million in tournament winnings.
Ivey’s skills are not limited to tournaments. He is a master of big cash games and mixed games, playing at the highest stakes in places like Bobby’s Room and Ivey’s Room. His ability to excel in all forms of poker makes him a unique and formidable player.
Ivey’s prowess in poker is unmatched, making him a legend in the game.
Phil Ivey’s election to the Poker Hall of Fame in 2017 solidified his status as one of the greatest poker players ever. His strategic mind and ability to find value in every situation have earned him the respect and admiration of his peers.
2. Daniel Negreanu
Daniel Negreanu, also known as “Kid Poker,” is one of the most recognizable names in the poker world. With over $50 million in live tournament winnings, he ranks third on the career money list. Negreanu’s career highlights include six WSOP bracelets and two WPT titles. He is the only player to have won the WSOP Player of the Year award twice, in 2004 and 2013. In 2014, the Global Poker Index recognized Negreanu as the best poker player of the previous decade.
Negreanu’s success isn’t just about the numbers. His unique ability to read opponents and his engaging personality have made him a fan favorite. He has a strong presence in the media, with vlogs, podcasts, and social media, making him one of the most influential voices in poker.
Negreanu’s journey began with Limit Hold’em cash games, and he quickly moved up to the highest stakes. He has adapted to the evolving game, staying relevant by mastering new formats and strategies. His nickname, “Kid Poker,” was given to him at a young age when he was one of the youngest players in high-stakes games. Today, he continues to compete at the highest levels, aiming to add more titles to his impressive resume.
Negreanu’s consistency, skill, and adaptability have cemented his place in poker history. He remains a dominant force in the game, always striving for excellence and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in poker.
3. Phil Hellmuth
Phil Hellmuth, known as “The Poker Brat,” made a name for himself at a young age. At just 24, he became the youngest World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event champion in 1989, winning $755,000. This victory was just the beginning of a remarkable career.
Achievements
- 16 WSOP bracelets: Hellmuth holds the record for the most WSOP bracelets, showcasing his consistent excellence in the game.
- WSOP Main Event Titles: He is the only player to have won both the WSOP Main Event in Las Vegas (1989) and the WSOP Europe Main Event (2012).
- $29 million in tournament winnings: His impressive earnings highlight his skill and longevity in the poker world.
- WPT Final Tables: Hellmuth has reached eight World Poker Tour (WPT) final tables, demonstrating his versatility across different poker formats.
Notable Wins
| Year | Event | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 1989 | WSOP Main Event | $755,000 |
| 1993 | Three WSOP Bracelets | – |
| 2012 | WSOP Europe Main Event | – |
| 2021 | WSOP $1,500 No Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw | – |
Legacy
Hellmuth is not just known for his titles and winnings but also for his personality. His nickname, “The Poker Brat,” comes from his fiery temper and dramatic reactions at the table. Despite this, his deep understanding of the game and strategic mind make him one of the toughest competitors.
Phil Hellmuth’s ability to adapt and compete against younger players shows his enduring talent and passion for poker.
In addition to playing, Hellmuth has authored several bestselling books and is a regular on televised cash games. His contributions to the game have made him a household name in the poker community.
4. Justin Bonomo
Justin Bonomo, also known as ZeeJustin, is a dominating force in the modern poker world. He tops all players in cash winnings with $63.4 million, making him the biggest winner in poker based on tournament results. His record includes a bevy of WSOP bracelets, Triton titles, and EPT honors.
In 2018, Bonomo had one of the greatest runs in poker history. He made over $25 million in just six months, including victories in the Super High Roller Bowl China ($4.8M), Super High Roller Bowl ($5M), and the $1M Big One for One Drop ($10M). That year, he also won another WSOP bracelet in the $10K Heads-Up Championship.
Bonomo’s success didn’t stop there. He continues to dominate and is regularly seen at televised high roller final tables. In 2023, he won the $25K NLH event at the PGT Poker Masters.
Bonomo and Bryn Kenney are in a race to see who will be the first to reach $100M in live career tournament earnings.
5. Doyle Brunson
Doyle Brunson, often called the “Godfather of Poker”, is a true legend in the poker world. His career spanned over five decades, and he was a master of both cash and tournament poker. Brunson won a total of 10 World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets, including back-to-back Main Event titles in 1976 and 1977. His winning hand, 10-2, is now famously known as “The Doyle.”
Brunson’s impact on the game is immense. He was one of the first poker players to travel across the country to play in high-stakes games before Las Vegas became the poker hub it is today. His ability to adapt and compete with the best players, even in his later years, is a testament to his skill and dedication.
Doyle Brunson’s story is one for the ages, filled with guts and glory. He is an American treasure and the greatest poker player of all time.
Throughout his career, Brunson accumulated over $6 million in tournament earnings. His intuitive understanding of the game and extensive experience made him a formidable opponent at any table. Even at the age of 84, he reached the final table of a WSOP event, showcasing his enduring talent and passion for poker.
6. Johnny Moss
Johnny Moss, often called the Grandfather of Poker, was a legendary figure in the poker world. He was a Texas road gambler whose cash winnings are hard to determine, but his tournament successes are well-documented.
Moss was one of the few players to win the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event three times. In the second WSOP, he placed second in a $10,000 Limit 7-Card Stud Poker event, winning $34,150. Shortly after, he won the $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em World Championship, earning his third WSOP bracelet and a cash prize of $160,000.
In the 6th WSOP, Moss secured his fourth bracelet by winning the $1,000 Limit Seven Card Stud event, taking home $44,000. Over his career, he amassed nine WSOP bracelets and $1.25 million in tournament winnings.
Johnny Moss was a traveling poker player. According to Moss himself, he had a keen sense of the game and was unafraid of aggression.
Moss was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 1979 and passed away in 1995 at the age of 88. His legacy as a fierce competitor and a pioneer in the poker world remains unmatched.
7. Erik Seidel
Erik Seidel, a New Yorker, has been a dominant force in poker for decades. He started his journey at the Mayfair Club, a famous spot that also hosted legends like Stu Ungar and Dan Harrington. Seidel’s first major success came in 1988 when he finished as the runner-up in the WSOP Main Event. This was just the beginning of a remarkable career.
Seidel has won an impressive nine WSOP bracelets, with his first in 1992 and his most recent in 2007. His achievements also include a WPT title and numerous other accolades, amassing over $42 million in tournament prizes. Despite being from the older generation of poker grinders, Seidel continues to beat up the best players in the world.
- 9 WSOP bracelets
- WPT and EPT titles
- Over $42 million in tournament prizes
Seidel’s ability to adapt and thrive in the evolving world of poker is truly remarkable. His game continues to do well against modern-day players whose play is powered by computer simulations and detailed analysis.
Seidel’s influence extends beyond the poker table. He was featured in the book “The Biggest Bluff” by Maria Konnikova, where he served as her poker coach. His curiosity and enthusiasm for life make him a unique figure in the poker world. Seidel’s legacy is cemented as one of the greatest poker players ever, and his story continues to inspire new generations of players.
8. Bryn Kenney
Bryn Kenney is a name that resonates in the poker world. Born in 1986, Kenney initially played the card game Magic: The Gathering before transitioning to poker in 2007. His first major win came in the 2010 WSOP Main Event, where he finished 28th and took home $255,242. Kenney’s career skyrocketed from there.
Kenney’s first seven-figure score was in 2016 at the PCA, where he won a $100,000 Super High Roller event for $1.7 million. He continued to dominate high-stakes tournaments, including a $1.4 million win in a Triton Super High Roller the same year. In 2019, Kenney achieved a monumental payday, finishing runner-up in a £1 million Triton event for $20.5 million.
Kenney’s consistency and skill have earned him over $56 million in live earnings, making him one of the top players in the world. He is a regular in high roller events and continues to be a formidable force in the poker community.
9. Stu Ungar
Stu Ungar, often called “The Comeback Kid”, is one of the most legendary figures in poker history. Born in New York City in 1953, Ungar initially made a name for himself as a gin rummy prodigy. When no one would play against him in gin rummy, he switched to poker and quickly started winning.
Ungar’s poker skills were far ahead of his time. He won the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event in 1980 and 1981, becoming the youngest player to win the Main Event at that time. He made a remarkable comeback to win the Main Event again in 1997, just a year before his untimely death at the age of 45.
Despite his immense talent, Ungar struggled with personal demons, including addiction. He was found dead in a cheap hotel in Las Vegas in November 1998, with the cause of death attributed to a heart condition related to drug use. He had virtually no money at the time, and friends had to pitch in to fund his funeral.
Ungar ended his career with $3.7 million in tournament winnings and five WSOP bracelets. He was posthumously inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2001. Friends and contemporaries remember him as a player with a sixth sense for cards and a ruthless aggression that overwhelmed his opponents.
Ungar’s life was a mix of glorious highs and tragic lows, but he will forever be remembered as one of the best poker players who ever lived.
Highlights
- Known as “The Comeback Kid”
- Won WSOP Main Event three times (1980, 1981, 1997)
- Inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2001
- Career earnings of $3.7 million
- Struggled with addiction and personal demons
10. Fedor Holz
Fedor Holz, a German poker prodigy, has made a significant mark in the poker world despite being only 30 years old. He has accumulated over $41.6 million in live earnings, placing him 12th on poker’s all-time money list. His journey in poker began online, where he quickly became one of the top players.
Holz’s success isn’t limited to online poker. He transitioned to live tournaments and continued to dominate. Some of his notable achievements include:
- Winning the $111,111 Big One for One Drop at the WSOP in 2016, earning $5 million.
- Securing a Triton Super High Roller title for $3.1 million in 2016.
- Finishing as the runner-up in the Super High Roller Bowl the same year, adding another $3.5 million to his winnings.
Holz’s analytical approach to the game and his ability to stay calm under pressure have made him a formidable opponent. He was even featured on the Forbes 30-Under-30 list at just 24 years old.
Fedor Holz is not just a player; he’s a phenomenon in the poker world. His ability to consistently perform at the highest levels makes him one of the best poker players ever.
Holz continues to play in high roller events and focuses on coaching new generations of poker players through his Pokercode website. His impact on the game is undeniable, and he remains a fan favorite.
Conclusion
In the end, naming the best poker player ever is a tough call. Poker is a game of skill, luck, and strategy, and many players have left their mark on the game. From the old-school legends like Doyle Brunson and Johnny Moss to modern-day stars like Daniel Negreanu and Phil Ivey, each has brought something unique to the table. Their achievements, whether in cash games or tournaments, have inspired countless others to pick up the cards and try their luck. While it’s hard to crown a single player as the best, one thing is clear: the world of poker is richer for having had these incredible talents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is considered the best poker player of all time?
Many consider Phil Ivey to be the best poker player ever due to his numerous titles and consistent performance in high-stakes games.
What makes a poker player great?
A great poker player often has a mix of skills, including strategic thinking, emotional control, and the ability to read opponents. Success in major tournaments and cash games also plays a big role.
How much has Daniel Negreanu won in his career?
Daniel Negreanu has won over $52.4 million in live tournament earnings, making him one of the top earners in poker history.
Why is Phil Hellmuth called the ‘Poker Brat’?
Phil Hellmuth earned the nickname ‘Poker Brat’ due to his fiery personality and emotional reactions during games. Despite this, he’s highly respected for his skill and has won 15 WSOP bracelets.
Who is known as the ‘Tiger Woods of Poker’?
Phil Ivey is often called the ‘Tiger Woods of Poker’ because of his exceptional skill and dominance in the game.
What achievements make Doyle Brunson a legendary poker player?
Doyle Brunson, also known as ‘Texas Dolly,’ has won 10 WSOP bracelets, including back-to-back Main Event titles in 1976 and 1977. He has been a professional player for over 50 years.
