Poker is a highly intriguing and entertaining casino card game that’s enjoyed by millions of casino players worldwide. Also, it’s a game that has some element of skill to it. As such, with lady luck by their side and using optimal playing strategies, a number of players have managed to make it big in Poker. Here’s a list of the greatest players that the game of Poker has ever seen.
Phil Ivey
The name Phil Ivey needs no introduction. After all, Phil is one of the best Poker players in Video Poker history, with his achievements spanning across both Poker events and high-stakes cash games.
Also referred to as the “Tiger Wood of Poker”, Phil began his Poker career while working at a telemarketing company in the 1990s. As a young lad, Phil won his first WSOP bracelet when he was just 23 years old. For those who don’t know, the WSOP bracelet is given to the winner of every World Series of Poker event. Then in the early 2000s, Phil won 3 bracelets in a single year – a record that remains unbeatable to this day. As of now, Phil has 10 WSOP bracelets to his name.
Besides the WSOP event, Phil has garnered huge success in online Video Poker events and live Poker tournaments. It’s estimated that Phil has won over $26 million from live events alone. Furthermore, Phil was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2017.
Phil Hellmuth
The next one on our list of the greatest Poker players is Phil Hellmuth. Phil is renowned for being one of the toughest Poker players with a deep knowledge of Video Poker strategies.
Phil first participated in the WSOP event in 1988, where he finished at the 33rd spot. But just one year later in 1989, he managed to win the main event of WSOP, making him the youngest WSOP champion of that time. Interestingly, Phil won the competition against the same player who defeated him in the 1988 WSOP event.
To date, Phil has won a whopping 15 World Series of Poker bracelets. His total winnings from WSOP events and live Poker tournaments are estimated to be around $23 million.
Daniel Negreanu
Commonly referred to as “Kid Poker”, Daniel Negreanu is another well-known player in the world of Poker. Over his Poker career spanning two decades, Negreanu has cashed in $40 million from live Poker tournaments.
Negreanu has won the World Series of Poker event six times and has 2 World Poker Tour titles to his name. He is quite popular among his fans for his unique Poker skills and his exceptional ability to read his opponents – just like the top Poker players in the best Poker movies. Inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2014, Daniel has a well-deserved spot in the list of the best Poker players of all time.
Doyle Brunson
Now in his 80s, Doyle Brunson has been a professional Poker player for over 5 decades. Brunson started his Poker career travelling to different U.S. states to enjoy some Poker gaming action.
In his 50-year-long career, Brunson has won 10 World Series of Poker bracelets. Besides, Brunson is known for making it to the WSOP finals in his mid-80s and previously held the record for being the oldest World Poker Tour winner (he won the competition at the age of 71 in 2004).
Brunson is also a popular Poker author and has written the book titled Super/System with other Poker experts. The book starts with the common Poker terms and goes on to explain how to use Poker strategies effectively. All in all, it’s a must-read for anyone who wants to use a playing strategy when playing Poker at online and mobile casinos.
Dan Smith
Commonly known as Cowboy Dan, Dan Smith left college at the age of 16 to pursue his Poker career. And the risk paid off. Not only was Dan able to make a living out of Poker, but he also became one of the most successful players in Poker history.
To date, Dan has managed to grab $33 million in winnings from live Poker tournaments. One of his most impressive wins came from the Triton Million Series where he took home $8.76 million in winnings.
Dan is also highly active in charity work and has set up a foundation to help fellow Poker players in need. Besides, Dan enjoys playing several other casino classics that are available at our UK casino.