Identifying the greatest poker players of all time is no easy task. It’s not about winning tournaments. Skill, consistency, adaptability, and mental strength matter too.
This article explores ten of the best poker players ever.
Best Poker Players of All Time: TOP 10
Below is a list of the top 10 world best poker players ever.
Johnny Moss
- Nickname: Grandfather of Poker
- Born: May 14, 1907, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Achievements: 3 WSOP Main Event titles, 9 WSOP bracelets, €38 million in career earnings
- Career Earnings: About €38 million
Johnny Moss, often considered one of the greatest poker players ever, played a major role in shaping the poker game as we know it today. His career started in 1949 when he became a famous gambler in Texas.
Moss won three WSOP Main Event titles and nine WSOP bracelets. However, the amount of money he earned is unknown, as tournament winnings were not well recorded then.
People respected Moss for his poker skills, strong character, and ability to stay calm under pressure. He earned admiration from both experienced players and newer generations.
Despite fame, Johnny Moss led a quiet life and had a stable family. He passed away in 1995 at 88, but his legacy in poker still lives on.
Daniel Negreanu
- Nickname: Kid Poker
- Born: July 26, 1974, Canada
- Achievements: 6 WSOP bracelets, 2 WPT titles, $33 million in tournament earnings
- Career Earnings: About €31 million
Daniel Negreanu made a big impact in poker with his charm and determination and is often regarded as one of the best players in poker. Growing up in Toronto, he demonstrated a natural talent for analyzing situations and counting cards at an early age.
In school, Negreanu was known for being smart and good at connecting with others. He soon realized that poker could be a career, not just a fun game. He spent time at local casinos, learning from other players.
His positive attitude and friendly nature made him excellent in poker, both with fans and other players. One of his biggest strengths is his ability to read people at the poker table. Outside of poker, Negreanu engages in charity work, mentors young players, and promotes poker as a sport.
Phil Ivey
- Nickname: Tiger Woods of Poker
- Born: February 1, 1976, Riverside, California, USA
- Achievements: 10 WSOP bracelets, 1 WPT title, $38 million in tournament earnings
- Career Earnings: About €36 million
Phil Ivey is often regarded as one of the greatest poker players of all time. He began honing his poker skills as a teenager in New Jersey, starting with underground games. His rise to prominence was rapid. He earned 10 WSOP bracelets and a WPT title, with over $38 million in tournament earnings.
Ivey’s quiet, intense presence at the table contrasts with his aggressive, unpredictable play, making him a feared opponent.
His adaptability, sharp ability to read opponents, and constant drive for improvement have kept him at the top. Outside of poker, Ivey has a passion for golf and investments, showcasing his competitive nature. Despite his immense success, he remains grounded and focused on the craft.
Doyle Brunson
- Nickname: Texas Dolly
- Born: August 10, 1933, Texas, USA
- Achievements: 10 WSOP bracelets, 2 WSOP Main Event titles, $6 million in tournament earnings
- Career Earnings: About €5.6 million
Growing up in a small town in Texas, Doyle Brunson was a talented athlete until a knee injury ended his basketball career. He then turned to poker, specializing in Texas Hold’em and No-Limit Hold’em, and quickly became one of the most respected figures in the game.
Brunson’s 10 WSOP bracelets and two Main Event titles highlight his incredible skill in both cash games and high-stakes tournaments. But his impact goes beyond just tournament victories. His book, Super System, changed the way poker is played and is still a must-read for anyone wanting to improve their game, particularly in No-Limit Hold’em strategies.
Known for his warmth and willingness to mentor younger players, Brunson helped shape the modern poker landscape. He was instrumental in popularizing Texas Hold’em, making it the most widely played variant in both live and online poker. Even after surviving cancer, his resilience and strength solidified his legendary status, making him one of the most famous poker players ever.
Stu Ungar
- Nickname: The Kid
- Born: September 8, 1953, New York, USA
- Achievements: 3 WSOP Main Event titles, 5 WSOP bracelets, $3 million in tournament earnings
- Career Earnings: About €2.8 million
Born into a Jewish family in New York, Stu Ungar first rose to fame as a gin rummy prodigy before making his mark in poker. Known for his incredible memory and sharp strategy, he became a tough opponent at the poker table.
Ungar won three WSOP Main Event titles, which solidified his place as the greatest poker player ever. However, his life was also shaped by addiction and financial struggles.
He passed away at the age of 45, but his legacy still lives on. Ungar is remembered for his unmatched skill as a poker player and for personal hardships, which earned him respect and admiration in poker.
Justin Bonomo
- Born: September 30, 1985, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
- Nickname: ZeeJustin
- Achievements: 3 WSOP Main Event titles, 9 WSOP bracelets, €38 million in career earnings
- Career Earnings: About €56.5 million
Justin Bonomo, also known as “ZeeJustin,” is one of the best poker players in the world. Before entering poker, Bonomo sharpened his strategic thinking by playing Magic: The Gathering, a game that helped him develop strong decision-making skills.
He became a good poker player by consistently performing well in high-stakes tournaments. 2018 he made headlines by winning The Big One for One Drop, taking home a massive $10 million.
Bonomo’s success is not just about the money he’s earned. His smart, intellectual approach to the game sets him apart from other players. With total career earnings placing him among the biggest poker players in history, Bonomo’s impact on the game is clear.
Daniel Colman
- Born: July 11, 1990, Holden, Massachusetts, USA
- Nickname: mrGR33N13
- Achievements: 1 WSOP bracelet, 1 The Big One for One Drop title, €26.5 million in career earnings
- Career Earnings: About €26.5 million
Daniel Colman, known as “mrGR33N13” in online poker, is one of the world’s top players. He is famous for winning high-stakes online poker tournaments.
His ability to stay calm and think carefully at the table sets him apart from other players. Daniel first drew major attention in 2014 when he won The Big One for One Drop at the World Series of Poker. He took home $15.3 million, his biggest win.
Colman prefers a low profile and avoids the spotlight. But, his achievements have earned him great respect in the poker community.
Antonio Esfandiari
- Born: April 8, 1978, Tehran, Iran
- Nickname: The Magician
- Achievements: 3 WSOP bracelets, 1 WPT title, €25.5 million in career earnings
- Career Earnings: About €25.5 million
Antonio Esfandiari is known for both his poker skills and his charismatic personality, which have made him a star in the poker world. Before becoming a professional poker player, he worked as a magician, and this background influenced his poker style. His ability to entertain and understand people’s behavior gives him an advantage at the table.
Widely regarded as one of the worlds best poker players ever, Esfandiari has achieved great success throughout his career. His engaging personality and appearances on TV shows like Poker After Dark and The Pokerstars.net Big Game have helped make poker more popular worldwide.
He’s also served as an ambassador for the game. With his mix of magic and poker skills, Antonio Esfandiari has left a lasting mark on the poker community.
Chris Moneymaker
- Born: November 21, 1975, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Nickname: The Man Who Changed Poker
- Achievements: 1 WSOP Main Event title, €7.5 million in career earnings
- Career Earnings: About €7.5 million
In 2003, an amateur player named Chris Moneymaker entered the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event. He had no major tournament experience and qualified through a $39 online satellite tournament. Against all odds, he won the tournament and earned a $2.5 million prize.
Moneymaker’s win was more than a big victory—it helped start the poker boom of the early 2000s. His success showed that anyone could win big in high-stakes tournaments with the right mix of skill and luck.
His victory made poker more popular and encouraged many amateur players to give it a try, which led to a huge increase in online poker.
Erik Seidel
- Born: November 6, 1959, New York, USA
- Nickname: Seiborg
- Achievements: 8 WSOP bracelets, 1 WPT title, €38 million in career earnings
- Career Earnings: About €38 million
Before becoming a poker legend, Seidel was a competitive chess player. Chess helped him develop strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, which later played a big role in his poker success.
Seidel’s poker career took off in 1988 when he made an impressive run to the final table of the WSOP Main Event. Since then, he has won 9 WSOP bracelets, making him a regular in high-stakes tournaments. His ability to stay calm and focused, even in tough situations, has earned him a reputation as someone who remains unshaken at the table.
Away from the poker table, Seidel is known for his humility and quiet nature. He values his privacy and rarely seeks attention outside of poker events.
Greatest Poker Players of All Time Conclusion
The 10 greatest poker players of all time have made a lasting impact on the game with their skill, consistency, and mental strength. Legends like Johnny Moss, Doyle Brunson, and Phil Ivey set the bar high.
Players like Daniel Negreanu and Justin Bonomo are raising it even higher. Each of these players has earned their place in poker history, inspiring future generations to reach for excellence at the table.
FAQs About Great Poker Players
Who are the top 10 poker players of all time❓
The top 10 poker players ever include Johnny Moss, Phil Ivey, Daniel Negreanu, Doyle Brunson, Justin Bonomo, Antonio Esfandiari, Stu Ungar, Chris Moneymaker, Erik Seidel, and Tom Dwan.
What makes someone a great poker player❓
A great poker player combines talent, experience, and mental strength. They are skilled at reading opponents, calculating odds, and making strategic decisions. Players like Phil Ivey and Doyle Brunson have shown these abilities throughout their careers.
Who is the best player in poker❓
The best player in poker is debated, but many consider Phil Ivey or Daniel Negreanu as the top players due to their outstanding achievements, ability to read the game, and their presence in the poker world.
What makes someone the best poker player ever❓
The best poker player ever combines skill, consistency, adaptability, and mental toughness. Players like Phil Ivey and Daniel Negreanu show these qualities, excelling in high-stakes games and tournaments.
How do you become one of the best poker players❓
To be a top poker player, you must practice, learn strategies, and read opponents. Many of the best poker players ever have spent years perfecting these skills and maintaining focus at the table.