Article updated on March 17, 2025
Determining who the greatest poker players are throughout history is no small feat, especially with the vast pool of talent that exists. poker history From iconic figures who have made indelible marks in classic poker history, poker hands to contemporary stars who excel in high-stakes tournaments, the legacy of poker is rich and diverse, spanning multiple eras.
This essential compilation of the greatest poker players in history takes into account significant titles, career earnings, and sustained excellence at elite levels.
For those aspiring to elevate their game, observing these distinguished players provides crucial knowledge about competing at high-stakes levels. poker cheat sheet Transitioning from a Magic: The Gathering background to poker fame, Kenney has secured an impressive $75 million from tournament winnings. His rise began with a notable finish in the 2010 Main Event (28th place, $255,242), followed by his first WSOP bracelet in 2014.
The 10 Best Poker Players Are:
- Bryn Kenney
- Justin Bonomo
- Stephen Chidwick
- Doyle Brunson
- Phil Hellmuth
- Phil Ivey
- Daniel Negreanu
- Stu Ungar
- Johnny Moss
- Fedor Holz
1. Bryn Kenney – Mega Crusher
Kenney has been a powerhouse in high-roller competitions worldwide, highlighted by his remarkable $20.5 million earnings from a second-place finish in a £1 million Triton event in 2019, solidifying his status among the top 10. WSOP In subsequent years, Kenney ascended the all-time money rankings, now holding the top position with a $10 million lead over the next player.
Securing seven-figure payouts is a routine for him, with his latest achievement being $1.8 million earned as a runner-up in a recent $50k Triton Event. poker players of all time.
Bonomo ranks second in terms of all-time career earnings, with approximately $65 million to his name, dominating the high-stakes circuit.
His impressive 2018 included capturing his second WSOP bracelet at the $10,000 Heads-Up Championship, as well as lucrative victories in the $300,000 Super High Roller Bowl ($5 million) and the $1 million Big One for One Drop ($10 million).
2. Justin Bonomo – ZeeJustin
Video as of 2015:
Amassing nearly 40 high-profile tournament victories since 2016 and showcasing unparalleled skills in heads-up play, Bonomo is often regarded as the top poker player by various standards. He is certainly not one you'd want to face off against. poker tournaments against elite competition.
With close to $64 million earned from tournaments, this strategic English player transitioned from online triumphs to live tournament superiority. Chidwick has excelled in high-stakes events globally, including winning a WSOP bracelet in 2019 at a $25,000 high-roller event for $1.6 million.
His second bracelet was earned in late 2024 during the $50k PLO Championship at WSOP Paradise in the Bahamas, where he added $1.35 million to his accolades, with a remarkable £4.4 million payday for fourth place in a Triton event held in London.
3. Stephen Chidwick – stevie444
Chidwick's methodical playing style and strong emotional discipline have consistently placed him among the elite in modern poker. He dedicates himself daily to refining his skills.
Top 10 Most Exceptional Poker Players of All Time: Doyle Brunson – Texas Dolly
In terms of longevity and enduring prowess, the late Texas Dolly truly stands out. He exemplified the power of persistence by competing at an exceptional level well into his eighties before his death in 2023. GTO poker skills and stay on top of his game.
4. Doyle Brunson – Texas Dolly
Besides amassing $6.2 million in tournament winnings, Brunson's talent, demonstrated in some of the highest-stakes cash games, and his distinguished conduct led to his induction into the Poker Hall of Fame in 1988. Doyle Brunson With an unrivaled collection of 17 WSOP bracelets and over $30 million in tournament earnings, Hellmuth is uniquely distinguished as the only player to have won WSOP Main Events in both Las Vegas (1989) and Europe (2012).
His achievements include 10 World Series of Poker bracelets His extraordinary summer in 1993 saw him claiming three bracelets. In the WPT, although he has made eight final tables, he has yet to secure his name on the Champions Cup, which has become a recent ambition. poker strategy book Despite exhibiting controversial behavior at the tables, the \"Poker Brat\" consistently asserts his status as one of the greatest poker talents through his keen strategic insight.
🤔 Could you identify how many legends are present in this year’s list?
5. Phil Hellmuth – The Poker Brat
Ivey began his journey under a false identity in Atlantic City, fueled by the inspiration from legendary players. His analytical and resolute approach set him apart. By the age of 23, he had already claimed his first WSOP bracelet, later achieving three in one legendary summer (2002).
With 11 WSOP bracelets, success in WPT events including the L.A. Poker Classic win ($1.6 million), and a staggering over $47 million in tournament earnings, Ivey's fierce competitive nature and the respect he commands from fellow players underscore his place among the best poker players globally. Phil Hellmuth Amassing nearly $55 million in tournament winnings, "Kid Poker" has successfully captured seven WSOP bracelets, two title crowns, and has been honored as WSOP Player of the Year on two occasions (2004, 2013).
Famed for his remarkable talent to decipher opponent’s hands and his captivating personality, Negreanu has established himself as poker's most prominent ambassador while maintaining peak performance at the highest levels.
Last year’s WSOP held significant meaning for Negreanu, as he triumphed in one of the most prestigious tournaments among poker professionals worldwide, the Poker Players Championship ($1.18M). This win placed him among elite players like Billy Baxter, John Hennigan, Men Nguyen, and Scott Seiver in the 7-bracelet club. @phil_hellmuth WSOP Main Event entrance? #poker #pokerlife #wsop pic.twitter.com/E6FNUBdczD
— 888poker (@888poker) July 6, 2024
6. Phil Ivey – The Tiger Woods of Poker
Top 10 Most Exceptional Poker Players of All Time: Daniel Negreanu – Kid Poker made a living at the game His presence across various media channels, including vlogs, podcasts, and streaming, has played a vital role in popularizing poker while showcasing why he remains one of the foremost players in poker history.
Ungar, one of only two players to triumph in three WSOP Main Events (1980, 1981, 1997), effortlessly transitioned his innate talent from gin rummy into poker, with remarkable success. Tragically, Ungar's life story is also filled with personal challenges.
7. Daniel Negreanu – Kid Poker
Despite grappling with personal demons leading to his premature demise in 1998, he wielded a fierce and aggressive style to overpower opponents, ultimately winning five WSOP bracelets and accumulating $3.7 million in tournament earnings. WPT Poker Tour His impressive card intuition earned him a posthumous spot in the Poker Hall of Fame in 2001, celebrating his rightful place in the pantheon of all-time great poker players.
Recognized as the champion of the inaugural WSOP in 1970, Moss clinched the first tournament-format Main Event in 1971 and secured a third title in 1974. With nine WSOP bracelets and a total of $1.25 million in tournament earnings, this Texas gambler was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 1979, remembered for his competitive fire and drive during the formative years of poker. Daniel Negreanu Although poker has dramatically evolved since the early WSOP days, Moss was an exceptional competitor at the table. Many of the game's pioneers and contemporaries fondly remember him as an aggressive player who never shied away from competition.
This German sensation was once regarded as one of the best before making a name for himself in live tournament play with astonishing regularity.
His second WSOP bracelet was achieved under unique conditions when the tournament shifted online in 2020, winning the $25 NLH Heads-Up event for $1.07 million!
8. Stu Ungar – The Comeback Kid
With nearly $48 million in career earnings, Holz's analytical mindset and sharp focus distinguish him as one of the top ten poker players in history. CrownUpGuy has undoubtedly secured a spot among poker royalty. Stu Ungar Top Poker Players of All Time - Honourable Mentions
Creating a list of the top ten poker players ever is quite a challenge, as the outcome inevitably feels a bit unjust. poker bluff There exists an abundance of phenomenal players—both younger and older, living and deceased—who could easily have been included, but we've aimed to find the finest mix of old-school and new-school poker icons.
Nevertheless, here are some notable names that simply couldn't be overlooked:
9. Johnny Moss – Grandfather of Poker
Erik Seidel – A holder of ten WSOP bracelets and a legend from the Mayfair Club whose background in backgammon imparted a unique strategic insight.
Dan Smith – With earnings exceeding $57 million, he’s a pioneer of poker philanthropy through his initiative, Double Up Drive.
10. Fedor Holz – CrownUpGuy
Johnny Chan – The back-to-back WSOP Main Event champion (1987-88) forever etched in the record books. best online poker players in the world Chip Reese – A cash game master regarded by peers as potentially the greatest all-around player of all time.
- Jason Koon – A contemporary specialist in high-stakes play, boasting $60 million in earnings and recognized for his mathematical strategy.
- Adrian Mateos – The youngest player to snag three WSOP bracelets and the most accomplished tournament player in Spain.
Isaac Haxton – An elite player in both online and live formats, celebrated for his analytical prowess and ethical approach to poker.
Collectively, these legends have left a profound impact on the game through their strategic brilliance, mental resilience, and, in numerous instances, remarkable longevity at the upper echelons of competition.
While discussions about who reigns as the best poker player persist, this compilation showcases poker excellence across multiple generations, playing techniques, and individual styles.
Frederico, a passionate poker enthusiast and player, frequently shares engaging content related to the game on our blog, covering aspects such as strategies, advice, news, or intriguing tidbits that will consistently appear here at 888Poker.
Top Poker Players of All Time - Honourable Mentions
- 888poker-EGR-logo-Mobile-Header-2021-white
- 888poker is on a mission to identify the 12 greatest poker players ever. Join us on this exciting journey and share your thoughts on our selections.
- Introducing the Top 10 Best Poker Players of All Time: A 2025 Update on the Icons of Poker! Rounders movie .
- In a quest to recognize the 7 greatest poker players in history, 888poker invites you to witness our selections and see how they align—or contrast—with your views.
- Unveiling the Top 10 Best Poker Players of All Time: A Look at the 2025 Edition.
- Identifying the finest poker players in history is no easy feat due to the immense talent that has graced the game.
- From iconic figures who defined the early days of poker to contemporary talents excelling in high-stakes competitions, the quest for greatness in poker transcends generations.
Best Poker Players o f All Time - Final Thoughts
Beyond mastery of the standard poker terms list This comprehensive roster of the finest poker players ever evaluates significant achievements, total winnings, and enduring success at the highest levels of play.
For those eager to elevate their game, analyzing the strategies of these masters can provide essential knowledge for competing in high-stakes environments.
Originally Published on June 18, 2020