The Top 10 Success Stories in Poker – Both On and Off the Felt

Poker, fundamentally, is a high-stakes game filled with risks where players make strategic decisions while aiming for substantial rewards over time. Although a player may face losses in the short term, the ultimate goal is to achieve long-term profitability.

Over the years, a number of players have defied the odds and flourished not only on the poker table but also in their business ventures and personal lives. Here, we highlight a handful of individuals who have effectively leveraged their poker expertise to achieve remarkable success beyond the game.

Poker Success Stories

1. Bobby Baldwin – From Poker Blinds to Business Triumphs

A successful career in poker Bobby Baldwin's journey from poker to a thriving career in casino management serves as a brilliant example of how poker players can excel in the business realm. Growing up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he often frequented a local billiards hall. It wasn't long before he discovered underground poker games at the age of 15, where he quickly found himself challenged by fellow players.

Initially, Baldwin experienced a string of losses, but everything changed once he decided to pursue a degree in business administration at Oklahoma State University. A roommate introduced him to the game, and soon he was competing in No Limit Hold'em games with a $100 buy-in, often coming out on top.

In his final year of college, he made the bold choice to dive into poker full-time, a decision that proved fruitful. In 1978, Baldwin clinched the title at the World Series of Poker Main Event, taking home $210,000 and making history as the youngest champion at that time, just 28 years old.

Despite his notable success at the poker tables, an even bigger opportunity arose for Baldwin shortly thereafter. In 1984, casino mogul Steve Wynn recruited him as the president of the Golden Nugget, later leading the Mirage in 1987. By 1998, Baldwin held the position of president at the Bellagio, and a year later, he became the CFO of Mirage Resorts. He later advanced to CEO of the merged MGM-Mirage corporation, where he oversaw the CityCenter project implemented in 2005, which includes the Aria.

2. Doyle Brunson – The Iconic Figure in the Poker World

As a revered poker legend and an inductee into the Hall of Fame, Doyle Brunson’s ascent started from modest beginnings in Longworth, a small town in north-central Texas. With a competitive spirit, he shone in sports, both in basketball and as a runner. He notably earned a gold medal in the one-mile race at the state track meet back in 1950 before advancing to Hardin-Simmons University. After earning a master’s degree in 1955, Brunson initially worked as a school principal and then as a salesman.

However, Brunson soon realized that a sales career wasn't his destiny. After acquiring poker skills during his college years, he discovered he could generate significantly higher income by playing at the tables. He became a road gambler in Texas, forming partnerships with other notable players, including Amarillo Slim Preston and Sailor Roberts, during the formative years of the World Series of Poker.

As he described in his autobiography, The Godfather of Poker, “My nascent career in poker mirrored my athletic pursuits and other interests: I was hooked and utterly obsessed. I invested every ounce of my energy into this new profession.”

3. Martin Jacobson – The Stockholm Poker Prodigy

As part of a new wave of young poker talent, 888poker Ambassador Martin Jacobson shines as an example of success during the surge of televised poker and online play. His journey serves as inspiration for many aspiring players. While pursuing his culinary studies, Jacobson began honing his poker skills online, quickly excelling at the game. Although he cherished the culinary arts, it was poker that gained precedence in his life after experiencing early successes.

By 2008, Jacobson was successfully qualifying online for major tournaments globally and secured his first major win at an EPT event that year, finishing third and pocketing €280,000. His success continued over the next few years, leading to several notable final table showings and impressive six-figure wins. Yet, the pinnacle awaited him.

In 2014, Jacobson triumphed over a staggering 6,683 competitors to claim the coveted World Series of Poker Main Event title, along with a staggering $10 million prize. This victory was far from simple; upon returning for the final table in November, he had dedicated 500 hours to rigorous preparation. His approach included extensive opponent analysis, strategy simulations, discussions with elite poker peers, game theory, and meticulous mental and physical preparation. Jacobson attributes his triumphs to unwavering determination, self-discipline, a passion for the game, and a supportive circle of friends.

He expressed, “Undeniably, winning the WSOP Main Event in 2014 stands as my proudest achievement. It’s a dream that every poker player holds, yet so few get the chance to realize it, making me feel exceptionally grateful to have it listed among my accomplishments.”

Post-Vegas, Jacobson's success continued to soar. Now residing in London, he has emerged as one of the most prominent figures in professional poker, amassing nearly $17 million in live tournament earnings.

“Reflecting on my professional poker journey of over a decade feels quite surreal,” he shares. “I recognize how incredibly fortunate I am to not only have achieved significant success but also to pursue my passion every day as a career.”

4. Mike Sexton – Manning the Mic & More

Mike Sexton was undoubtedly one of the shrewdest individuals in the poker realm. Growing up in Kettering, Ohio, he discovered the game at the tender age of 13. His autobiography, Life’s a Gamble, recounts his early struggles as a player but also highlights how he thrived on the excitement of the game.

Alongside a friend, he even set up a miniature casino in the boys' restroom a couple of days a week while in junior high. In high school, he excelled at gymnastics and golf, achieving a state championship along the way. Sexton later earned a degree from Ohio State University while continuing to sharpen his poker skills.

He remarked in Life’s a Gamble, “I discovered my natural talent for card games surpassed that of my dorm mates, whether it was gin rummy, hearts, euchre, or poker. I often found success in every card game we played.”

After finishing college, Sexton enlisted in the Army in 1970, serving as a paratrooper. Upon completing his service, he taught ballroom dancing for a while, eventually settling in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where he supplemented his income through poker winnings. By 1977, Sexton was fully immersed in professional poker and made the move to Las Vegas in 1985. His breakthrough on the tournament scene came just four years later when he secured a WSOP bracelet in a $1,500 Seven Card Stud event, earning $104,400.

The accomplishments continued to roll in during the 1980s and 1990s. While excelling at the poker tables, Sexton turned his savvy into something even bigger in the 2000s. He became a part-owner and spokesperson for a leading online poker platform, eventually becoming its chairman in 2017. Furthermore, in 2002, he took on the role of commentator for the World Poker Tour.

The WPT was a trailblazer in the U.S. by featuring televised poker with revealed hole cards, immediately captivating the audience. At 71, Sexton was honored with induction into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2009, coinciding with another significant milestone—becoming a father.

5. College Dropout to Card Crusher

At just 33 years old, this 888poker Ambassador has established himself as the most successful online poker player ever, boasting over $14 million in earnings. Growing up in the small town of Hullbridge, Essex, UK, he was immersed in card games from an early age. A gifted mathematician, Moorman later revealed in his book, Moorman, that he did only the minimum required to pass in high school. As someone who was often bullied, he frequently found solace at the billiards table.

While studying economics in college, Moorman formed meaningful friendships. His poker journey began during a weekly online freeroll with friends, despite their inexperience in the game. This pivotal choice changed the trajectory of his life. After several unsuccessful attempts, he finally placed in the tournament, finishing as the runner-up for $125.

Reflecting on that initial final table experience, he reminisces, “Being there was exhilarating; looking back, I realize I had an incredible run of cards that played in my favor,” he writes in Moorman, “but in that moment, I was convinced I had finally found my footing in the game.” cracked the game.”

After navigating his fair share of challenges, he dedicated himself to mastering the game of poker, and by the time he entered his second year of college, he was earning thousands of dollars weekly. Recognizing the disappointment his decision would cause his parents, he fabricated his exam results to shield them from the truth. When he eventually revealed his new career path, his mother was taken aback, while his father was more understanding, giving him a six-month window to prove his potential success.

Moorman forged ahead without looking back. Within just six months, his performance was impressive enough for his father to inquire about learning the game himself. By 2008, he was excelling in online play, putting in a staggering 70 hours each week. His participation in live tournaments also yielded positive outcomes, culminating in his first major win in 2011 where he placed seventh in the $10,600 Aussie Millions Main Event, earning $173,079. That same year, he secured third place at the WSOP in a $2,500 Six-Handed event for $271,800 and claimed the second place in the $10,000 Six-Handed Championship, pocketing $716,282. He rounded off an outstanding year by finishing as the runner-up in the €10,400 WSOP Europe Main Event for an impressive $1.1 million.

Reflecting on his journey, he says, \"It's astonishing to realize that I've been able to sustain myself through poker for over twelve years now. Initially, I played just for the thrill of it and never envisioned it evolving into a career. I often pored over Harrington on Hold’em, so it's surreal to think I have authored two books on poker myself now.\"

The wave of successes continued for him, leading to a pivotal victory in 2014 when he captured the WPT L.A. Poker Classic, winning $1 million. In 2017, he secured his first WSOP bracelet in the $3,000 Six-Handed event, taking home $498,682. With his online achievements included, Moorman has amassed an impressive total of $5.7 million in live tournament earnings and shows no indication of slowing down any time soon.

He expresses, \"My profound passion for the game fuels my desire to constantly improve. Maintaining a humble attitude towards poker allows me to acknowledge my mistakes and candidly assess my performance when I do poorly. Mistakes are an inevitable part of poker, and the key is to learn from them – that's what I believe is crucial.\"

When asked what brings him the most fulfillment from his poker career, he answers, \"My sustained online success throughout the years stands out the most. Online poker has been my mainstay, so my ability to adapt to the ever-evolving game strategies while consistently excelling fills me with immense pride.\"

Phil Hellmuth, known as the Poker Brat, is as famous for his lively antics at the poker table as for his impressive wins. Despite a rough experience at the WSOP last summer, he triumphed during the series' finale, securing his unprecedented 15th WSOP bracelet. Whether loved or loathed, Hellmuth's accomplishments include nearly $23 million in tournament winnings, countless television appearances, a bestseller, and much more.

6. Phil Hellmuth – The Brat & Bracelets

His journey to success was filled with obstacles. In his autobiography \"Poker Brat,\" Hellmuth shares his battles with self-esteem, loneliness during childhood, ADHD issues, and a tough experience with warts that affected his hands. Nevertheless, he persevered and discovered his passion for poker while attending the University of Wisconsin. Hellmuth always had a knack for games as a child and eventually found his true vocation at the poker table.even appeared on a beer can .

Hellmuth's ascent in the poker world was not without its struggles. Within his autobiography, he recounts times when he faced bankruptcy after trips to Las Vegas early in his career. His breakthrough occurred in 1989 when, at just 24 years old, he became the youngest winner of the WSOP Main Event at that time, taking home the coveted bracelet along with $755,000. This accomplishment was just the beginning, as more bracelets and significant victories followed in the two decades that came after. Notably, in 2012, he became the first person to win the Main Event both in the United States and Europe.

Poker has taken him far beyond his middle-class upbringing in Wisconsin. Hellmuth's winnings have enabled him to enjoy a lavish lifestyle, travel extensively, and mingle with numerous celebrities – which he relishes. Despite some turbulent moments with his wife Kathy, Hellmuth feels a strong sense of pride in his roles as a husband, father, and family man, and he readily shares advice for aspiring players.

"Life is fundamentally about balance,\" he advises. \"I’ve prioritized my family above all, and I believe I’ve done reasonably well in that respect. I would encourage young professionals to take time off to relish their freedoms and successes. If they become too immersed in their play, they might lose sight of what's truly important.\"share on Twitter Kara Scott is not just a skilled player; her appealing voice, charming smile, and on-air charisma have made her a beloved figure in the poker community. Hailing from Alberta, Canada, Scott grew up on a small farm and enjoyed success as a sportscaster and television host throughout the 2000s. As she delved deeper into the world of poker, she engaged more with the game, both as a media personality and as an active player.

7. Kara Scott – Hold’em and Hosting

Outside the poker scene, Scott has a passion for travel, and along with her husband Giovanni Rizzo, they have lived in both Italy and Slovenia. The couple recently welcomed a child shortly after she became an ambassador for Team 888poker in 2016. Scott's impressive journey in poker continues to inspire enthusiasts, and she also hosts The Poker Brief in addition to her myriad media responsibilities.

Through tenacity and commitment, Scott has established herself as a prominent voice within the poker landscape and continues to have a significant impact.

Jennifer Harman has long been a staple in the high-stakes cash game rotation in Las Vegas, regularly competing at some of the most lucrative tables. Also known for her appearances in televised cash games, she has earned two WSOP bracelets. Starting at the young age of 8, Harman was already winning small poker games against family members. By the time she was 13, she accompanied her father to one of his poker gatherings, where he lost many of his chips early on and had her take his seat. This marked the beginning of her successful poker journey.888poker YouTube channel .

"Before we left the game that night, I had managed to bring my dad back to even,\" she remembers, illustrating the early signs of her poker prowess.

8. Jennifer  Harman – Teenage Poker Prodigy

Born and raised in Reno, Nevada, Harman acquired a fake ID at 16 to enter poker rooms and quickly found herself winning at lower-stakes games. However, her journey was shadowed by health issues, as she developed a kidney ailment at 18, a condition that also plagued her mother, who passed away from it. In need of a kidney transplant, she continued to play poker amidst her dialysis treatments but was fortunate enough to receive a kidney and proceeded to college at the University of Nevada-Reno, all while working as a cocktail waitress at Harrah's and playing poker during her downtime.

Her success in the game persisted, and she began escalating her stakes. Soon afterwards, she relocated to Los Angeles, making a name for herself at the Bicycle Club Casino. However, her journey was fraught with challenges. At 26, she married another poker player and they relocated to Maryland, but returned to Las Vegas after their fledgling coal hauling business went belly-up. With a $20,000 loan from her grandfather, she jumped back into poker and systematically rebuilt her finances. Although her marriage ended, she remained in Vegas and continued to thrive professionally.

In 2004, Harman faced health complications once again and required another transplant. Managing high blood pressure raised concerns about potential strokes. After taking a year-long hiatus, she eventually received the transplant. She has since become a respected cash game pro, with millions in winnings and $2.7 million in tournament earnings. As a mother of two, she continues to find fulfillment in the game she has dedicated so much of her life to.

"When people ask me why I pursue poker professionally, I tell them it’s my passion for the game,\" she states. \"The longer I engage with it, the greater my affection and satisfaction become. The allure of poker lies in its endless challenges; there's always something new to learn and it keeps my brain active while playing.\"

Another exceptionally skilled poker player, Mike McDonald, embarked on his poker journey at the age of 15. Originally from Kitchener, Ontario, he moved to Waterloo when he was five. After completing his education at Waterloo Collegiate Institute, he went on to the University of Waterloo and then studied business at Wilfrid Laurier University. His strong numerical skills have undoubtedly been an asset in his poker career.

9. Mike McDonald – Math and Money

Following that, an array of wins and six-figure finishes followed, including a momentous victory in a now-defunct $20,000 Epic Poker League event in 2011, where he took home $782,410. This particular win was memorable as it occurred on the day of his 22nd birthday, resulting in a splendid celebration for the college student.

"Winning so close to my birthday was incredible,\" he recounted shortly after the event. \"I flew back home, where a friend picked me up from the airport and another grabbed a few kegs. We had a huge party at my place, and I was in charge of the drinks. It was an unforgettable night!\"

McDonald has amassed over $14 million in live tournament earnings. Outside of poker, he enjoys competing in various sports and has a diverse taste in music. He also utilizes his business acumen and has ventured into several entrepreneurial endeavors, including real estate investments with his father.

A true success story, McDonald has transformed a teenage hobby into a flourishing and rewarding career.

Reflecting on his career, he finds it hard to believe that for the past twelve years, poker has been his livelihood. He started playing just for enjoyment and never imagined it could evolve into a profession. He recalls studying books like Harrington on Hold'em with great enthusiasm, and it's quite surreal for him to now have authored two poker books himself.

His string of impressive performances continued when he clinched victory at the WPT L.A. Poker Classic in 2014, winning $1 million. In 2017, he finally achieved the coveted WSOP bracelet in the $3,000 Six-Handed event, earning $498,682. With his substantial online winnings, Moorman’s total live tournament earnings have reached an impressive $5.7 million, and he shows no signs of slowing down any time soon.

“My passion for poker fuels my desire to constantly improve my skills,” he shares. “Additionally, maintaining humility in poker allows me to self-reflect about my playing errors and be honest with myself about my poor performances. Since making mistakes is inevitable in this game, the best you can do is learn from them, which should always be your goal.”

When reflecting on his poker journey, what aspect brings him the greatest fulfillment?

“My prolonged online success is what I cherish most,” he responds. “Online poker has always been my foundation, and adapting to the ever-evolving strategies while still achieving victory makes me incredibly proud.”

Known for both his flamboyant personality and impressive victories, the Poker Brat, Phil Hellmuth, remains one of the most celebrated figures in the game. After a disappointing WSOP last year, he made a comeback during the final days of the series, securing his historic 15th WSOP bracelet. Whether admired or criticized, Hellmuth boasts a remarkable career: nearly $23 million in tournament earnings, numerous television appearances, and a successful author.

However, his journey has not always been smooth. In his autobiography, “Poker Brat,” Hellmuth discusses significant struggles with self-esteem during his youth, the challenges he faced in school due to a lack of friendships, ADHD, and a severe case of warts covering his hands. Despite these obstacles, he triumphed and stumbled upon poker while attending college at the University of Wisconsin. With a natural talent for games since childhood, Hellmuth eventually found his passion at the poker table.

His ascent to success in poker was not straightforward. In his book, Phil describes several instances of going broke during early trips to Las Vegas. His major breakthrough came in 1989 when, at just 24 years old, he became the youngest winner of the WSOP Main Event at that time, claiming the bracelet along with $755,000. This was just the beginning; over the next twenty years, he accumulated more bracelets and significant victories. In 2012, he made history as the only player to win the Main Event both in the U.S. and Europe.

Poker has transformed his life from a modest upbringing in Wisconsin to immense financial success, allowing Hellmuth to travel the globe, enjoy a lavish lifestyle, and meet countless celebrities, an experience he cherishes.

Despite facing difficulties in his marriage with Kathy, Hellmuth takes great pride in his roles as a devoted husband, father, and family man, and he offers valuable advice to aspiring players.

“Achieving balance in life is essential,” he emphasizes. “I’ve consistently placed my family as my top priority, and I believe I’ve succeeded in that regard. I advise young professionals to take breaks and savor their freedom and successes. If they overindulge in playing, they might lose sight of what’s important.”

Kara Scott, a skilled player in her own right, has also gained fame for her captivating voice, charming smile, and professionalism in front of the camera, making her a beloved figure in the poker community. Hailing from Alberta, Canada, Scott grew up on a small farm and carved out a successful career as a sportscaster and television presenter during the 2000s. As she became more involved in the poker scene, Scott dedicated herself fully to the game, both in media and on the felt.