The Undeniable 10 Best Poker Players Of All Time

With a history that can be traced back to 10th-century Chinese cards, poker is a game which popularity has spanned centuries. But after so many years and players, pinpointing the world’s best poker player is challenging. Since this is a subjective topic, Gamblizard decided to look at factors like competition wins, earnings, unique game approaches, and reputation to narrow down the list. We’ll then showcase the top players, their nicknames, ages, and tables with their strengths and weaknesses.

10 Famous Poker Players You Need To Know

Knowing the greatest poker players doesn’t just increase your understanding of the game. It can push your practice to the next level with world-class inspiration and pro-approved strategies. Without further ado, here are the best poker players of all time, in no particular order.

David Peters, United States

Born 1987. Age: 36

Unlike some poker professionals, David Peters doesn’t bask in media attention, so many fans don’t know his name too well. However, his poker career is extensively decorated, and as of April 2024, he’s the 10th ranking on The Hendon Mob’s All-Time Money List with $45M in live earnings.

Peters started with freeroll tournaments and built an online bankroll. With time, he turned this hobby into a thriving international poker career. Notable wins for Peters include WSOP bracelets in 2026, 2020, and 2021.

Today, far from his humble beginnings, Peters is among the top poker players competing in high-stakes tournaments worldwide.

David Peters in 2018

Stephen Chidwick, England. Aka Stevie444/TylersDad64

Born 1989. Age: 34

Hailing from Deal, England, Stephen Chidwick is one of the best UK poker players ever: the highest-ranked British player and third in the world on The Hendon Mob’s All-Time Money list. This alone earns him a spot on the list, but his $56M total live earnings and 71 WSOP cashes and bracelet also prove his prowess at the table; just as the fact he’s one of the highest-earning poker players worldwide. Chidwick sat at the top spot of the Global Poker Index (GPO) for seven months (April to October 2018).

In 2008, Chidwick’s career started making waves after he won $88,760. From here, he continued competing online and at events. He then progressed to his first WSOP cash in 2010.

Stephen Chidwick playing poker in 2018

Vanessa Selbst, United States. Aka V. Selbst

Born 1984. Age: 39

Vanessa Selbst boasts the reputation of one of the best female poker players of all time. The New York native was a long-time PokerStars ambassador and the only woman to hold three WSOP bracelets. She’s earned around $12M in her long career, and the GPI also named Selbst the Player of the Year in 2013 and 2014.

Selbst’s successful career started when she was 20 and studying at Yale. Alongside earning her law degree (and later passing the New York bar exam), Selbst explored the world of No Limit Texas Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha online. In 2017, Selbst retired from professional poker. Today, she teaches poker as part of the WPT’s team and takes part in games every now and then.

Vanessa Selbst at the 2008 WSOP event

Vanessa Selbst’s best poker moments compilation

Jennifer ‘Jen’ Harman, United States

Born 1964. Age: 59

While Jennifer Harman doesn’t have the most tournament wins, she’s one of the most iconic poker legends from the poker boom era.

Harman has won two WSOP bracelets at open events and is one of the only four female players to achieve them. The first success was in 2000, despite the fact Harman was a complete newbie to the game. Luckily, Howard Lederer was on hand to give her the lowdown five minutes before playing. Harman was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2015, cementing her success in history.

Jennifer Harman at the 2006 WSOP event

Daniel Negreanu, Canada. Aka Kid Poker

Born 1974. Age: 49

Daniel Negreanu has been on the poker scene since before the 2000s. But don’t discount him because he’s been around for a while. Negreanu is the first player to be named WSOP Player of the Year twice. He’s also the proud winner of six WSOP bracelets, two WPT titles, and a staggering $33M of tournament earnings. There’s even a 2015 documentary called ‘KidPoker’ which details how he became one of the best poker players in the world.

Today, Negreanu has $52M in live earnings and is 7th on The Hendon Mob’s All-Time Money List. Unsurprisingly, he’s the no 1 poker player in Canada.

Daniel Negreanu playing poker in 2022

Johnny Moss, United States. Known as the Grandfather of Poker or the Grand Old Man of Poker

Born 1907, died 1995 (aged 88)

Johnny Moss is one of the most famous poker players of the US. Moss earned nine WSOP bracelets throughout his career, including three WSOP main events in 70, 71, and 74. He was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 1979.

Born in Texas in 1907, Johnny Moss was first exposed to poker when he was employed as a ‘cheat catcher’ to watch the tables. Soon, he learned the roles of Hold’em and was playing himself. His professional career only began in 1926 after he married Virgie Ann Mouser and began building his bankroll playing oil-rich poker games.

Moss passed away at the age of 88 in December 1995 and is fondly remembered by the community.

Johnny Moss at the WSOP 1974 event

Phil Ivey, United States. Aka No Home Jerome/Tiger Woods of Poker

Born 1977. Age: 47

Born and raised in California, Phil Ivey learned the ropes of poker after moving to New Jersey. In his teenage years, Ivey played with a fake ID and won his first official tournament on his 21st birthday. But his professional career took off in 2000. In his time as a pro, Ivey has won 10 WSOP bracelets and five runner-up finishes in WSOP events. As of July 2024, Ivey’s total live earnings are $42M, and he sits at 11th on the All-Time Money List.

Poker King interview with Phil Ivey and Barry Greenstein

An aggressive approach is one of the tiles of what makes a good poker player, and that’s exactly what makes Ivey’s playing style so distinct. He’s not afraid to force opponents into making difficult decisions, which results in victories and excellent game shows.

Phil Ivey at the 2009 WSOP

Stu Ungar, United States. Aka The Comeback Kid/Stuey the Kid.

Born 1953, died 1998 (aged 45)

Another name often regarded as the best poker player ever, Stu Ungar is a truly iconic poker and blackjack player. This New York native learned the game younger than most players—it is this, perhaps, that gave him an advantage over opponents. This was because of his dad, who was a part of the gambling business. Ungar is also known for his youthful looks, earning him the nickname ‘Stuey the Kid’ or simply ‘The Kid.’ His iconic titles include three WSOP Main Event wins and two WSOP bracelets.

Alongside poker, Ungar excelled in gin rummy and blackjack. He once stated:

Some day, I suppose it’s possible for someone to be a better no limit hold’em player than me. I doubt it, but it could happen. But, I swear to you, I don’t see how anyone could ever play gin better than me.

Stu Ungar at the 1981 WSOP tour

Stu Ungar passed away in November 1998 aged 45. To celebrate his achievements and cement his status as one of the greatest poker players of all time, he was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2001.

Vanessa Rousso, United States. Aka Pokerness/Lady Maverick.

Born 1983. Age: 41

Rousso was a member of Team PokerStars from 2006 to 2015, following the start of her career as a professional poker player in 2005. Between 2005 and 2022, she accumulated around $3,5M and placed in the money 17 times in WSOP events. In 2017, Rousso won over $700,000 in a WSOP second-place finish.

Sadly, she hasn’t been as active since 2012. Despite stepping back, Rousso still places in the top ten best female poker players based on all-time winnings.

Vanessa Rousso at the 2007 WPT Championship

Sam Trickett, England. Aka tr1cky7.

Born 1986. Age: 37

The British player Sam Tricket only started experimenting with poker in 2005, after his football career ended following a knee injury. Since then, he’s built up over $21,5M in prize money, making him one of the most successful players in the British Isles.

While he has no WSOP bracelets, he’s made five final tables and 19 cashes. In his career, Trickett has 59 cashes, one European Poker Tour final table, and one WPT final table. Alongside winning millions, Tricket was named 2011 European Poker Player of the Year and Britain’s Best Cash Player.

Sam Trickett in 2014

Professional Poker Players: The Facts

Use our chart to compare the ages, nationalities, and approximate winnings of each poker player featured in this article to see how the data stacks up. Players are presented in alphabetical order.

While in the table above we included some of the best pro poker players, there are plenty more. The top ten list can differ depending on what factors you’re focusing on. So don’t stop your research here if you wish to know more. Follow our regularly updated blog that will continue to cover more poker personalities, distinctive playing styles, and expert-approved gambling guides.

The Best Poker Players in History—Looking to the Future

Poker history is filled with talented players and iconic personalities. Giving a clear-cut answer to “Who is the best poker player in the world” is impossible: each can teach you a thing or two about the game. Maybe they inspire you to refine your strategic approach. Or perhaps they give you the confidence to employ an aggressive playing style. The no 1 poker player’s example can even help you avoid common pitfalls, like emotional volatility or a predictable approach to playing. No matter your style, there’s always something new to learn.