Naming the best poker players of all time is no easy task. Unlike traditional sports, poker isn’t just about trophies or physical skill — it’s about strategy, instinct, discipline, and the ability to outthink your opponents over the long run. While tournament winnings often serve as a benchmark, true greatness in poker is measured by consistency, adaptability, and legacy.
At XPoker24, we’ve reviewed decades of poker history, analyzing results, playing styles, and overall influence on the game to create our list of the greatest poker players in history. Each of these legends has left an undeniable mark on the poker world.
1. Doyle Brunson – The Godfather of Poker
Few names carry as much weight as Doyle Brunson. Known as Texas Dolly, Brunson’s career spanned more than five decades, earning him 10 WSOP bracelets, including back-to-back Main Event titles in 1976 and 1977.
With over $6 million in live earnings and a poker wisdom built from thousands of hours at the table, Brunson’s influence is unmatched. His book Super System remains one of the most iconic poker strategy guides ever written.
2. Johnny Moss – The Grandfather of Poker
Johnny Moss is remembered as one of the original legends of professional poker. A fierce Texas road gambler, Moss won the first World Series of Poker Main Event (as voted by peers) and went on to claim nine WSOP bracelets.
His reputation as a fearless and intuitive player earned him the nickname The Grandfather of Poker — and his influence still echoes in modern poker rooms today.
3. Phil Hellmuth – The Poker Brat
Love him or hate him, Phil Hellmuth is a force in poker history. With 17 WSOP bracelets, including his Main Event win in 1989, Hellmuth holds the record for the most WSOP victories ever.
His fiery personality and unmatched confidence earned him the nickname The Poker Brat. Beyond the table antics, Hellmuth’s deep understanding of tournament strategy makes him one of the most successful players of all time.
4. Daniel Negreanu – Kid Poker
Daniel Negreanu, or Kid Poker, is one of the most recognizable faces in modern poker. Known for his incredible ability to read opponents, Negreanu has six WSOP bracelets, two WPT titles, and over $50 million in live earnings.
He’s also one of poker’s greatest ambassadors — always approachable, insightful, and committed to growing the game. His longevity and consistency cement him as one of the best poker players of all time.
5. Phil Ivey – The Tiger Woods of Poker
Phil Ivey is often called The Tiger Woods of Poker for good reason. With 10 WSOP bracelets and more than $30 million in live earnings, Ivey’s dominance across all formats is unmatched.
Feared by professionals around the world, Ivey is known for his calm demeanor, brilliant reads, and high-stakes success both live and online. Many still consider him the most naturally talented player ever.
6. Justin Bonomo – Modern Poker Powerhouse
In the era of data-driven and analytical poker, Justin Bonomo stands at the top. With over $60 million in live tournament earnings, he’s among the highest earners in poker history.
His biggest score came from winning the $1 Million Big One for One Drop event at the WSOP, where he took home $10 million. Bonomo’s mix of discipline, preparation, and adaptability defines the modern poker elite.
7. Bryn Kenney – The All-Time Money Leader
Bryn Kenney tops the all-time live earnings list with over $65 million in winnings. Known for his fearlessness and ability to thrive under pressure, Kenney consistently performs at the highest levels.
His defining moment came in 2019 when he earned a staggering $20.5 million at the Triton Million event. His aggressive yet controlled style has redefined what it means to dominate the modern poker scene.
8. Dan Smith – The Gentleman Crusher
Dan Smith, also known as Cowboy Dan, combines elite-level skill with humility and compassion. With $40 million in tournament winnings and multiple major titles, he’s one of the most respected pros in poker.
Smith is also admired for his philanthropic efforts, having launched the Double Up Drive, a charity movement that has raised millions for global causes. His legacy extends far beyond poker tables.
9. Daniel Colman – The Silent Crusher
Quiet but deadly, Daniel Colman shocked the poker world when he won $15.3 million at the 2014 Big One for One Drop, defeating Daniel Negreanu heads-up.
With nearly $30 million in live winnings, Colman became a symbol of the new generation of analytical, fearless players who dominate both live and online poker scenes.
10. Fedor Holz – The Modern Prodigy
Germany’s Fedor Holz, known online as CrownUpGuy, became a global poker sensation in his early twenties.
With over $35 million in live earnings and countless online titles, Holz’s strategic precision and composure under pressure make him one of the most successful young players in history. Even after “retiring” from full-time poker, he continues to crush high-roller events worldwide.
Final Thoughts: Who Is the Greatest Poker Player of All Time?
Ranking the best poker players of all time will always spark debate — after all, poker blends skill, psychology, and luck. But one thing is clear: each of these players changed the game forever.
From legends like Doyle Brunson and Johnny Moss to modern icons like Phil Ivey and Daniel Negreanu, their achievements continue to inspire new generations of players.
At XPoker24, we celebrate these legends not just for their winnings, but for how they shaped the evolution of poker into the global phenomenon it is today.
