Richest Poker Players 2024

Poker is a game of wits. Many players have made it big in the Poker arena with their skills and strategies. From high-stakes cash games to major tournament victories, these players have established themselves as legends in the history of Poker. These players can turn the odds in their favour and make fortunes through Poker and other ventures.

In this article, we will explore the journeys of the players who have reached the top of the Poker world.

Top Richest Poker Players & Net Worth Rankings 2024

Andy Beal

As a successful American entrepreneur and real estate mogul, Andy Beal enjoys the added hobby of playing poker at an amateur level. He is renowned for his involvement in some of the largest cash games on record, where he has played alongside esteemed professionals such as Phil Ivey, Todd Brunson, Ted Forrest, Howard Lederer and Daniel Negreanu. Much of Beal's impressive fortune can be attributed to his achievements in the banking and property development industries. These intense matches are documented in Michael Craig’s novel The Professor, the Banker, and the Suicide King.

Achievements

While Beal's primary success comes from his business endeavours, his participation in poker has further solidified his financial stature. His remarkable fortune has allowed him to play in games with some of the biggest names in poker, making his presence and success in these elite circles a major part of his legacy. Beal is known for having the highest single-day poker winnings record. On May 13, 2004, he won $11.7 million in one day at the Bellagio, playing against Chip Reese, Hamid Dastmalchi, Gus Hansen, and Jennifer Harman.

Dan Bilzerian

Dan Bilzerian is a renowned American poker player and personality famous for his flamboyant lifestyle and prominent social media presence. Despite boasting about winning millions through the game, including an impressive $10.8 million in one sitting, Bilzerian's official tournament rankings are relatively scarce. His main achievement came from finishing 180th out of 6,494 players at the WSOP Main Event in 2009 – which remains his most noteworthy performance.

Achievements

Bilzerian's wealth is primarily attributed to his family's financial legacy and his ventures outside of poker. Despite his claims of gigantic poker winnings, his documented achievements are modest compared to his reported net worth. His lifestyle and high-stakes games are more publicly visible than his poker accomplishments. He has earned $36,626 in live tournaments, his highest cash and ranked 68,224th on the all-time money list.

Phil Ivey

A Canadian icon, Phil Ivey is considered one of the most exceptional players in poker history. He has achieved phenomenal success with intense focus and remarkable skills across various formats. He boasts ten impressive WSOP bracelets, which tie him with Johnny Chan and Doyle Brunson for second all-time. His expertise continues to high-stakes cash games, where he competes in elite venues such as Macau and the Bellagio.

Achievements

Ivey has achieved tournament victories and prospered in cash games throughout his poker career. His impact on the game earned him widespread admiration within the community. He holds the 11th spot on the all-time money list with $46,315,491 in total live earnings and a top cash of $3,582,753.

Sam Farha

After relocating to the United States during the 1970s, Sam Farha, known as 'Ihsan,' of Lebanese descent, rose to prominence in poker circles. Renowned for his engaging character and massive wagering, he shot into public consciousness after appearing on televised programs such as Poker After Dark. His progression from hustling days to becoming a competitive poker player is evident by his triumphs in cash games and remarkable showing at the 2003 WSOP Main Event – ending up only one place shy of first position.

Achievements

Farha's poker career includes high-profile appearances and colossal earnings from cash games. His near-win in the 2003 WSOP Main Event, where he finished behind Chris Moneymaker, played a major role in the poker boom. Farha's investments and poker play have contributed to his net worth. He has accumulated $2,963,526 in total live earnings, with his top cash being $1,300,000, placing him 785th on the all-time money list.

Chris Ferguson

Chris Ferguson (Christopher Philip Ferguson), also known as ‘Jesus’, is a prominent American poker player who co-founded Full Tilt Poker. Ferguson's poker career includes a WSOP Main Event win in 2000 and multiple other tournament victories.

Achievements

Ferguson has six WSOP bracelets and was a key figure in the development of online poker. Despite his achievements, his legacy is shadowed by the Full Tilt Poker scandal, which largely impacted his reputation. Nonetheless, his poker success and business ventures have contributed to his substantial wealth. He has total live earnings of $9,584,547, with his best live cash being $1,500,000, and he ranks 150th on the all-time money list.

Doyle Brunson

Known as ‘Texas Dolly’, Doyle Brunson is an iconic American poker player whose impressive career has spanned five decades. He is renowned for his legendary skills in the game and his immense contributions to its evolution over time. Among his most famous feats are two consecutive wins at the WSOP Main Event and securing ten bracelets throughout his tenure.

Achievements

Brunson's impact on poker includes his influential books, such as Super System, and his role in shaping the early poker scene in Las Vegas. His involvement in high-stakes games and his enduring legacy as a poker pioneer contribute to his impressive net worth. He has earned $6,176,737 in live tournaments, with his highest cash being $1,198,260, and he holds the 293rd position on the all-time money list.

Bryn Kenney

Renowned for his exceptional achievements in high-stakes competitions, Bryn Kenney is a skilled American player. While on this intriguing career path, he secured $5.1 million and emerged victorious at the 2019 PokerStars Players Championship. His notable accomplishments across intense tournaments and cash games have made him an eminent personality.

Achievements

Despite controversy related to allegations of involvement in a poker cheating scandal, Kenney's achievements and wealth are well-recognized in the poker community. With $66,527,926 in total live earnings and a top cash of $20,563,324, Bryn Kenney is currently ranked 1st on the all-time money list.

Justin Bonomo

Justin Bonomo is an accomplished American high-stakes player renowned for outstanding live and online poker performance. He has achieved remarkable tournament outcomes, which have brought him immense riches from high-stakes games. In particular, he claimed a major victory by taking home $10 million at the 2018 Big One for One Drop event.

Achievements

Bonomo's accomplishments include multiple high-stakes tournament victories and 2nd position on the all-time money list. His net worth reflects his success in securing large payouts and his status as one of the top players in poker. He has secured victories in events like the Triton High Roller Series, PokerStars Caribbean Adventure, and Super High Roller Bowls in China and Las Vegas. He is a frequent participant in the ARIA High Roller Events. He ranks 2nd on the all-time money list with $64,114,594 in total live earnings and a highest cash of $10,000,000.

Stephen Chidwick

Stephen Chidwick, from the United Kingdom, is celebrated for his analytical approach and remarkable versatility in poker. His career has included extraordinary achievements in tournament play.

Achievements

Chidwick made headlines with his impressive performance at the 2019 PokerStars Caribbean Adventure, where he secured final table appearances in three high-roller events consecutively. He established his dominance by winning the overall U.S. Poker Open 2019 championship. He has accumulated total tournament winnings of $59,186,554, with his largest single tournament win being $5,368,947 from the Triton Million for Charity. In the past six months alone, he has earned $4,188,232. He stands 3rd on the all-time money list.

Jason Koon

Jason Koon, an American player, began his Poker journey during his college years at West Virginia Wesleyan College. Initially focusing on online poker, Koon transitioned seamlessly into live tournaments, where he quickly made a name for himself. Known for his strong performance in tournaments and high-stakes cash games, Koon has gained widespread respect in poker.

Achievements

With total tournament winnings of $58,018,908, Koon’s most notable victory is the $3,579,836 he won in the Triton Short Deck Ante Only event. He ranks 4th on the all-time money list.

Mikita Badziakouski

Mikita Badziakouski launched his live tournament career in 2010 at 18. He entered the world of live tournaments in 2010. Poker career began with online play under the nickname ‘fish2013’, but he has since gained prominence in live tournaments. He is known for his adaptability and precise decision-making across various poker formats, including No-Limit Hold'em and Pot-Limit Omaha.

Achievements

Badziakouski has total tournament winnings of $55,619,583, including a remarkable win of $7,114,500 from the Big One for One Drop. He has also earned $4,761,967 recently, showcasing his exceptional skills and continued success in high-stakes poker games. He is positioned fifth on the all-time money list.

Dan Smith

Dan Smith, an American poker player, began his career in his teenage years and quickly made a name for himself in live tournaments. Smith’s breakthrough came in 2012 when he won the EPT Barcelona Super High Roller. He has achieved several notable titles in his poker career, including a World Poker Tour championship, a World Series of Poker bracelet, and a victory at the Aussie Millions.

Achievements

Smith’s career highlights include tournament winnings of $55,080,565 and a notable victory of $8,765,628 from the Triton Million for Charity. He is currently 6th on the all-time money list.

Daniel Negreanu

Daniel Negreanu, known as ‘Kid Poker,’ is a Canadian poker superstar with decades of experience. Negreanu is recognized for his exceptional skills in tournaments and cash games. He has six WSOP bracelets and is known for his deep understanding of the game and masterful decision-making.

Achievements

Negreanu's accomplishments include tournament victories and consistent success across various poker formats. His net worth is boosted by sponsorships, media appearances, and his role as an ambassador for GGPoker. He has total live earnings of $53,898,810 and a best live cash of $8,288,001, which places him 7th on the all-time money list.

Isaac Haxton

While studying at Brown University, Isaac Haxton discovered his talent for the game. Known for his analytical approach and deep understanding of game theory, Haxton quickly gained recognition in the Poker world.  He has participated in major tournament series such as the World Poker Tour, Poker Masters, Super High Roller Bowl, and the World Series of Poker.

In 2023, Haxton claimed his first WSOP bracelet by winning the $25,000 High Roller No-Limit Hold'em 8-Handed event. His versatility across various poker formats, including No-Limit Hold'em and Pot-Limit Omaha, has been a key factor in his success.

Achievements

Haxton’s total tournament winnings amount to $49,139,984, with his largest win being $3,672,000 from the Super High Roller Bowl V. Although no recent earnings are reported, his career remains distinguished by his contributions and expertise in poker. On the all-time money list, Haxton holds the 8th position.

Adrian Mateos

Adrian Mateos is a Spanish player known for his aggressive play. At 19, he won the 2013 World Series of Poker Europe Main Event, earning €1,000,000. By 22, he had already become the youngest player to win three WSOP bracelets. His fourth came with a win in the 2021 $250,000 No Limit Hold'em—Super High Roller, which earned him $3,265,362. His style of play and strategic insights have set him apart in the competitive poker landscape.

Achievements

Mateos has demonstrated his skill across various poker formats throughout his career, earning numerous prestigious titles and cashes.  He has accumulated total tournament winnings of $48,736,108, with a notable victory of $3,292,000 from the Triton Poker Super High Roller. His impressive performance in recent months, earning $9,410,275, highlights his exceptional form and success in high-stakes poker tournaments. He is ranked 9th on the all-time money list.

Erik Seidel

Erik Seidel, an American poker legend, transitioned from a successful career in the stock market to poker in the 1980s. His impressive poker resume features ten World Series of Poker bracelets and a World Poker Tour title. His long-standing success has cemented his status as one of the game’s all-time greats.

Achievements

Seidel boasts total tournament winnings of $46,728,922, with his largest win of $2,472,555 from the Aussie Millions Super High Roller. He is ranked 10th on the all-time money list.

Tony G

Antanas Guoga, commonly called Tony G, is a Lithuanian-Australian player renowned for his audacious cash game strategies and captivating persona. His accomplishments encompass triumphs from tournaments and those earned in high-stakes cash games. In addition to being an accomplished professional player, he is actively involved in business ventures and political affairs.

Achievements

Guoga has earned huge amounts from high-stakes games and is known for his philanthropic efforts. His role as the CEO of Cyberpunk Holdings and his tenure as a Member of the European Parliament added to his diverse career. His business and political achievements complement Guoga's wealth and accomplishments in poker. As of 2023, his total live tournament winnings exceed $11,200,000. His 20 cashes at the WSOP account for $1,886,714 of those winnings. He holds the 124th spot on the all-time money list.

Santhosh Suvarna

Santhosh Suvarna, one of the richest Indian poker players, resides in Bangalore. Initially making a name for himself with local tournament successes, Suvarna has become a prominent figure in high-stakes poker on the global stage since 2022.

Achievements

Suvarna’s career highlights include winning the $25,000 GG Super Million Live in Cyprus in May 2023, which earned him $700,000. His largest cash came from a third-place finish in the $132,500 Triton Main Event in Monte Carlo, securing $1.8 million. Suvarna also won his first WSOP bracelet in November 2023 and added a European Poker Tour title in February 2024. 

In early 2022, Suvarna and Vikram Kumar co-founded the Cadillac Casino at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Goa. He has earned $13,717,444 in live poker and currently ranks 88th on the all-time money list.

Frequently Asked Questions

What poker player has won the most money?

Bryn Kenney reigns as the all-time leader in live poker tournament winnings. As of 2024, Kenney is at the top of the Hendon Mob All-Time Money List, with live tournament winnings totalling over $65,000,000.

Who is the greatest poker player of all time?

Phil Ivey has earned a reputation as the ultimate poker player. His exceptional expertise in diverse forms of poker is undeniable. He has an impressive 10 World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets to his name and victories across tournaments and cash games.

How much money has Daniel Negreanu won playing poker?

Daniel Negreanu, one of the most successful and well-known poker players, has earned over $53 million in live tournament earnings as of 2024. His impressive career includes multiple World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets and World Poker Tour (WPT) titles.

Has anyone become rich from poker?

Poker has made numerous players wealthy, with Bryn Kenney, Phil Ivey and Daniel Negreanu being notable successes. These individuals have accumulated substantial wealth through various means, such as tournament triumphs, cash games, and endorsements. Poker provides ample opportunities for earnings for players who implement focus, patience, and strategy in the game.

Conclusion

These exceptional players have achieved remarkable success throughout their poker careers and beyond. Their wealth is the product of strategic play, skilful decision-making in business ventures, and consistently leveraging opportunities on or off the table. Being a successful player takes top-notch talent and relentless entrepreneurship to turn any situation into an advantageous outcome.