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 significant 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 richest poker players who have gained massive achievements and recognition in the poker world.
Name |
Country |
Net Worth |
---|---|---|
Bryn Kenney |
United States |
$66 Million |
Justin Bonomo |
United States |
$64 Million |
Stephen Chidwick |
United Kingdom |
$59.2 Million |
Jason Koon |
United States |
$58 Million |
Mikita Badziakouski |
Belarus |
$55.6 Million |
Dan Smith |
United States |
$55 Million |
Daniel Negreanu |
Canada |
53.9 Million |
Adrian Mateos |
Spain |
$41.7 million |
Isaac Haxton |
United States |
$49 Million |
Fedor Holz |
Germany |
$32.5 Million |
Phil Ivey |
Canada |
$125 Million |
Erik Seidel |
United States |
$46.7 Million |
David Peters |
United States |
$40 Million |
Patrik Antonius |
Finland |
$30 Million |
Tony G |
Lithuania |
$36 Million |
Chris Ferguson |
United States |
$80 Million |
Doyle Brunson |
United States |
$75 Million |
Sam Farha |
Lebanon (US) |
$100 Million |
Dan Bilzerian |
United States |
$200 Million |
Santhosh Suvarna |
India |
$7 Million |
Bryn Kenney – Net Worth $66 Million
Bryn Kenney is a skilled American player renowned for his exceptional achievements in high-stakes competitions. 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 $73,041,916 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 – Net Worth $64 Million
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 $65,611,094 in total live earnings and a highest cash of $10,000,000.
Stephen Chidwick – Net Worth $59.2 Million
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 $63,374,235, 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 – Net Worth $58 Million
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 $59,175,977, 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 – Net Worth $55.6 Million
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 $58,745,584, 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 – Net Worth $55 Million
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 $57,323,567 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 - Net Worth $53.9 Million
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 $54,456,895 and a best live cash of $8,288,001, which places him 7th on the all-time money list.
Adrian Mateos - Net Worth $41.7 million
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 $52,435,051, 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 8th on the all-time money list.
Isaac Haxton - Net Worth $49 Million
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 prominent 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 $50,589,312, 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.
Fedor Holz - Net Worth $32.5 Million
Fedor Holz is a German poker player known for competing in high-roller tournaments. In September 2014, he won the World Championship of Online Poker, winning $1.3 million. He achieved another big win at the Triton Super High Roller tournament in January 2016, earning $3,463,500.
The same year, in July 2016, he secured his first bracelet at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in the $111,111 High Roller For One Drop, winning $4,981,775. In 2020, Fedor won another WSOP bracelet in the $25,000 No Limit Hold’em - Heads Up event winning $1,077,250.
Achievements
In 2018, Fedor earned his career’s biggest live cash earnings of $6,000,000 at the $1,000,000 buy-in No Limit Texas Hold'em: The Big One for One Drop poker tournament. He is at the top of the German all-time money list, with total live earnings amounting to $47,794,698.
Phil Ivey – Net Worth $125 Million
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. Ivey holds 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 $47,350,491 in total live earnings and a top cash of $3,582,753.
Erik Seidel - Net Worth $46.7 Million
Erik Seidel, an American poker legend, transitioned from a successful career in the stock market to poker in the 1980s. His impressive poker career 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 $47,129,027, 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.
David Peters - Net Worth $40 Million
David Peters is an American poker player who became fascinated with poker after watching Chris Moneymaker win the main event of the World Series of Poker in 2003. He has won four bracelets at the WSOP and has participated in 70 WSOP events and reached the final table 17 times.
Achievements
David bested a World Series of Poker Circuit event, winning $86,908, along with a championship ring. He has accumulated career earnings of over $2,800,000 at the World Poker Tour by playing in nine tournaments, where he reached the final table thrice. He secured second place in the 2016 World Poker Tour (WPT) National - Philippines tournament and won $2,699,752, his biggest live cash win. His total winnings from live poker events are $46,175,494.
Patrik Antonius - Net Worth $30 Million
Patrik Antonius is a Finnish poker player known for his remarkable accomplishments in poker. He won Triton Poker's $25,000 No-Limit Hold'em event and took home $825,000 in September 2022. In April 2024, Patrik made another commendable victory in Monte Carlo by winning €1,967,440 by defeating the player Christoph Vogelsang in €100,000 Super High Roller title at the European Poker Tour (EPT). He won the Triton Poker Series $200,000 No Limit Hold’em Invitational Title in Monte Carlo, bringing in a massive prize of $5,130,000 (his best live cash earnings so far in his poker career) after a heads-up competing against poker player Vladimir Korzinin in November 2024.
Achievements
Antonius Patrick secured 9th place in the 2011 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Europe main event, which featured 8-handed play and had 593 participants, earning him a reward of €90,000. In July 2024, Patrik Antonius was honoured by being inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame. He has total live earnings of $29,694,389 and a best live cash of $5,130,000, which places him 29th on the all-time money list.
Antanas Guoga - Net Worth $36 Million
Antanas Guoga, commonly called Tony G, is a Lithuanian-Australian player renowned for his audacious cash game strategies and captivating persona. His accomplishments include success in tournaments and engaging 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 his wealth and accomplishments in poker. His total live tournament winnings are $11,295,296, and his best cash winnings are $1,389,436. Tony G’s 20 cashes at the WSOP account for $1,886,714 of those winnings.
Chris Ferguson – Net Worth $80 Million
Chris 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 – Net Worth $75 Million
Known as ‘Texas Dolly’, Doyle Brunson is an iconic American poker player whose impressive career has spanned five decades. Among his most famous accomplishments are two consecutive wins at the WSOP Main Event and securing ten bracelets throughout his tenure. He is renowned for his legendary skills in the game and his immense contributions to its evolution over time.
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.
Sam Farha – Net Worth $100 Million
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 significant 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.
Dan Bilzerian – Net Worth $200 Million
Dan Bilzerian is a well-known American poker player and personality famous for his prominent social media presence and high-stakes games. He transformed a $750 investment into over $187,000 through high-stakes cash games. Bilzerian's wealth is attributed to his family's financial legacy and his ventures outside of poker. Bilzerian also backs players by sponsoring their participation in the World Series of Poker. He provided player Jay Farber with a $2,000 sponsorship for the 2013 WSOP main event in return for a 20% share of his tournament earnings. Farber secured second place, winning a cash prize of $5 million.
Achievements
In 2005, Dan Bilzerian emerged as the NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship winner. In a thrilling showdown, he defeated poker professional Phil Laak and claimed the $500,000 prize and championship title belt. His main achievement was finishing 180th out of 6,494 players at the WSOP Main Event in 2008, competing against Phil Ivey and Joe Cada, which remains his most noteworthy performance. He has earned $36,626 in live tournaments.
Santhosh Suvarna - Net Worth $7 Million
Santhosh Suvarna, one of the wealthiest 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. Suvarna 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.
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 biggest cash came from a third-place finish in the $132,500 Triton Main Event in Monte Carlo, securing $1.8 million. He has earned $15,028,526 in live poker.
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
Poker has created many exceptional talents, leading to a group of the richest poker players of all time. All these poker players have incredible skills and come from different backgrounds and experiences that contribute to their wealth. The richest poker players have transformed their passion for the game into significant fortunes, making a name for themselves as legends in the poker community. Their poker journey displays how vital strategy, hard work, and dedication are when succeeding in poker.