Top 10 Professional Poker Players in the World

There are many top poker players who have made themselves standout by way of major tournament wins, cash winnings or longevity in the world of poker.

Professional poker players possess an innate understanding of probability, an excellent risk/reward assessment capability and steel nerves – which makes them a potential threat for anyone playing at high stakes tables.

1. Phil Ivey

Phil Ivey is one of the world’s best-known professional poker players, having won 10 World Series of Poker titles and multiple World Poker Tour titles.

He is also honored with membership into the Poker Hall of Fame.

He is widely known for his expertise in high-stakes tournaments and cash games alike; having amassed over $26,250,000 in live tournament prize money alone including winning the Australian Millions event.

2. Daniel Cates

Daniel “Jungleman” Cates, an American poker player renowned for his skills in heads-up cash games, also holds a distinguished track record in live tournaments.

He has amassed an astounding total winnings of over $11 Million through both online and live poker play, becoming one of the most beloved figures in poker.

3. Johnny Chan

Johnny Chan is an internationally acclaimed Chinese-American professional poker player. He holds 10 WSOP bracelets and was recently inducted into the esteemed Poker Hall of Fame.

At an early age, he began playing poker as a way to both gain extra income and practice his skills. Utilizing the restaurant business owned by his family as a basis for practice sessions and cash accumulation.

He eventually decided to relocate to Las Vegas and start playing poker full-time, which proved a wise move that has helped increase his net worth significantly.

4. Bryn Kenney

Bryn Kenney of New York City is one of the leading high roller players on the circuit and boasts an impressive poker career. As well as winning at WSOP bracelet events, Kenney has also found success on other high stakes tours like European Poker Tour and Triton Poker Super High Roller Series.

Kenney has amassed millions of dollars through cashes over his career and ranks fourth on both the Global Poker Index and Hendon Mob All-Time Money Lists.

5. Justin Bonomo

Justin Bonomo, better known online by his username ZeeJustin, is an esteemed high-stakes poker player. From Magic: The Gathering competitor to World Series of Poker bracelet winner and now one of the top 10 professional poker players worldwide.

He began playing poker online at Full Tilt and PokerStars during his early 20s, winning millions in online tournaments and heads-up play. Soon thereafter he switched over to live circuit events where he has cashed numerous high-stakes tournaments.

6. Daniel Smith

Daniel Smith has been playing professional poker for eight years. Over this period he has managed to accumulate numerous titles and cashes across his career.

He is also an artist and member of Bastille. Born on July 14th 1986 in London, England.

He is passionate about music and spends much of his free time working with young people through his charity, the Daniel Smith Gift of Music Foundation.

7. David Peters

David Peters is one of the greatest poker players of all time, winning four World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets in total and over $40 Million worth of tournament wins live tournaments over his career. Known for his unassuming, low key approach at the tables.

Professional poker player Daniel Golombick began playing both online- and live real money games since 2003, starting off by competing in freerolls before eventually participating in all major events worldwide in 2006. Since then he has won several freerolls while taking part in all major events worldwide.

8. Erik Seidel

Erik Seidel is an accomplished poker pro who has amassed eight World Series of Poker bracelets and one World Poker Tour title in addition to earning over $21.5 million in live tournament cashes throughout his career.

He began playing backgammon at New York’s Mayfair Club before transitioning into poker while trading on Wall Street. Winning several tournaments before turning professional in 1995 was his eventual goal.

9. Daniel Chi Tang

Daniel Chi Tang of Hong Kong has been ranked as Asia’s number two poker player since 2011. Born and raised in England, where he began his poker playing career.

He now resides in Hong Kong but travels extensively for events worldwide, winning several tournaments including one at the WSOP and claiming multiple cashes as cash prizes.