Poker pros are highly skilled, strategic, and astute players who have turned the complex game of poker into a lucrative career. They excel in various forms of the game, from Texas Hold’em to Omaha, and participate in high-stakes tournaments and cash games worldwide. 

There is a lot of money to be made playing poker. Many of the game’s best players have climbed the ladder and earned millions both virtually and in live poker tournaments. Ranking the greatest poker players of all time is no easy task, and the list can get lengthy as there are many great players. The top 15 poker players ranked by earnings are listed below.

NOTE: All $ figures below are based on June 30, 2024. Since then, these numbers may have increased or decreased. Check here for a full list of rankings (600,000+ players).

 

1. Bryn Kenney (USA): $66.4 million

Bryn Kenney, born in 1986 in Long Beach, New York, is an American professional poker player known for his remarkable skills and significant winnings. He first gained attention in the poker community in 2007 and quickly ascended the ranks of the game. Kenney has a knack for high-stakes tournaments and is especially proficient in Texas Hold’em. His notable achievements include winning a bracelet at the 2014 World Series of Poker in the $1,500 10-Game Mix Six Handed event. Bryn tops the all-time money list!

 

2. Justin Bonomo (USA): $64 million

Justin Bonomo is an exceptionally skilled professional poker player, known for his analytical approach and remarkable success in high-stakes tournaments. Born on September 30, 1985, in Fairfax, Virginia, Bonomo has made a significant impact on the poker world. He rose to prominence after winning multiple World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets and achieving numerous final tables. Notably, Bonomo’s biggest accomplishment came in 2018 when he won the $1 million Big One for One Drop, securing a massive $10 million prize. His achievements have placed him among the top earners in poker.

 

3. Stephen Chidwick (England): $59 million

Stephen Chidwick, born in 1989 in Deal, Kent, is a highly regarded British professional poker player known for his exceptional skills and strategic acumen at the poker table. Chidwick began his career in online poker before transitioning to live tournaments, where he has consistently demonstrated his prowess. Renowned for his versatility and deep understanding of various poker formats, he has accumulated numerous prestigious titles and substantial earnings. His notable achievements include winning events at the World Series of Poker and making deep runs in high-roller tournaments around the globe. Chidwick’s analytical approach and calm demeanor under pressure have solidified his reputation as one of the top players in the competitive poker circuit.

 

4. Jason Koon (USA): $58 million

Jason Koon is an accomplished American professional poker player known for his remarkable skills and impressive tournament results. Born in 1985 in West Virginia, Koon has made a significant mark in high-stakes poker tournaments around the world. With a background in track and field, he brings a competitive edge and discipline to the poker table. Koon’s notable achievements include multiple high roller event victories and final table appearances at prestigious events like the World Series of Poker and Triton Poker Series. His strategic acumen and mental toughness make him a formidable opponent in any poker setting.

 

5. Mikita Badziakouski (Belarus): $55.2 million

Mikita Badziakouski is a prominent Belarusian professional poker player, known for his strategic acumen and quiet intensity at the poker tables. Born in 1993, Badziakouski has become a force in high-stakes tournament poker, amassing numerous titles and hefty winnings. He has particularly excelled in super high roller events, consistently facing off against some of the best players in the world. His poker resume features multiple multi-million dollar cashes, contributing to his reputation as one of the most successful poker pros of his generation. Badziakouski’s approach to the game blends deep mathematical understanding with a keen psychological insight, making him a formidable opponent in any setting.

 

6. Dan Smith (USA): $54.9 million

Dan Smith is an acclaimed professional poker player, widely respected for his impressive skills and consistent performance in high-stakes tournaments. With a career that began in 2007, Smith has accumulated numerous titles and significant earnings, making him one of the top players in the poker world. Known for his analytical approach and calm demeanor at the table, Smith’s game strategy is both aggressive and thoughtful, allowing him to excel in various poker formats. His philanthropic efforts, notably the Double Up Drive, highlight his commitment to giving back, using his poker success to support various charitable causes. Dan Smith’s influence extends beyond the table, making him a prominent figure in the poker community.

 

7. Daniel Negreanu (Canada): $53.8 million

Daniel Negreanu, a Canadian professional poker player of Romanian descent, is one of the most recognizable faces in the world of poker. Born in 1974, Negreanu moved to Las Vegas to pursue his poker career and quickly made a name for himself with his exceptional reading abilities and engaging personality. Known as “Kid Poker,” Negreanu has won six World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets and two World Poker Tour (WPT) championships, amassing millions in earnings. He is renowned for his intuitive play and his ability to read opponents, skills that have made him a formidable and respected figure in the poker community.

 

8. Isaac Haxton (USA): $49 million

Isaac Haxton, a renowned American professional poker player, has made significant marks in the world of high-stakes poker. Born in 1985 in New York, Haxton’s journey in poker began during his time at Brown University, quickly evolving from an online phenomenon to a respected live tournament player. Known for his analytical approach and unshakeable demeanor, Haxton has accumulated impressive earnings, including substantial wins in tournaments like the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure. His skills extend beyond Texas Hold’em to various mixed games, where he also excels. Haxton’s influence in poker is further evidenced by his role as an ambassador for major online poker platforms.

 

9. Adrian Mateos (Spain): $48.3 million

Adrián Mateos is a prominent Spanish professional poker player known for his remarkable achievements in the poker world. Born on July 1, 1994, Mateos quickly rose to fame in the poker community, earning his first major victory at the 2013 World Series of Poker Europe Main Event at just 19 years old. His aggressive playing style and keen strategic mind have earned him multiple titles and a reputation as one of the most talented young players in the game.

 

10. Erik Seidel (USA): $46.4 million

Erik Seidel is an iconic figure in the world of professional poker, renowned for his calm demeanor and strategic finesse. Born in New York City in 1959, Seidel started his career as a backgammon player before transitioning to the stock market and eventually poker. He rose to prominence with his second-place finish in the 1988 World Series of Poker Main Event. Seidel has won eight WSOP bracelets and a World Poker Tour title, showcasing his prowess across different poker variants. His consistent performances and analytical approach have made him a respected figure and a mentor to many aspiring poker players. To this day, Seidel remains a formidable force in the poker community.

 

11. Phil Ivey (USA): $46 million

Phil Ivey, often regarded as one of the greatest and most iconic poker players of all time, has earned a reputation for his exceptional skill and intense focus at the poker table. Born in 1976 in Riverside, California, Ivey moved to Roselle, New Jersey, where he began his poker career. Known for his prowess in various forms of the game, he has won ten World Series of Poker bracelets and one World Poker Tour title. Ivey’s aggressive style and ability to read opponents make him a formidable competitor. Beyond the felt, he’s involved in various business ventures and philanthropic efforts, further solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the poker world.

 

12. David Peters (USA): $45.8 million

David Peters is a highly respected professional poker player known for his impressive skills and strategic gameplay. Since bursting onto the poker scene, Peters has earned a reputation for his calm demeanor and analytical approach at the tables. He has accumulated multiple prestigious titles, including a coveted World Series of Poker bracelet. Peters’ adaptability across different poker formats and stakes has solidified his status as one of the game’s top competitors. His consistency in high-stakes tournaments around the world has resulted in a formidable presence in global poker rankings. Peters’ success is underscored by his disciplined bankroll management and meticulous study of the game.

 

13. Steve O’Dwyer (Germany): $43.7 million

Steve O’Dwyer is a renowned professional poker player known for his impressive achievements in high-stakes tournaments. Born on April 6, 1982, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, O’Dwyer has built a stellar reputation in the poker world with multiple titles and significant cash winnings. His career highlights include victories in prestigious events such as the European Poker Tour (EPT), the Asia-Pacific Poker Tour (APPT), and the World Poker Tour (WPT). O’Dwyer’s calm demeanor, strategic brilliance, and consistent performance have made him a formidable force at the poker table and a spot among the top earners in the game.

 

14. Fedor Holz (Germany): $41.7 million

Fedor Holz, born in 1993 in Germany, is one of the most successful poker players of his generation. Known for his exceptional analytical skills and calm demeanor, Holz has made a significant impact on the poker world. He rose to prominence in 2016 after securing several high-profile tournament wins, including a victory at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) where he earned his first bracelet. Holz is ranked among the top earners in poker history. Despite his young age, he has demonstrated a strategic mastery of the game, earning respect and admiration from peers and fans alike. Holz also emphasizes the importance of mindset and mental health in achieving poker success.

 

15. Cary Katz (USA): $40.2 million

Cary Katz is a prominent figure in the professional poker world, renowned not only for his impressive earnings but also for his significant contributions to the poker community. As a high-stakes player, Katz has accumulated millions in tournament winnings, frequently competing in prestigious events and showcasing his strategic prowess. Beyond the felt, he is the founder of Poker Central, a media company dedicated to promoting the game and bringing poker content to a broader audience. Katz’s dual role as a successful player and influential entrepreneur has cemented his status as a key player in the evolution of modern poker.