Poker is a card game like no other – it takes luck, skill, strategy and risk. There are nuances to be learned like the infamous poker face and even if you have the best hand you might still lose.
Like the old saying goes – you’ve got to think big to win big. How you pick yourself back up after a big loss is how you differentiate yourself from others.
There are some players who have made not only a living, but a fortune from poker and here are some of the best.
Phil Ivey – $100 Million
Phil Ivey is one of the richest in the industry and has made $19.5 million in live tournaments. Of course this makes him one of the highest earners in the world of poker.
He was taught to play by his grandfather when he was young and has proven to be a genius in the poker industry. In fact, he was won the World Series of Poker ten times – no easy feat.
Not only that, he was also Poker Player of the year in both 2005 and 2006. He’s achieved a lot for being just 42-years-old.
Chris Ferguson – $80 Million
When it comes to Chris Ferguson, he’s done it all. Although he’s a celebrated poker player, he was caught up in the Black Friday indictments that changed the world of online poker in 2001.
This aside, he has considerable earnings with over $6.5 million earned at poker tournaments. He also won six World Series of Poker bracelets over the years, proving his skill.
Despite retiring, the 58-year-old pro is back and as good as ever, continuing to win on the poker circuit.
Doyle Brunson – $75 Million
With over 50 years of experience, Doyle Brunson is an undoubtable legend in the world of poker. His winnings may be lower than some of the new players who benefitted from higher prize pools, but he is just as good.
He was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 1988 and has won ten World Series of Poker tournaments. Brunson is so iconic that he has poker hands named after him.
When this icon stepped down in 2018, he received a standing ovation and the respect of many.
Daniel Negreanu – $50 Million
Daniel Negreanu started young and was so involved in the poker scene that he even has the nickname Kid Poker. He was just 21 when he played his first professional game, but he has a seriously mature list of earnings.
He’s won over $17 million in tournaments and is featured on film and television as he’s such a fan favorite. He is only 44, yet he is still very active in the poker world, so his earnings are set to increase considerably.