Our list of the richest poker players didn’t just happen overnight – it took them a lot of hard work, effort, and poker knowledge to come out on top. Even more so, they had to deal with big buy-ins, high-stakes tournaments, and, most importantly, high-pressure playing environments. So, let’s see who the most successful poker players are that rank high on our list and what they’ve done to get there.
List of the Top 10 Richest Poker Players
Bryn Kenny – All-time money list leader
Stephen Chidwick – UK’s top poker player, 2 WSOP bracelets
Jason Koon – Calm player with $66m+ in earnings
Justin Bonomo – $65m+ career earnings and 3 WSOP bracelets
Mikita Badziakoushki – Belarus methodical high-roller player
Dan Smith – Skillful playing style and consistent winner
Daniel Negreanu – Canadian player with 8 WSOP bracelets
Adrian Mateos – Spanish player & 5-time WSOP bracelet winner
Isaac Haxton – Strategic player with 1 WSOP bracelet
Phil Ivey – Poker legend with 11 World Series of Poker bracelets
Top 10 Richest Poker Players Researched and Reviewed
Want to know who to aspire to in becoming the richest poker player in the world? Here are the 10 richest professional poker players around the globe:
First Tournament: €10,250 Master Classics of Poker High Roller 2013
Biggest Cash: $20,563,324
Bryn Kenny Net Worth: Estimated at around $100 million
When talking about the richest poker players’ net worth, one can’t fail to mention Bryn Kenney.
A US native, Kenney has made his mark in the world of pro poker with his strategic prowess and deep understanding of the game. His aggressive playing style got him his only WSOP bracelet in 2014 in a $1,500 10-Game Mix Six Handed event.
Kenney is known for often putting pressure on his fellow opponents, especially with large bets and bluffs. Bryn Kenney’s net worth is estimated at close to $100 million according to various sources. His largest payout was in 2009, having won $20.6 million at the Triton Million for Charity event in London.
Like most players, he enjoys Texas Hold’em the most, which he further emphasized by saying, “I’ll bet on myself anytime,” showcasing his adaptability and focus.
Bryn Kenney Poker Strategy – The Big Bluff
Watch the master as he pulls off one of the best bluffs of his poker career with a pair of pocket Kings to beat aces and sevens held by Alex Klimashin.
2. Stephen Chidwick – $68,073,696
Career Tournament Earnings: $68,073,696
Social Media Channel/s: N/A
Social Media Followers: N/A
Poker Sponsor: Global Poker
First Tournament: $1,000 No-Limit Hold’em 2008
Biggest Cash: $5,368,947
Stephen Chidwick Net Worth: Estimated at more than $70 million
As one of the few millionaire UK professional poker players, Chidwick has proven to be more than just a Bovada online player. His all-time poker winnings exceed $68 million, which he credits to his early success playing online poker.
He now has two WSOP bracelets under his belt, having followed his success in 2019 by finishing second in 2025. He’s known for participating in predominantly high-stakes tournaments, many of which end at the final table. Chidwick is known to adapt his game style to his opponents, earning him the reputation of one of the most versatile players.
His style of play is more relevant to Pot Limit Omaha, which is also his favorite game. He has had enormous success with high-limit games, having won $1.6m at the Pot-Limit Omaha High Roller event, but plays for the fun and love of the game – “I love playing poker. I don’t feel like what I’m doing is work. I’m still excited to do it every single day.”
Stephen Chidwick Poker Strategy – His Top 5 Power Plays
As an adaptable and strategic player, Chidwick is exceptional at gaining an advantage over his opponents. He’s also ruthless when capitalizing on his advantage, as you can see from some of his best-known power plays below:
First Tournament: L.A. Poker Classic $50,000 Turbo High Roller 2014
Biggest Cash: $3,579,836
Jason Koon Net Worth: Estimated at over $70 million
From college poker days and online poker, to live events and over $58 million in tournament winnings. Jason Koon’s name came to prominence by winning the Triton Super High Roller Series in Montenegro in 2018, and three years later, he won his first WSOP bracelet.
The last six months of his career have been particularly fruitful, as he has banked more than $6,906,404 in earnings during this time and moved into third in the all-time money list.
Undoubtedly among the great poker players, he’s known for his analytical playing style and professionalism, which earned him respect from fellow pro players. “I would advise spending less money, to invest in the bankroll, to work harder and take occasional shots,” says Koon, a strategy that has seen him further establishing his consistent success in high-stakes tournaments.
Jason Koon’s Poker Strategy – Pocket Ace Master
Share the Pocket Aces tension with Jason Koon and learn how reading your opponents can lead to a successful sweep.
Justin Bonomo Net Worth: Estimated at more than $80 million
Bonomo is one of those rare pro players who started his journey playing online poker and then moved on to live events. His favorite game is No Limit Texas Hold’em, which also brought him the most attention.
As one of the richest poker players, his net worth is estimated at over $80 million, with his most significant win being at the Big One for One Drop at the World Series of Poker, where he won $10m. In a single year (2018), he accumulated $25m in live tournament winnings. That’s when he said: “Over my poker career, I’ve studied every single way that I could to win,” emphasizing his analytical approach to the game.
Bonomo has three WSOP bracelets under his belt, adding to his countless wins in high-stakes events. He’s known for his highly strategic gameplay and is quite influential on social media and other media outlets. However, he hasn’t added to his WSOP bracelet haul since 2023, while a relative slump in his recent earnings has seen him fall from second to fourth on the all-time money list.
Justin Bonomo Poker Strategy – How To Win the Big Pots
Witness Justin Bonomo’s masterful performance as he partakes in a high-stakes heads-up duel against formidable opponents.
5. Mikita Badziakouski – $63,064,844
Career Tournament Earnings: $63,064,844
Social Media Channel/s: N/A
Social Media Followers: N/A
Poker Sponsor: N/A (formerly PartyPoker)
First Tournament: $50,000 Shot Clock 2017
Biggest Cash: $7,114,500
Mikita Badziakouski Net Worth: Estimated at more than $70 million
A younger pro poker player with excellent promise, Badziakouski, has already made a name for himself at both online and live events. He says, “Since I was a kid, my biggest passions were intellectual rivalry and gambling,” which is reflected in his manner of playing.
His total earnings now exceed $63 million, while a good chunk of that comes from his first WSOP bracelet win in 2021 – $1,462,043. Three years earlier, he won his biggest prize pool at the World Poker Tour (WPT) Big One for One Drop for over $7.1 million.
While this Belarusian player started with mid-stakes tours, he now sticks to high-roller tournaments where he can demonstrate his prowess and competitiveness, making him one of the highest-earning poker players for a reason.
Mikita Badziakouski Poker Strategy – The 7 Million Dollar Man
See how Mikita Badziakouski dominates the World Poker Tour table against some of the top professionals and takes the final prize.
First Tournament: Barcelona €50,000 Super High Roller 2012
Biggest Cash: $8,765,628
Dan Smith Net Worth: Estimated at over $65 million
From teen poker to live tournaments, Dan Smith’s net worth is now over $65 million. His first major win was in 2012, when he won the €50,000 No-Limit Hold’em Super High Roller event at the EPT Monte Carlo, earning a total of $1.3m.
Aside from being a regular at the final table, he won a WSOP bracelet at the $25,000 Heads-Up No-Limit Hold’em Championship in 2022. He’s known to adapt his gameplay and strategies to exploit his opponent’s weaknesses, which has also made him one of the highest-earning poker players in the history of the game.
He says, “Poker is very forgiving.”, alluding to his composed approach and gameplay precision. Still aged just 36, the American will hope to add to his single WSOP bracelet in the future.
Dan Smith Poker Strategy – Dominating During his Debut Win
Dan Smith’s first tournament was in the €50,000 Super High Roller event in 2012. See below as he dominates the table, combining adaptability and good timing with the crucial element of luck!
First Tournament: $2,000 Pot-Limit Hold’em Event 1998
Biggest Cash: $8,288,001
Daniel Negreanu Net Worth: Estimated at more than $120 million
When you are one of the best tournament poker players, it’s no wonder you are also going to be counted among the highest net-worth poker players. Daniel Negreanu’s career earnings exceed $56 million thanks to his consistency in high-roller tournaments. He’s famous for his “small ball” strategy and psychological insight, which almost allows him to read his opponents’ minds.
Such an approach has won him a series of poker bracelets, including eight WSOP bracelets and two WPT titles, with his best live cash sweep being a staggering $8,288,001. He’s undoubtedly one of the most legendary poker players of all time.
The Canadian is also quite vocal on social media, providing insight into different poker plays and allowing him to be loved by both fans and fellow players. He noted that “Tournament play demands patience to survive and win,” which you can see in his playing style in any game.
Daniel Negreanu Poker Strategy – Poker Psychology
Few players can match Negreanu’s skill and longevity. So, let’s take a look at some of the best moments and plays that have defined a truly incredible professional career:
First Tournament: World Series of Poker Europe Main Event 2019
Biggest Cash: $3,292,000
Adrian Mateos Net Worth: Estimated at close to $60 million
Mateos had made a significant mark on the poker world by the age of 19, thanks to his aggressive and fearless playing style. This Spaniard has managed to accumulate more than $53 million in earnings in barely 10 years.
His largest cash prize of $3,292,000 is just the tip of the iceberg of his career, as he’s very consistent at high-roller tournaments. His composed demeanor and willingness to take risks have secured him five WSOP bracelets.
Although some people compare them to robots, Mateos has to say, “…that we’re not robots, just really good.” This confirms why Mateos is on this list of the greatest poker players of all time.
Adrian Mateos Poker Strategy – His Famous Hand Against Alex Foxen
Mateos showcased all of his composure and measured risk-taking during the 2023 PokerGO Cup in Las Vegas. Below, you can watch his legendary and thrilling hand against Alex Foxen, resulting in some genuinely incredible river action!
First Tournament: $10,000 Short Deck Poker Masters 2018
Biggest Cash: $3,672,000
Isaac Haxton Net Worth: Estimated at over $55 million
This New York native has been playing poker since college, easily transitioning from online games to live tournaments. His biggest cash prize is $3,672,000, which, although not among the highest poker winnings ever, is still to be admired.
His total earnings have reached upwards of $53m, solidifying his position as one of the richest poker players in the world.
A deep understanding of poker theory, precise moves, and professionalism are staples of his career. Such playing style earned him a WSOP bracelet in 2023 and has seen him reserve a seat on many final tables. He’s a true No-Limit Hold ‘Em specialist.
Issac Haxton’s Poker Strategy – APT Super High Roller Winner
Dive into a serious heads-up between Haxton and his admirable opponent Lin as they go for the $25k pot and a silver lion APT statue.
Eric Seidel Net Worth: Estimated at over $100 million
Phil Ivey may be the most legendary poker name on this list. He has won an incredible 11 WSOP bracelets and banked $51,306,484 in live career earnings, while a successful first half of 2025 has seen him move back into 10th on the all-time money list.
Ivey is regarded by many fans and pundits as the best all-around player of all time. He was elected to the Poker Hall of Fame in 2017, while he is commonly referred to as the ‘Tiger Woods’ of poker.
Phil’s game relies heavily on strategy and understanding betting tactics. He understands the ideal bet size for any situation, whether he wants to force an opponent to fold or engage in a ruthless power play. This approach has served him incredibly well throughout the years.
Phil Ivey Poker Strategy – Exploring his Highlight Reel of a Career
Given Phil Ivey’s career, it’s hard to capture all of his successes in a single video. Below, you’ll see a 20+ minute compilation of his greatest poker moments, including some of his WSOP triumphs.
Who is the Richest Poker Player in the World?
Currently, Bryn Kenney remains the richest poker player in the world, with an incredible $77,359,286 in live earnings. He continues to lead the all-time money list, while he has now compiled a net worth above $100 million. Here’s a breakdown of some of his milestone successes:
First seven-figure score: $1,687,800
Highest live cash win: $20,563,324
Second biggest win: $6,860,000
It’s no wonder Kenney has remained at the top of the list since August 2023, when he grabbed his second-highest win ever at the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series in London. Without a doubt, one of the most popular and successful poker players on the planet.
Which Rich Poker Players Have Won a WSOP Bracelet?
Find out which rich poker players also have WSOP bracelets under their belt, and the best performers at the World Series of Poker.
Top 5 By All Time Earnings
Daniel Negreanu – $23,255,888
Antonio Esfandiari – $21,917,218
Phil Hellmuth – $18,391,329
Justin Bonomo – $17,484,075
Dan Colman – $17,413,655
Top 5 by All Time Cashes
Daniel Negreanu – 275
Roland Israelashvili – 252
Yueqi Zhu – 236
Ben Yu – 232
Arkadiy Tsinis – 222
Top 5 All Time by Bracelets
Phil Hellmuth – 17
Phil Ivey – 11
Erik Seidel – 10
Johnny Chan – 10
Doyle Brunson – 10
Top 5 Women Players by All Time Earnings
Liv Boeree – $3,213,124
Maria Ho – $2,327,005
Vanessa Selbst – $2,201,322
Annette Obrestad – $2,180,458
Kristen Foxen – $2,168,081
Top 5 Women Players by All Time Cashes
Kathy Liebert – 129
Maria Ho – 104
JJ Liu – 95
Jamie Kerstetter – 83
Kristen Foxen – 82
Top 5 Women Players by All Time Bracelets
Kristen Foxen – 5
Nani Dollison – 3
Barbara Enright – 3
Vanessa Selbst – 3
Susie Isaacs – 2
Conclusion
Turning a fun and compelling game like poker into a professional career takes a lot of time, patience, and knowledge. With tens of millions in their pockets, some of the highest-paid poker players who stream poker play live have proven it’s worth the effort.
So, what are you waiting for? Follow Tony G’s CoinPoker site and learn from the best – see how one of the most popular poker cash players can help turn your dreams of becoming one of the world’s best poker players into reality.
Responsible Gambling
Remember that playing poker should be a fun activity, so adhere to responsible gambling policies while doing so. If you find yourself in trouble, make sure to reach out to problem gambling organizations, like:
At what age do I need to be to play against the richest poker players at the WSOP?
You need to be at least 21 years old to compete against the richest poker players at the WSOP.
What is a shootout event, and what is the format of play?
A shootout event collects winners from each separate table and gathers them on the next one, and so on until there’s only one winner. It’s popular among single-table sit-n-go players.
How many players get paid out in the World Series of Poker main event?
It depends on the number of entries, but typically from 1,300 upwards.
What is the richest tournament pot ever won at a major poker event?
Antonio Esfandiari won $18.35 million at WSOP Big One for One Drop in 2012.
Who is Doyle Brunson in the poker world?
Doyle Brunson is a former professional poker player with 60+ years of experience, two WSOP titles, and a Poker Hall of Fame inductee.
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Djordje is your go-to guru in the iGaming world. He’s an English language major with over six years of digging deep into casino news and sports betting secrets. Djordje has a unique talent for uncovering the juicy details that other writers might miss, making his insights invaluable. When he's not unveiling the latest industry scoops, you might find him playing Hold’em with his friends on a Saturday night.
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