In recent years, the image of professional poker players has evolved from sinister cheats and gambling addicts to celebrities on par with athletes, rock stars and movie actors. Instead of hiding their skills at the game in smoke-filled back rooms filled with dangerous characters, poker pros now display their talents in high-stakes casino games, worldwide television shows and online poker rooms.
Here is a sampling of some of the greatest players in the history of the game.
Doyle Brunson was one of the pioneers of the game of no-limit Texas hold’em. He brought this form of poker from the back roads of Texas to the heart of Las Vegas along with his longtime friend, casino owner Benny Binion. Brunson was the first man to win two World Series of Poker Main Event tournaments (1976 and 1977). Well into his seventies, Brunson continues to play in high-stakes games against players less than half his age.
Phil Hellmuth holds the distinction of winning the most World Series of Poker bracelets (eleven), all of them in Texas hold’em tournaments, including the 1989 Main Event, when he was the youngest player to ever take down that prestigious title at that time. With his distinctive black sunglasses and black baseball cap, the “Poker Brat” is often known just as much for his volatile temper at the tables as he is for his brilliant play.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Gus “The Great Dane” Hansen is as cool and quiet as Hellmuth is loud and explosive. Hansen made his mark at the same time the World Poker Tour launched into the television stratosphere. Hansen was the first player to win three WPT titles and took down the first Poker Superstars Invitational Tournament, defeating players such as Brunson, Johnny Chan and T.J. Cloutier.
One of the most notable and successful poker pros in recent memory is Phil Ivey. While he doesn’t have a catchy nickname or an aggressive personality, his playing style has captured the imagination of poker fans around the world. Ivey has earned seven WSOP bracelets, made his first WSOP Main Event final table in 2009, and has made more than US$9 million in online poker winnings since 2007.