Top Five Professional Poker Players Of All Time

Poker is one of the most popular card games in existence and thousands of people across the world play the game on a daily basis. Whether you're a high roller or play for small stakes, the excitement of poker appeals to everybody and its relatively straightforward rules mean that both the poker novice and aficionado can both enjoy a game. Professional poker is also on the rise and there are now more pro tournaments than ever before. We look at five of the greatest poker stars of all time.

Antonio Esfandiari

'The Magician' has won over $25 million throughout his professional poker career and is widely regarded as one of the best players on the planet at the present moment. Esfandiari is predominantly known for his favoured game, Texas Hold 'Em, but plays a variety of poker-themed games - including a variety of poker casino games which are also available to play online. Esfandiari will go down as one of the all-time great players and, at just 37 years old, he could further enhance his legacy in the game.

Daniel Negreanu

Negreanu lives in the poker capital of the world, Las Vegas, and is arguably the greatest player to grace the table. "Kid Poker" has won 36 major poker tournaments in his career, a record that stands him as one of the top stars in the game. Every year, he seems to have at least one huge victory and has earned over $30 million with his expertise in poker. Negreanu is a household name in the world of poker and will continue to enjoy plenty of success until he retires from the game.

Phil Ivey

Phil Ivey has been in the press for various reasons over the last few years but his poker exploits have perhaps been the main reason for his increase in the public eye. "The Tiger Woods of Golf" made his claim to fame after winning three World Poker Tour events before the age of 23, as well as being the man to beat Andy Beal - the mathematician who became famous after challenging the big names of poker - for a $16 million gain. He has been ranked as the number one player in the world for many years and beginners could learn a lot from Ivey simply by studying his actions and mannerisms at the table.

Chip Reese

Chip Reese died in 2007 but he will forever be known as one of the godfathers of poker. While the game had been around for many years before Reese came to prominence, his impact on the game truly helped to put it on the map. He was one of the most liked poker players but also played other games, including blackjack. In fact, many people try to emulate Reese's personality and skill when they play poker - whether that be at online casinos or in land-based establishments. Poker stars often refer to Reese as one of their main inspirations and the public should also take inspiration from the great man.

Doyle Brunson

Yet another veteran of the game, Doyle Brunson was a phenomenal player in his heyday and played for over 50 years - an incredible achievement. "The Texas Dolly" broke a number of records during his days and became the first man to win $1 million solely from poker tournaments. In 2006, he was named the most influential force in poker by Bluff Magazine and had claimed over $6 million in winnings as of 2014. He was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame back in 1998 but remains a key figure in the game of poker across the world.