Poker has evolved from smoky backroom games to a global phenomenon attracting millions of players worldwide.
Bryn Kenney and Justin Bonomo, with earnings of over $75 million and $65 million, demonstrate how poker can create millionaires.
This article examines the richest poker players in the world, exploring how they amassed their fortunes through tournament victories, strategic investments, and business ventures beyond the felt.
The article will also discuss why a poker player becomes rich and the key differences between poker and online poker.
Top 10 Richest Poker Players in the World – Quick Snapshot
The following table showcases the current elite of poker based on live tournament earnings and estimated net worth:
| Rank | Name | Estimated Net Worth | Biggest Tournament Win | Playing Poker Since |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryn Kenney | $75+ million | $20.5 million | 2007 |
| 2 | Daniel Negreanu | $70+ million | $8.2 million | 1997 |
| 3 | Justin Bonomo | $65+ million | $10 million | 2005 |
| 4 | Jason Koon | $59+ million | $3.6 million | 2011 |
| 5 | Dan Smith | $57+ million | $8.7 million | 2010 |
| 6 | Adrian Mateos | $52.4+ million | $2.3 million | 2013 |
| 7 | Isaac Haxton | $50.6+ million | $3.7 million | 2005 |
| 8 | Stephen Chidwick | $45+ million | $1.6 million | 2010 |
| 9 | Mikita Badziakouski | $44+ million | $5.3 million | 2014 |
| 10 | Fedor Holz | $40+ million | $6.0 million | 2013 |
Note: Net worth figures are estimates based on available research and subject to change.
The rankings reflect my research and remain subjective given the private nature of poker fortunes.
Now let’s have a look at the detailed description of the above Top 10 Richest Poker Players in the world:
The Top 10 Richest Poker Players in the World – Detailed Analysis
Poker isn’t just a game of luck; it’s a path to immense wealth and global fame for some.
Here are the top 10 richest poker players in the world:
1. Bryn Kenney
The New York native leads poker’s all-time money list with over $75 million in live tournament earnings, becoming the first player to eclipse $70 million.
Known for his mathematical approach and strategic mindset, Kenney’s wealth stems primarily from high-stakes tournaments and wise investments in other players.
His poker legacy includes revolutionizing tournament strategy and maintaining the top through consistent high-roller performances.
Beyond winnings, Kenney operates a successful staking business and founded the poker platform 4Poker.
2. Daniel Negreanu
One of poker’s most recognizable faces, Kid Poker, has earned over $70 million in live tournaments and is ranked seventh on the all-time money list.
His wealth stems from tournament winnings, sponsorship deals, and his role as a poker ambassador, previously with PokerStars and now with GGPoker.
Negreanu’s legacy includes popularizing poker through media appearances and maintaining exceptional longevity in the game.
His business ventures and poker-related investments significantly boost his net worth beyond tournament earnings.
3. Justin Bonomo
This American professional transitioned from Magic: The Gathering to poker during the early boom years, accumulating over $65 million in live tournament cashes, including three World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets.
Bonomo’s wealth is primarily derived from poker, with notable victories including the 2018 Big One for One Drop, worth $25 million.
His analytical approach and consistent performance in high-roller events have made him one of poker’s most feared competitors.
His legacy includes pioneering modern tournament strategies and demonstrating exceptional longevity at the highest stakes.
4. Jason Koon
Jason Koon has earned over $59 million with a unique record of 10 titles in Triton Poker Super High Roller Series, with half his earnings coming exclusively from Triton events.
Koon’s wealth stems from his specialization in the highest-stakes tournaments globally.
His playing style emphasizes psychological warfare and precise mathematical calculations.
Beyond tournaments, he’s involved in poker coaching and media, contributing to his overall financial success and poker legacy.
5. Dan Smith
Originally a professional chess player, Smith transitioned to poker in his teens and now ranks among the world’s elite with over $57 million in live earnings.
His analytical background gives him a unique edge in tournament strategy.
Smith’s wealth comes primarily from high-roller tournaments, with nearly $23 million earned from Triton Poker events alone.
Dan Smith finished third in both the 2018 Big One for One Drop and 2019 Triton London $1M events, and won the 2013 WPT Five Diamond Classic.
His legacy includes bridging the gap between chess strategy and poker excellence, inspiring other strategic game players to explore the game of poker.
6. Adrian Mateos
The Spanish player made history by winning the 2013 WSOP Europe Main Event at age 19 and became the youngest player to win three WSOP bracelets by age 22.
His wealth is primarily derived from his tournament success, with career earnings exceeding $52 million.
Mateos’s aggressive playing style and strategic insights have set him apart in competitive poker.
His legacy includes inspiring a new generation of young European players and demonstrating that age is no barrier to success in the game of poker.
7. Isaac Haxton
The American professional has built a fortune exceeding $ 50 million through consistent high-stakes tournament performance and online poker success.
Haxton’s wealth comes from both live and online tournaments, with particular strength in mixed games and high-roller events.
His playing style emphasizes mathematical precision and psychological reads.
Isaac Haxton also invests in businesses, adding to his wealth and reputation as a well-rounded poker pro.
8. Stephen Chidwick
The UK native has become one of the most successful international players, with over $45 million in career earnings and numerous appearances at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) final tables.
Chidwick’s wealth stems from his exceptional tournament record across multiple formats, including Texas Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha.
His playing style combines aggressive action with mathematical precision, earning him the respect of his peers.
Beyond tournaments, he’s involved in coaching and strategic consulting, contributing significantly to his overall net worth.
9. Mikita Badziakouski
The Belarusian professional has amassed over $44 million through consistent high-roller success, particularly in Triton Poker events.
Recently, he secured four ITM finishes at Triton Jeju 2025, totaling over $2.2 million.
His wealth comes from tournament winnings and strategic investments in the poker industry.
Badziakouski’s legacy includes bringing Eastern European poker talent to the global stage and demonstrating exceptional mental toughness in high-pressure situations.
10. Fedor Holz
Despite periods of semi-retirement, Holz’s strategic acumen and disciplined approach have yielded over $40 million in earnings, with his business pursuits also contributing to his overall success.
His wealth comes from tournament victories and strategic business investments outside poker.
Holz’s legacy includes revolutionizing tournament strategy and successfully transitioning between active play and business ventures.
His approach to work-life balance has influenced many modern poker professionals.
Who is the Most Profitable Poker Player Ever?
Bryn Kenney currently holds the title of the most profitable tournament player in history, with over $75 million in live earnings.
His profitability stems from consistent high-roller success, strategic tournament selection, and exceptional mathematical skills.
However, when considering all forms of poker, including cash games and online play, the true most profitable player remains debatable, as many high-stakes cash game results aren’t publicly recorded.
If you’re interested in knowing about some famous celebrity gamblers, read our blog here.
What Makes a Poker Player “Rich”?
A poker player’s wealth typically comes from multiple sources: tournament winnings, cash game profits, sponsorships, investments, and business ventures.
The distinction between earnings from poker versus total net worth is crucial – many wealthy poker players have diversified their income through real estate, startups, and other investments.
The richest players often invest their money wisely, buying real estate and businesses, or starting their ventures, which helps them maintain long-term wealth and healthy bankrolls.
True poker wealth combines exceptional playing ability with innovative financial management and business acumen.
Did you know? In 2022–2023, UK casinos earned £4.85 billion after player payouts. This states how poker players are rich, but casinos are even richer!
Poker vs Online Poker: The Key Differences
Live and online poker offer different paths to wealth, each with unique advantages and challenges.
| Aspect | Live Poker | Online Poker |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | Limited hands per hour | High volume possible |
| Stakes | Higher maximum stakes | Variable stakes available |
| Expenses | Travel, accommodation | Minimal overhead |
| Publicity | Public recognition | Anonymous play possible |
| Skill Development | Physical tells, live reads | Mathematical precision |
| Profit Tracking | Public tournament records | Private session results |
Both formats can be lucrative, but the most successful players often combine live tournament wins with high online volume to maximize earnings and sharpen their overall poker skills.
On average, a UK casino earns a profit of about £97,750 daily from combined land-based and online operations, and this inlcdues poker too!
More About Gambling:
Conclusion: Bryn Kenny is the Richest Poker Player In The World
The richest poker players, their strategies and the fortune they earned show that it takes more than just card skills to make it big. It’s also about discipline, wise choices, and knowing when to take risks.
They didn’t just win big. They turned those wins into long-term wealth through smart investments and business moves outside the game.
If you’re dreaming of poker success, their stories are a reminder. Treat it like a career, think beyond the table, and play the long game.
FAQS
Justin Bonomo holds the title with over $65 million in live tournament earnings and consistent high-roller success.
Most pros earn between $40,000 and $100,000 annually, though results vary widely based on skill and volume.
Vanessa Selbst is one of the most successful female poker players, with over $11 million in live tournament earnings.
Pocket Aces (AA) statistically win the most, followed closely by other high pocket pairs like Kings (KK) and Queens (QQ).
