Who is the Best Poker Player in the World?

Justin Bonomo – An All-Time Money Leader

Justin Bonomo, also known by his online alias “ZeeJustin,” is a former Magic: The Gathering prodigy who transitioned to poker. Born in 1985, Bonomo quickly rose through the ranks and became known for his analytical mindset and super cool temperament.

Achievements include:

• Over $64 million in live tournament earnings (as of 2025), making him one of the money leaders.
• 3 WSOP bracelets, including the prestigious $1 million buy-in Big One for One Drop in 2018.
• Victories in the Super High Roller Bowl, EPT events, and countless final tables in the high-stakes circuit.
• Known for dominating in high roller formats and consistently beating the toughest fields in the world.

Bonomo’s consistency and his ability to crush high-stakes tournaments give him a solid claim to being the best. His deep knowledge and near-flawless execution make him a nightmare for even elite competition. He clearly has a brain that is wired for analysis as we have seen with his MTG skills.

Daniel Negreanu – The People’s Champion

Though he’s not right at the top of earnings lists, it is hard to keep Negreanu out of the list. His fame transcends the game of poker. Known affectionately as “Kid Poker,” Daniel Negreanu is perhaps the most recognisable poker player globally. Born in Toronto in 1974, Negreanu is a six-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner and a Poker Hall of Famer since 2014.

Achievements include:

• Over $50 million in live tournament winnings.
• 6 WSOP bracelets and 2 WPT titles.
• Named WSOP Player of the Year twice (2004, 2013) — the only player to do so.
• Regularly features in high-stakes televised games and has maintained relevance for over two decades.

Negreanu’s longevity and influence on the game are off the charts. Though he isn’t currently the top earner, his results across different eras including the poker boom of the 2000s to today’s high-tech solver age, prove his legendary versatility and intellect.

Stephen Chidwick – The British Boss

Stephen Chidwick, born in 1989 in Deal, England, has gained a reputation as one of the most respected and feared players in high roller circles. He’s pretty quiet as well as being cerebral and unshakeably composed. Chidwick is a master of game theory and endgame strategy.

Achievements include:

• Over $50 million in live earnings.
• Consistently ranked among the top five players on the Global Poker Index and the highest ranking current player from the UK.
• 1 WSOP bracelet and loads of deep runs in major tournaments.
• Multiple titles in Poker Masters, US Poker Open, and European events.

Fellow professionals have praised Chidwick for his ability to make optimal decisions under pressure. While he may not be a household name like Negreanu, he is widely considered one of the most technically proficient players alive in poker circles. He goes about business relatively quietly compared to some of the other players. Flair isn’t always something we’d associate with Chidwick, but consistent results certainly are.

Adrian Mateos – The Spanish Prodigy

Mateos has entered the conversation in recent years. Some might assume he’s included in our list of top poker players too early, but his numbers and earnings speak for themselves.

Born in 1994, Adrian Mateos exploded onto the scene in 2013 when he won the WSOP Europe Main Event at just 19 years old. Since then, he’s become the most successful tournament player ever to come out of Spain. The money lists have him high up, due to success in big tournaments and the fact that money is often more impressive in tournaments than it used to be. But Mateos is, of course, an all-timer.

Achievements include:

• Over $40 million in live tournament cashes.
• 4 WSOP bracelets, all won before the age of 25 (he was the youngest ever to achieve this)
• Victories in EPT, Triton, and Super High Roller events.
• Known for aggressive yet calculated tournament play.

Mateos blends fearlessness with elite-level decision-making. His quick rise and continued success in high-roller fields suggest that he’s not just a flash in the pan, and he’s already one of the game’s modern greats. Mateos brings something a little different to the table (literally).

Bryn Kenney – The High Roller Maverick

From Long Beach, New York, Bryn Kenney is one of the most colourful personalities on the high-stakes circuit. Known for his unconventional approach and confidence, Kenney has been a consistent force in the nosebleed stakes for over a decade.

Achievements include:

• Over $58 million in live earnings.
• Record-breaking finish in the 2019 Triton Million, where he technically came second, but struck a deal for the biggest payday in poker history ($20.5 million).
• Multiple final tables in super high roller events and one WSOP bracelet.

Massive scores and a fearless playing style mark Kenney’s career. While some question his unconventional tactics, few can deny his results. His huge earnings and willingness to play anyone and take things head-on cement his place among the top players.