TOP 5 Richest Poker Players All-Time

The world of high-stakes poker is one of hype, and of course, insane amounts of money. Thousands of players worldwide try their hand at poker each year with dreams of making it big. But only a tiny number of players manage to reach the top and claim unthinkable riches from the game.

This elite circle of poker legends has made their mark in the history books through talent, dedication, self-motivation, and sometimes pure luck smiling down on them. Their mind-boggling winnings that stretch into tens of millions have earned them legendary status in poker lore.

In this special feature, we countdown the top 5 players who have made the highest career earnings from poker tournaments. Get ready for an exciting deep dive into the lives, playing styles and record-shattering payouts of the biggest earners in competitive poker. The stakes are high, nerves are steeled, and millions rest on perfect execution in the heat of the moment. Let’s unveil the 5 richest poker players of all time!

Bryn Kenney from United States ($65,0M)

Ranking at the very top is American poker sensation Bryn Kenney, who leads the all-time money list with a jaw-dropping $65 million in career earnings as of December 2023. Known for his bold plays, relentless aggression and keen strategy, the New York citizen has been dominating in high-stakes tournaments across the world. Here are some interesting facts about Bryns’ biography:

• Kenney was born on April 14, 1986 in New York City and grew up in Long Beach, NY.
• He started playing poker in 2004 at age 18, during his freshman year at Arizona State University.
• His first major tournament cash was $137,000 at the 2007 Aussie Millions Main Event where he finished 3rd.
• Kenney’s most significant victory came in 2019 when he clinched the record-breaking $20 million first prize in the Triton Million charity event in London, decisively cementing his top spot.
• This $20,000,000 windfall is the largest single payout in poker tournament history.

Bryn Kenney’s career has been defined by competitive drive and intense focus to reach the ideal poker. He has consistently pushed his skills and bankroll to the limit in pursuit of poker glory. This intense determination shone again through in an interview when Kenney stated:

“There is no way I take my foot off the gas until I make #1 all time money.”

With his trademark aggression, creativity and singular focus, Bryn Kenney has earned his place as the undisputed #1 on poker’s all-time money list with $65 million in career earnings. His story is one of bold risk-taking, adaptability and record-smashing paydays. Kenney’s strategic mastery and “dance” with the cards have allowed him to pull off some of poker’s most memorable heists on his quest for the top spot.

Justin Bonomo from United States ($61,9M)

Close on poker phenom Bryn Kenney’s heels is the young American superstar Justin Bonomo with lifetime earnings of $61.9 million. Though still in his 30s, Bonomo has already cemented his place among the very best in the game.

Here are some of the key facts that have defined Bonomo’s meteoric poker journey so far:

• Bonomo was born in 1985 in New York City and grew up in the quiet suburb of Sicklerville, New Jersey.
• He started playing low-stakes online poker in 2004 while studying mathematics at college.
• His first major live tournament cash was a modest $10,000 at the 2007 Five Star World Poker Classic 
• Bonomo has since racked up multiple World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets across Hold’em, Omaha and other popular poker variants.
• In 2018, he made poker history by winning the $1 million Big One for One Drop, pocketing a record-shattering $10 million payout.

Throughout his rise to the top, Bonomo’s career has been defined by consistent triumphs interspersed with major downswings and resilience in the face of uncertainty. However, Bonomo’s career hasn’t been without controversy. He faced accusations of using multiple accounts in online poker tournaments and was involved in a multi-accounting scandal in 2006. This caused and has been causing a lot of rumors throughout his professional poker career. But Justin proved that all rumors are nothing more than words, winning millions of dollars in cash.

With his analytical approach and pattern recognition abilities, Justin Bonomo has his elite status as one of poker’s biggest crushers. His story is one of prodigious intellect, unflappable calm, and landmark poker achievements – including being the first player ever to cross $40 million in career tournament earnings. Bonomo’s brain “dance” with the cards has allowed him to strategically outmaneuver opponents and conquer poker’s most prestigious events in relentless pursuit of the ultimate goal – the coveted #1 spot.

Stephen Chidwick from United Kingdom ($51,7M)

Stephen Chidwick, the UK’s poker pride, boasts an impressive $51.7 million in career earnings, making him one of the most successful poker players of all time. His journey to poker stardom is a testament to his skill, perseverance, and developed strategy thinking.

Key Milestones and Facts:

• Born: March 22, 1989, in Deal, Kent, United Kingdom.
• Start in Poker: Chidwick began playing online poker at 16, quickly showcasing his natural talent for the game.
• Major Achievement: In 2019, Chidwick won the €50,000 No-Limit Hold’em event in the European Poker Tour, pocketing a significant €1.3 million.

Career Highlights:

• First Major Win: Chidwick’s first substantial live tournament cash was in 2008, where he won £20,000 in a GUKPT Luton event.
• WSOP Success: He has multiple World Series of Poker (WSOP) final table appearances, a testament to his consistent performance.
• High Roller Specialist: Known for his prowess in high-stakes games, Chidwick has numerous cashes in events with buy-ins exceeding $100,000.

Stephen Chidwick’s life outside the poker table is as interesting as his professional career. A family man, he credits his success to the support of his wife and the balanced lifestyle he maintains. In an interview, Chidwick remarked:

“Poker is a marathon, not a sprint. Balancing life and poker is crucial for long-term success.”

Stephen Chidwick’s influence extends beyond his winnings. Known for his analytical approach and calm demeanor, he’s an inspiration for aspiring poker players worldwide. His ability to read the game and make calculated risks has placed him at the pinnacle of poker excellence. Chidwick’s journey from a small town in the UK to the high-stakes tables of Las Vegas is a story of ambition, skill, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.

Daniel Negreanu from Canada ($51,2M)

Daniel Negreanu, affectionately known as “Kid Poker,” is a Canadian poker legend whose journey from the streets of Toronto to the high-stakes tables of Las Vegas is nothing short of remarkable. Amassing $51.2 million in career tournament earnings, Negreanu’s infectious personality and exceptional poker skills have captivated audiences for over two decades.

Negreanu’s poker story began in 1974, in Toronto. At the tender age of 15, he was already showcasing his budding talent in poker, using friends’ fake IDs to enter local cardrooms. His passion for the game was so intense that at 17, he made the life-altering decision to drop out of high school, choosing to pursue a full-time poker career. This bold move led him to Las Vegas at 21, where the real challenge began.

In Las Vegas, Negreanu’s skills quickly caught the attention of the poker world. His first major breakthrough came in 1998 when he won his first World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet. This victory was the first of many, and he has since accumulated six WSOP titles, securing his place as a poker great.

Key Achievements:

• First WSOP Bracelet: 1998, marking the beginning of his illustrious career.
• Total WSOP Titles: 6, showcasing his consistent performance at high levels.
• Poker Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2014, affirming his status as a poker legend.
• Player of the Year: Awarded by Cardplayer Magazine in 2004 and 2013.

Negreanu is known not just for his wins but also for his unique philosophy on the game. He once famously said:

“If you want to make money playing poker, find a game with a few suckers, fish, donkeys, live ones, or whatever you choose to call a bad player. Just don't let that sucker be you.”

This quote embodies Negreanu’s strategic approach to poker — always be one step ahead, read the room, and play smart.

Negreanu’s influence extends beyond the poker table. He’s a prominent vlogger, sharing his life and poker insights with a vast online following. His advocacy for veganism showcases his commitment to health and environmental issues. His crossover into pop culture, with an appearance in Katy Perry’s music video “Waking Up In Vegas,” highlights his widespread appeal.

He’s not just a player but an ambassador of the game, a mentor to many, and an entertainer to millions. His approachable style, combined with a results-oriented mindset, has inspired a generation of players. Negreanu’s journey reminds us that with the right mix of talent, passion, and determination, anyone can turn a game into a celebrated career.

Jason Koon from United States ($51,1M)

Jason Koon, a prominent figure in the competitive poker scene, has rapidly risen to fame with a remarkable $51.1 million in career tournament earnings. Born in 1985 in West Virginia, Jason Koon’s journey to poker stardom is unique. A former track and field athlete, his transition from sports to poker underscores his diverse talents and dedication. Koon discovered poker in college and quickly realized that he had found his true calling.

Koon’s poker career is a story of grit and gradual ascent. His early days in online poker rooms laid the foundation for his later success in live tournaments. It wasn’t long before he started making waves in the poker community, and his rise was meteoric. His achievements are: 

• Record-Breaking Wins: Koon has secured several high-profile victories, including a $3.6 million win at the Triton Super High Roller Series in 2019.
• Prestigious Titles: His impressive resume includes titles from the World Poker Tour (WPT) and numerous final table appearances in WSOP events.
• High Roller Specialist: Known for his skill in high-stakes games, Koon has earned a reputation as a fearless player in tournaments with substantial buy-ins.

Beyond his tournament successes, Koon is also a guiding light in the poker community, known for his willingness to share knowledge and mentor upcoming talents. His contributions have helped shape the strategic approaches of many young players. Koon’s approach to poker blends analytical precision with an astute understanding of the human element. His ability to read situations and adapt his strategy accordingly is a hallmark of his play. He once insightfully stated: 

“In poker, the most important quality is the ability to adapt. Every game is different, every table is different, and every hand is a new challenge.”

This quote encapsulates Koon’s adaptable and strategic mindset, key to his success in the ever-changing landscape of professional poker. Jason Koon’s influence in poker extends beyond his winnings. He embodies the new era of poker professionals – intellectual athletes who bring discipline, innovation, and a fresh perspective to the game. His journey from college athlete to poker elite exemplifies the diverse pathways to success in the dynamic and challenging world of poker.

Conclusion

The journeys of these remarkable individuals exemplify the heights that can be reached through skill, dedication, and strategic mastery of the complex art of poker. Their monumental career earnings stand as a testament to the potential for massive success in competitive poker.

While few can realistically aspire to the lofty levels of poker wealth amassed by these legends, their stories can serve as an inspiration. Their varied paths to poker stardom prove that with the right mindset and persistence, poker can be tremendously rewarding.

If you want to test your skills and feel the rush of high-stakes poker, you can experience it right from home. At Gambillion you’ll find the best options to play poker online. Just remember – stay focused, play smart, and have fun on your own journey in the exciting world of poker!