15 of the World's Most Affluent Poker Stars by Net Worth

Join us as we introduce you to some of the poker world's financial titans, featuring stars like Dan Bilzerian, Daniel Negreanu, and Vanessa Selbst, as well as some intriguing lesser-known players. These pros have really amassed fortunes over their careers.

Curious about the wealth accumulated through poker genius? Stick around as we explore their legendary games and check in on where they are today.

1. Antonio Esfandiari

Nicknamed “The Magician,” Antonio Esfandiari hails from Tehran, Iran. Moving to California at age 9, he now calls San Francisco his home. His empire is worth over $26 million.

Antonio’s intrigue for poker began with an invitation to a Hold’em game. Originally a professional magician, he soon made headlines with his magic hands at the poker table.

His first major tournament in 2004 saw him pocketing nearly $1.4 million. Fast forward to 2012, his career peaked with an astounding $18.3 million win, though Daniel Negreanu would later triumph over him.

2. Daniel Negreanu

Hailing from Canada with Romanian roots, his fortune exceeds $42 million. The man boasts 6 WSOP bracelets and 2 prestigious WPT titles. He's lived by the philosophy that anyone can achieve greatness.

With unmatched optimism, he ventured to Las Vegas at 21 to become a top player. Although initially facing big setbacks, his resilience paved the way for him as one of history's poker greats.

3. Phil Ivey

From Riverside, California, this online poker mastermind has snagged roughly $20 million. Phil began his journey challenging co-workers in the '90s and is now revered as the 'Tiger Woods of Poker'.

Another moniker for him was 'No Home Jerome', a title from his teenage days using a fake ID in Atlantic City.

This saw him claim numerous tournament victories, the latest in 2020, with a high-stakes tournament win netting him $856,050.^stLuckily, you can enjoy more accessible poker experiences without the hefty Ivey-level wagers! Canadian online casinos Tony G, actually named Antanas Guoga, is Lithuanian by birth. Poker wasn’t his early fascination; instead, he tinkered with cars in Australia after moving there at 11.

4. Antanas Guoga

Engaging in politics, he served as a Member of the European Parliament until he resigned in 2021 to focus on business ventures and poker.

While his $18 million fortune might partly arise from other ventures, poker tournament triumphs undeniably contribute. Notably, he secured €100,000 in a 2018 tournament.

Despite claiming 'Money's not my focus,' King Kenney bagged a colossal $20 million in a single sweep. His wealth has reached $56 million largely via high-stakes poker.

5. Bryn Kenney

Securing such a fortune didn't alter his mindset. Bryn Kenney's exceptional earnings in the poker realm earn him respect for distinctive stakes and unwavering self-belief.

Aiming for Kenney's level requires diligence and time. Boost your bankroll instantly and enjoy extended game time with a suitable approach to tournaments.

Though Brunson announced his retirement in 2018 after a monumental 50-year poker journey, his legendary 10-2 hands from '76 and '77 remain in the hearts of fans. first deposit bonus Even though his highest one-time win was $367,800, he admits that age, 87, and its limitations no longer allow for lengthy play.

6. Doyle Brunson

However, that didn't prevent him from relocating to Las Vegas, where he enjoys a leisurely game now and again.

Along with being a master at poker, Ferguson possesses the unique talent of hurling cards with such speed they can slice through a melon.

His top poker prize pulled in $1,500,000 but with a net worth skyrocketing to $80 million, it speaks volumes!

7. Chris Ferguson

His parents, both with mathematics doctorates, might’ve found his poker ambition surprising. Yet, math prowess is considered a key poker asset.

Dan Bilzerian might be widely recognized for his lavish lifestyle fully displayed on social media, but beneath that, he's also an adept poker player.

A memorable night in 2014 saw his poker passion yielding $10.8 million. Over time, he's amplified his wealth to a remarkable $200 million. poker books While women in poker aren't frequently spotlighted, Vanessa Selbst shattered barriers by ascending to the top of the Global Poker Index. Brooklyn-born, she also graduated Yale in 2012.

8. Dan Bilzerian

Two years after graduation, Selbst clinched her grandest prize of $871,148 in 2014. Though she stepped back from professional play, her tournament winnings tallied nearly $12 million by 2018 and she retains 3 WSOP bracelets.

Annie Duke once ranked among the world's best, though she retired in 2012. Her poker introduction came from her brother, debuting at age 22.

9. Vanessa Selbst

Labelled sometimes controversially, her illustrious poker career amassed over $4 million, with her crowning victory at the 2004 WSOP Tournament of Champions garnering $2 million.

She credits poker success to integrating skills from psychology, economics, neuroscience, and decision making. You can hear more in an 'Investor Hour' podcast episode.

10. Annie Duke

Despite her astrophysics background, Liv exceeded expectations with over $3 million in poker wins. Earning Global Poker Index European Female Player of the Year three times was another incredible feat.

Poker might've been a major interest, but her true passion is science. As a science communicator, she's known for thought-provoking, counter-intuitive experiments. Watch her TEDx talks to learn more.

Although born in Taiwan, Maria Ho became nestled in American culture in Arcadia, California. Little did her parents guess they were raising a future poker star.

11. Liv Boeree

Drawn to psychology and competition, she started playing poker academically. Today, her net worth exceeds $2 million!

Vanessa Rousso, with the monicker 'Pokerness', collected over $4.5 million from tournaments spanning a decade-plus career. Her peak tournament prize, however, came in 2009 at $962,958.

12. Maria Ho

Rousso remains a multi-talent — not just in poker but as an attorney, TV personality, and DJ.

Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, Kathleen is among the select few women to win $1 million in a single event. She was the inaugural female to secure such a monumental reward.

13. Vanessa Rousso

Winning her first poker tournament in 1994 and later a WSOP bracelet by 2004, 'PokerKat' now possesses over $6 million following 345 triumphant poker contests.

Loni’s poker enthusiasm stems from her father, Joel Harwood. Progressing from online play, she's cemented her position among the elite, earning upwards of $2 million with 2 WSOP bracelets to her name.

14. Kathleen Liebert

Considering her achievements, aspiring players can emulate her success on premier poker sites, emphasizing platforms with high player engagement for more worthwhile experiences.

Canadian aspiring poker players need a good start to train effectively for such success. Begin with simple games and practice without financial risk.

15. Loni Harwood

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