As anyone who has ever played poker knows, there is no one size fits all answer to becoming a great player. Different strategies work in different parts of the world, and what works in a casino environment might not be as effective online. However, some players have proven themselves to be consistent winners no matter where they play. Here are some of the biggest poker stars across the globe and what makes them so successful.
Who are the most prominent poker winners in the world, and how much money have they won in 2024?
In poker, as in life, the cream always rises to the top. No matter where they play or what stakes they’re playing for, the best players always find a way to come out on top. Here are the biggest winners in poker over the past year, both in terms of tournament results and cash game earnings.
Dan Smith
No list of poker’s most prominent winners would be complete without Dan Smith. The American pro has had an incredible run over the past few years, racking up more than $32 million in live tournament earnings. Smith’s biggest score came in 2018 when he won the $10 million first-place prize at the 2018 World Series of Poker Main Event. He also has three runner-up finishes at WSOP events, including a second-place finish in the $5 million buy-in Big 1 for 1 Drop tournament in 2014.
Justin Bonomo
Like Smith, Justin Bonomo is an American pro who has had tremendous success in the tournament and cash games. Bonomo’s live tournament earnings stand at just over $33 million, with his biggest score coming from a first-place finish in the 2018 Super High Roller Bowl China. He also has an impressive 11 WSOP final table finishes, including two runner-up finishes. In addition to his tournament success, Bonomo is a highly regarded cash game player and has won millions online and live.
Fedor Holz
Fedor Holz is a German pro who has had an incredible run over the past few years. He currently has more than $32 million in live tournament earnings, with his biggest score coming from a first-place finish in the 2016 Super High Roller Bowl. He also has five WSOP final table finishes, including a second-place finish in the $5 million buy-in Big 1 for 1 Drop tournament in 2014. In addition to his tournament success, Holz is also a highly regarded cash game player, and he has won millions playing online and live.
Bryn Kenney
Bryn Kenney is an American pro who has had tremendous success in the tournament and cash games. Kenney currently has more than $32 million in live tournament earnings, with his biggest score coming from a first-place finish in the 2019 Triton Million for Charity. He also has nine impressive WSOP final table finishes, including two runner-up finishes. In addition to his tournament success, Kenney is also a highly regarded cash game player, and he has won millions playing online and live.
Erik Seidel
Erik Seidel is an American pro and one of the world’s most successful and respected players. Seidel currently has more than $34 million in live tournament earnings, with his biggest score coming from a first-place finish in the 2011 World Series of Poker Main Event. He also has seven WSOP final table finishes, including two runner-up finishes. In addition to his tournament success, Seidel is also a highly regarded cash game player, and he has won millions playing online and live.
These are some of the biggest winners in poker across the globe. What sets them apart from the rest is their ability to win consistently, no matter where they play or what stakes they’re playing for.
What makes these players successful, and what can we learn from them?
The players on this list have a few things in common that have helped them become the biggest winners in poker. First, they all have tremendous success in the tournament and cash games, which shows they are well-rounded players who can win in any game format. Second, they are all highly regarded cash game players, which means they know how to make capital in the long run, even when the short-term results may not be as favourable.
Finally, they all can win consistently, no matter where they play or what stakes they’re playing for. It is a crucial trait of successful poker players, showing they can adapt to any situation and still come out on top.
What are the most popular poker variants, and how do they differ?
There are a variety of poker variants that are played across the globe, and each one has its own unique set of rules. A very popular variant is Texas Hold’em, which is the game that is typically played in tournaments and cash games. Other popular variants include Omaha, Stud, and Draw poker.
Each variant has its own specific rules, but the basic premise is still the same – to make the best hand possible and win the pot. The main difference between each variant is how the cards are dealt with and how the betting rounds progress. For example, in Texas Hold’em, each player is dealt two hole cards with four betting rounds (pre-flop, flop, turn, and river).
Short deck poker is a newer variant that has recently gained popularity. Short deck poker (check it out on Natural8) is played with cards stripped down to 36 (6-A), which means fewer outs are available, making the game more action-packed and exciting. Poker is a game that players of all skill levels can enjoy, and there is a variant out there for everyone.