Determining the best poker players can be subjective due to the narrow margins separating top players and the game’s constant evolution. Comparing players across different eras and poker disciplines adds to the complexity. A popular method to rank these players is by examining their World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet counts, as the WSOP is a prestigious tournament series.
Phil Hellmuth! The “Poker Brat”
Phil Hellmuth holds the record for the most WSOP bracelets with 17. He became the youngest WSOP Main Event winner in 1989 and later clinched the WSOP Europe Main Event in 2012. Known for his ability to exploit amateur players with his “White Magic,” Hellmuth was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2007 and is a prominent figure in the poker world.
Phil Ivey – The “Tiger Woods of Poker”
Phil Ivey is renowned for his natural talent, boasting 11 WSOP bracelets in various poker variants, including Stud, Omaha, and Lowball. His skills have earned him a spot in the Poker Hall of Fame in 2017. Ivey’s consistent success in both tournaments and cash games make him a formidable player.
Doyle Brunson 💕 The “Godfather of Poker”
Doyle Brunson is a legendary figure who played a crucial role in popularizing modern poker. He authored “Super System,” a pivotal book in the poker world, and won 10 WSOP bracelets, including back-to-back Main Event titles in 1976 and 1977. Brunson’s charm and competitive spirit earned him a place in the Poker Hall of Fame in 1988.
Johnny Chan! “The Orient Express”
Johnny Chan, known for his aggressive playstyle, dominated the poker scene in the 80s and 90s. He secured back-to-back Main Event wins in 1987 and 1988 and has 10 WSOP bracelets to his name. Chan was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2002.
Erik Seidel! A Steady Force
Erik Seidel emerged as a top player in the late 80s, amassing 10 WSOP bracelets over his career. Despite a notable loss to Chan in the 1988 WSOP Main Event, Seidel’s career flourished, leading to his Hall of Fame induction in 2010. He continues to compete at the highest levels.
Johnny Moss – The “Grand Old Man of Poker”
Johnny Moss won the inaugural WSOP Main Event in 1970 and repeated the feat in 1971 and 1974, making him the only player with three Main Event titles. He played a pivotal role in establishing the WSOP and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979.
Shaun Deeb! A Versatile Talent
Shaun Deeb, known for his abrasive personality, has won eight WSOP bracelets across multiple disciplines. He is one of only two players to be named WSOP Player of the Year twice, in 2018 and 2025. Deeb’s diverse skills and determination at the table are unmatched.
Michael Mizrachi 💞 “The Grinder”
Michael Mizrachi’s WSOP accomplishments are impressive, including winning both the Main Event and Poker Player’s Championship in 2025. He remains the only player to win the PPC four times, showcasing his prowess across multiple poker variants.
Benny Glaser – A Mixed-Game Specialist
Benny Glaser, from Southampton, England, is a celebrated online tournament player with 15 WCOOP and 10 SCOOP wins. His WSOP record includes eight bracelets over 10 years, making him a standout in the poker world.
Daniel Negreanu – “Kid Poker”
Daniel Negreanu is a fan favorite known for his engaging personality and exceptional reading abilities. With seven WSOP bracelets, two WPT titles, and over $52 million in live earnings, Negreanu was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014. He continues to promote poker through his online presence.