Poker has long remained one of mankind’s favourite set of games for some very good reasons. Low barriers to entry, high skill-ceiling, and capacity for enormously engaging mind games are just a few examples of why these games have spread so far into social consciousness. Those who have already established their legacy in these games of skill and chance often stand as incredibly wealthy, and with go-get-em attitudes which apply to more than just the game itself.

In this article we’ll take a look at just a few of our favourite and most successful poker players of all time, and what exactly sets them apart from the pack.

Antonio Esfandiari

Also known as The Magician, Antonio Esfandiari came from a background of magic, eventually establishing himself as a major force in the competitive poker world. Winner of two World Poker Tours, and three World Series of Poker, The Magician is one of the most legendary characters still playing. Using his experience in magic for his trademark chip tricks, Esfandiari gives off a rather unassuming appearance, though those who know poker know he is not a man to be trifled with. At one point holding the rank of number one for most poker winnings ever claimed, Antonio is no slouch.

Esfandiari is so well known, in fact, that he has even extended his celebrity into film and television, appearing in shows like Entourage, and even playing a part in the Robert De Niro film Freelancers. This is in addition to his numerous appearances in popular poker shows and media like I Bet You and Underground Poker.

The Magician reveals a few of his tricks:

Jamie Gold

Television producer, talent agent, poker player, Jamie Gold is not only a hugely successful poker player, he also stands as an incredibly successful businessman. Acting as the president of the Buzznation production company, Gold has managed well-known clients which include Lucy Liu and Jimmy Fallon. As a poker player, Gold has seen no issue in living up to his name. Chief among his enormous list of achievements stands his victory at the 2006 No Limit Hold’em World Championship, where his victory netted him a not-so-shabby $12 million.

Far from resting on his golden laurels, Gold has also continued to make a name for himself as a philanthropist. Working towards WSOP and helping those suffering from Lou Gehrig’s disease, Gold has established himself as a shark at the table, while being a major force for good in his community.

Phil Ivey

The man, the myth, the online and offline legend. As one of the more modern poker players, Ivey is a force to be reckoned with in both online and offline play. Ivey has made a name for himself as a player who is comfortable with many different poker forms, winning tournaments in games which include 7 Card Stud, Omaha, Hold’em, and 2-7 Draw Lowball.

How does he do it? Well, no shortage of natural skill is key, but Ivey also credits his vast experience in the field of online poker. Originally interested for their ease and bonus structures, this allowed him to study in a relatively distraction-free environment, which gave him a better appreciation of the mathematics of the game when returning to traditional casino tournaments. With online winnings of over $20 million and offline winnings of over $16 million, it makes sense how Ivey earned his nickname – the Tiger Woods of Poker.

Dan Bilzerian

A well-known name in the world of poker, though often as a controversial figure. An undoubtedly skilled poker player, Bilzerian has also made a name for himself as a personality, as in 2010 he was voted as one of the funniest poker players by Bluff Magazine. Bilzerian has claimed a series of enormous unconfirmed poker winnings, including an unconfirmed all-time single-night high of $10,8 million, and a similarly unconfirmed career total of more than $50 million.

Dan meets a few of his fans:

These days he claims just as much fame and infamy from his career as a socialite as he ever did as a poker player. Hits from his resume include a brief 2016 Presidential run, before his dropping out and endorsement of Donald Trump, and his sometimes heroically interpreted response to the 2017 Las Vegas shooting. He also counts brief paid appearances in films Olympus Has Fallen, Lone Survivor, and Cat Run 2 among his achievements.

Chip Reese

With a nickname like Chip, you had better believe this guy knew how to play. Born in raised in Ohio, Reese has an enormous quantity of wins under his belt, and now is now widely regarded as one of the greatest cash game poker players of all time. Originally learning how to play games like poker from his mother when he was sick as a youth, Reese soon found that he had an unusual skill for the game, using it beat many of his older classmates. Turning down offers from both Harvard University and Stanford Law School, he instead turned to the idea of making his future in poker. As it turns out, he chose right.

On one of his first trips to Las Vegas, Reese entered a casino with only $400 as his bankroll. Within a few days, he had turned this into $60,000, beating out so many better-established veterans in a tournament of Seven Card Stud. Since that time, he went on to become one of the most well-respected names in all of poker, with even veteran Doyle Brunson giving him endorsement as the greatest poker player who ever lived.

The Future

Just as Phil Ivey relied on online poker to help shape his experience, we have to wonder exactly what the changing face of modern poker and casinos in general means for the next generation of poker stars. Will a greater emphasis on online play mean a great level of attention given to the math of the game, and how will this affect the interpersonal element? Luckily for us, poker is enjoying more time in the spotlight than ever before, with coverage from channels like ESPN and online streaming both allowing us to keep up with all the latest tournaments and developments. We don’t know exactly what shape the future of poker will take, but we know we will be watching and, if we are lucky, maybe even participating.

Just how far will online poker go?