The Best Poker Players Worldwide this 2023
Poker is an incredibly popular game, and it’s no surprise that top poker players compete in tournaments worldwide yearly to be crowned the best.
Generally, poker is a game based on skill, but there is still an element of chance involved. Poker originated in New Orleans in 1892. The game involves bluffing and making bets, and it is considered a skill game with a chance element.
Generally, poker is played with a deck of 52 cards. The objective is to make the best five-card hand possible using any combination of the cards in your hand.
What Poker Terms Every Poker Player Should Know?
Poker is a game of strategy, and to be successful, you need to know the language of the game. Not only will this help you communicate better with other players, but it will also help you understand the strategies and plays being made.
There are a few key poker terms that every player should know. “Cards Speak,” in particular, is a term used to describe how the player’s hand is determined; in other words, what the cards say goes.
In poker, there are two main strategies: Loose-Tight and Aggressive-Passive. Loose players play more hands and are more forgiving of mistakes. Tight players only play good hands and are more aggressive in their betting. Meanwhile, Aggressive-Passive players fall somewhere between being aggressive when they have a good hand and passive when they don’t.
6 Best Poker Players in 2023
There are many factors to consider when answering the question of who are the best poker players in the world. The answer to that question is always changing as new players arise and old ones retire.
However, in 2023, these players are considered to be the best in the world:
1. Jason Koon
Jason Koon started his career as a professional poker player in Weston, West Virginia, playing low-stakes cash games. This American professional poker player has built a career around his intensely competitive nature, earning over $39 million.
His impressive skills quickly rose to higher stakes, transitioning to tournaments and eventually becoming one of the most sought-after high rollers in the game. He won several major tournaments, including the Aussie Millions Super High Roller and the Bellagio Cup VIII Main Event.
2. Bryn Kenney
Bryn Kenney has been playing poker professionally for over a decade now, and in that time, he has already managed to make quite a name for himself. He was ranked #1 in Magic: The Gathering during the 2000s and his skills have transitioned well over to poker.
Also, he currently has over $57.2 million in career earnings, making him one of the most successful players. He had also won one WSOP bracelet, further solidifying his reputation as one of the best poker players in the world.
3. Phil “The Poker Brat” Hellmuth
Phil “The Poker Brat” Hellmuth is a professional poker player, life coach, and author. He has had an impressive career in poker with 15 WSOP bracelets and over $20 million in winnings. Also, he has written multiple books about the game, such as Play Poker Like the Pros and The Science of Poker.
Hellmuth has earned his nickname “The Poker Brat” because he tends to get emotional as he plays. This made his aggressive playing style utilize tight ranges and brute force to dominate tournaments.
4. Phil Ivey
Phil Ivey started his poker career in Riverside, California, where he would often play in small home games with friends and family. From there, Ivey’s numerous accolades and accomplishments make him one of the most accessible figures in the game today.
Additionally, the California native has won 10 WSOP bracelets, two WPT titles, and a staggering amount of money at the poker tables. Along with being a Poker Hall of Fame inductee, he is also part of Team Full Tilt and a brand ambassador for 888poker.
5. Stephen Chidwick
Stephen Chidwick is an English professional poker player from Deal, Kent, who has already made his mark on the poker world and earned a formidable reputation. He sits in sixth place on the All Time Money List and has accumulated over $32 million in lifetime earnings.
He won his first-ever bracelet at the 2019 WSOP Europe Main Event and added another to his collection at the 2020 WSOP Online Series PLO event. Also, he has racked up numerous impressive tournament results over the years. Certainly, he looks set to be among the best poker players in the world this 2023.
6. Mikita Badziakouski
The Belarusian professional poker player Mikita Badziakouski is known for his achievements in live poker tournaments. He has cashed out over $25 million and won 12 major titles—including the 2018 Triton Million and the 2017 World Poker Tour Macau Main Event.
Badziakouski began playing poker at age 18 and made a name for himself as a formidable opponent since then. His success has earned him a spot alongside the most talented players ever to grace the field.
Poker is a Living, Breathing Thing
Playing poker is more than just cards and odds. Poker is a living, breathing thing, and understanding every player’s story can give you an insight into how competent they are. At its core, it is a battle of logic and intelligence between players.
