If for several years poker had a bad reputation, often associated with shady gambling and the mafia, it is nowadays considered a real sport and a job in its own right
If for several years poker had a bad reputation, often associated with shady gambling and the mafia, it is nowadays considered a real sport and a job in its own right. While many still believe that this card game is based primarily on luck, thousands of players around the world regularly prove the opposite by winning frequent tournaments. And among these players, 5 have accumulated a fortune!
#1. Justin Bonomo
The number 1 in this ranking has conquered this place very recently by winning Tuesday, July 17, the Big One for One Drop 2018, bringing 10 million more to his kitty which now stands at $ 42,979,593! This is the first time in the history of poker that a player reaches this crazy sum. And the year 2018 is rather lucrative for the American player: since January 1, he has earned $ 25 million. Suffice to say that if Bonomo continues its momentum, it may set the bar very high for the coming years.
#2. Daniel Negreanu
Daniel Negreanu could be the epitome of the American dream. Born in 1974 and originally from Toronto, he says that he has been dreaming since the age of four to become rich. Now 44 years old and holding nearly $ 40 million ($ 39,656,197), we can say that the mission is more than fulfilled. Negreanu dropped out of school and traveled to Las Vegas, after making his way to the illegal gambling dens in his hometown, to become a professional poker player. Thanks to his playing skills from his opponents, he won 5 WSOP bracelets and 2 World Poker Tour.
#3. Erik Seidel
Dean of this ranking, Eirk Seidel is on the third step of the podium at the age of 58 with a gross of over $ 34.5 million ($ 34,575,437). This former professional backgammon player (whom he practiced for 8 years) first converted as a trader before becoming a professional poker player. With a style more adaptable in all situations without being really structured, in his own words, the American is a poker figure for many years and even entered the Hall of Fame in 2010. With 8 WSOP bracelets, he is one of the most decorated players of this sport and he does not intend to stop playing immediately ...
#4. Fedor Holz
In fourth place, there is a player even younger than Colmand: Fedor Holz. The 25-year-old German has accumulated earnings of $ 32,500,000 ($ 32,550,886). The young prodigy already has a WSOP bracelet to his credit by winning the High Roller for One-Drop Hold'em edition of 2016 (at 23!). But while Holz seems to realize a meteoric rise, he has already announced wanting to "retire" to focus on other projects. Nevertheless, he confirmed that he would participate in some big tournaments around the world for his own pleasure.
#5. Dan Colman
At only 28 years old, Dan Colman has a very well-stocked bank account thanks to his almost $ 29 million (28,925,059 exactly) poker wins! This American, born in Holden, Massachusetts in 1990, is mostly an online poker player under the nicknames "mrGR33N13" and "riyyc225". He has shown himself in live tournaments by winning the Big One for One Drop, a competition whose ticket price is 1 million. This victory brought him more than $ 15 million, nearly half of all of his winnings on his career.
