Top 5 “Poker Is Today Because Of…”
Poker is today a thriving aspiring industry, especially in the online world. It wasn’t always like this though. It wasn’t that long ago that poker was considered a passion for those without morals, played in back rooms with thick cigar smoke floating a foot from the table, and players whose characters were assumed shady and unpopular by the moral majority. But all that has changed…DRAMATICALLY…in recent years. Poker is now one of the most thriving industries in today’s world, even with the ridiculous legistration in the U.S.
What permeated this change in the poker world? Well in my opinion, it boils down only five players responsible for this change. (Note…these are personal opinions only, and not endorsed by any creditable outside agency who measures these kinds of things. Disagree as much as you like.)
Chris Moneymaker
Who IS this guy? Where the hell did he come from to win the 2003 WSOP Main Event and take home the largest first place payout in history at that time? Moneymaker was a nobody in the poker world prior to his victory. He was an accountant working and living in Tennessee, who won a seat to the 2003 Main Event on a $39 online satellite. His playing style was amatuerish at best at the time, but he managed to win it all in a fateful hand headsup against Sammy Farha, an established professional. That single victory catapulted Moneymaker to instant fame, changing his life and the world of poker overnight. He showed the world that anyone can win at this game dominated by professionals who chew up newbies for a living, and his victory is the primary reason why online poker boomed the way it did. Moneymaker is living proof that dreams can be realized in this game with a little skill and a whole lot of luck.
Doyle Brunson
The Godfather of Poker! Doyle has literally lived the life of a professional
gambler since his early teen years in Texas. He made a living playing in those backrooms filled with smoke mentioned in the beginning of this article, and did so profitable his entire life. His first book, Super System, is still considered the Bible of Poker as he outlines an easy to read and follow method to earn money playing the Devil’s Game. He is the most recognizable professional in the business and without a doubt the most respected player as well. He currently holds no less than 10 WSOP bracelets as well as multiple other first place finishes in his almost 70 years of play, and even with his current age and physical limitations, he still dominates the biggest cash games being offered.
Phil Hellmuth
Oh boy, this one hurts me to admit, but there’s no denying the fact that Phil Hellmuth Jr. is one of the best poker players in the world today. Named The Poker Brat for his obnoxious attitude and bursts of rage at the table, Phil takes the term Bad Boy to a whole new level. He often shows up late to start a tournament, purposefully to upstage everyone. He loves to be the center of attention and will not restrain calling himself The Best. He is quick to flare up and does not hesitate to express his opinion against any player for what he would consider poor play, and often bashes weak players without mercy. And god forbid you suck out on him…his rants are furious and well documented and the stuff that televised poker events dream of capturing on tape. Still, he currently holds the most ever WSOP victories at 11, and there is no denying he is one of the best players in the world. I just wish he would take a chill pill before every tournament he enters.
Phil Ivey
The Tiger Woods of Poker! Phil Ivey is considered today to be one of THE
BEST players in the world, and should any other professional ever confess to fearing any player, Phil Ivey would be the first name out of their mouths. Phil is only 27 years old, and yet has one of the most impressive win records in poker history. Phil grew up in New Jersey and started playing in Atlantic City, where he perfected his technique and aggressive style to the point that he won his first three WSOP bracelets at 23 years old. Currently, he is one of the 2009 November Nine Final Table participants, and the only professional left in the race. He is uncharacteristically quiet at the table for a professional, but his reading abilities and aggressive playing style is unquestionably one of the greatest.
Daniel Negreanu
Canadian born Daniel Negreanu knew early on that poker was going to be the career of choice for himself. Daniel played in the Toronto underground club circuit from an early age, often skipping high school, to play. As a matter of fact, at the age of 21, Daniel dropped out of college being only one credit short of a diploma, and moved to Las Vegas to pursue his dream of being a professional gambler. He holds an impressive record of cashes and victories in his young years, but the one thing that Daniel does for poker today is his jovial attitude at the table. You’ll never see Daniel explode on a whim like Hellmuth, or remain quiet like Ivey. He is often the one laughing it up loudly and having a good time, no matter the venue or his current state. He loves the game and it shows in his demeanor. His ability to put his opponents on certain cards borders on legendary, and he has an uncanny ability of making the right moves at the exact right time.
Each of these players have an almost occult like following as well, and are often idolized by their fans to the point of being godly. Each has given back to poker much of what they have taken, in either teaching or writing educational materials, as well as numerous large charity donations, and every one of them will take the time to talk to you and sign an autograph is requested. They’re the best in their field and deserve the praise that is often bestowed upon them.
There are numerous others that deserve credit for making poker so popular today. Names like Raymer, Lederer, Chan, Duke, and Durr all deserve a level of credit, but in this writers opinion, the five portrayed are at the top of list. There’s no denying their accomplishments and for some, the future is only getting bigger and brighter for them. The world of poker has changed so much due to these five players, and yet, I can’t help but think of how much more it will change in the years to come.
