Top 10 list – Most Famous Poker Winners In History

Antonio Esfandiari

Affectionately known as “The Magician,” Antonio Esfandiari is a true legend in the poker world. In 2012, he captured the inaugural WSOP Big One for One Drop tournament, taking home an astounding $18.3 million USD (approximately $30.2 million NZD). This monumental win stood as the largest single prize in poker tournament history for several years, solidifying his status as an elite player.

Daniel Colman

Just two years after Esfandiari's historic win, Daniel Colman, then 23, made headlines by winning $15.3 million USD (approximately $25.2 million NZD) at the 2014 WSOP Big One For One Drop Event. Colman's journey to professional poker was a testament to dedication, as he initially considered a more traditional academic path before dominating the felt.

Elton Tsang

In 2016, Hong Kong-based poker player Elton Tsang secured a massive $12.2 million USD (approximately $20.1 million NZD) at the Monte-Carlo One Drop Extravaganza. This event, known for its colossal buy-in of €1 million, saw Tsang outplay 25 other high-stakes competitors to claim what was, at the time, one of the largest cash prizes ever awarded in a single poker tournament.

Jamie Gold

Jamie Gold's victory at the 2006 WSOP Main Event remains one of the most memorable. He won an incredible $12 million USD (approximately $19.8 million NZD) in a tournament that attracted a record-breaking 8,773 players, each contributing a $10,000 buy-in. This event generated a total prize pool exceeding $82.5 million, making it an unprecedented spectacle in poker history.

Martin Jacobson

Swedish poker professional Martin Jacobson, now residing in London, achieved poker immortality in 2014. He clinched the WSOP Main Event title, earning a cool $10 million USD (approximately $16.5 million NZD). His victory was particularly impressive as he navigated a challenging final table, starting with the third-lowest chip stack before ultimately emerging as champion.

Peter Eastgate

The 2008 WSOP Main Event saw Peter Eastgate become the youngest player at the time to win the prestigious title, at just 22 years old. With a $10,000 buy-in, Eastgate outmanoeuvred a field of seasoned pros and rising stars to claim the $9.1 million USD (approximately $15 million NZD) prize. He later gained further recognition for auctioning his WSOP Gold bracelet and donating over $147,000 to UNICEF.

Jonathan Duhamel

The 2010 WSOP Main Event drew over 7,000 poker players, but it was Jonathan Duhamel who stood victorious, pocketing $8.9 million USD (approximately $14.7 million NZD). The tournament's $68.7 million prize pool was the second-largest in poker history at that point. Duhamel also demonstrated remarkable generosity by auctioning his WSOP Gold bracelet and donating over $100,000 to the Canadian Children Association.

Pius Heinz

In 2011, Pius Heinz made history as the first German player to win the WSOP Main Event, securing a massive $8.7 million USD (approximately $14.3 million NZD). Players from an estimated 85 countries participated, each paying the $10,000 buy-in, contributing to a substantial $64.5 million total prize pool.

Joe Cada

Joe Cada etched his name into poker lore in 2009 by becoming the youngest WSOP Main Event winner at just 21 years old. He triumphed over more than six thousand competitors to claim an impressive $8.5 million USD (approximately $14 million NZD). Prior to his win, Cada had already secured a sponsorship deal with PokerStars, which included a $1 million bonus.

Greg Merson

The 2012 WSOP Main Event saw Greg Merson overcome formidable competition, including tournament favourite Jay Farber, to win $8.3 million USD (approximately $13.7 million NZD) at the age of 23. The event attracted 6,352 players, a mix of rookies and established poker legends, all vying for the ultimate prize.