20 Richest Poker Players In The World Who Turned Cards Into Cash

Poker has made many people rich, including some billionaires. Some built their fortunes by playing poker, while others made their money in business and brought it to the poker table. What they all have in common is a love for the game and more money than most of us can imagine.

In this list, you'll see the wealthiest poker players in the world today. Some are poker legends with many titles, while others are celebrities or investors who enjoy playing for huge amounts of money. Let’s take a look at who they are, how much they’re worth, and how they made their money.

1. Andy Beal - $12.5 Billion (est.)

Andy Beal is by far the richest poker player in the world. He’s a billionaire banker who built his fortune through Beal Bank and real estate, reaching an estimated net worth of around $12 billion. A math genius, Beal treated poker as a hobby but wasn’t shy about playing for massive stakes.

In the mid-2000s, he challenged a group of top poker pros including Phil Ivey and Doyle Brunson in Las Vegas with blinds as high as $100,000/$200,000 in limit Hold’em. These legendary games were so intense that they were featured in the book The Professor, the Banker, and the Suicide King, with millions of dollars changing hands in a single session.

Although Beal is an amateur, his willingness to risk tens of millions made him a memorable figure in the poker world. He reportedly lost about $6 million in those matches, which was a small hit to someone of his wealth. Now in his 70s, he still occasionally joins high-stakes games. Even though most of his money came from banking, Andy Beal holds a firm spot in poker history as the richest and one of the most fearless players to ever sit at the table.

2. Guy Laliberté - $1.2 Billion

Guy Laliberté is a Canadian billionaire best known as the co-founder of Cirque du Soleil, which helped him build a fortune of about $1.1 billion. After selling most of his share in the company, he became deeply interested in poker. He played in many high-stakes online games and reportedly lost more than $30 million, making him one of the biggest losing players in poker history. Still, he saw it as part of the fun and enjoyed competing with top professionals.

Outside of playing, Laliberté made a big mark on the poker world by creating the One Drop Foundation, a charity that helps provide clean water. In 2012, he started the World Series of Poker’s $1 million buy-in “Big One for One Drop” tournament, which at that time had the largest prize ever. The winner, Antonio Esfandiari, earned $18.3 million, while Laliberté himself finished fifth and won $1.8 million.

he’s lost far more money than he’s won at the poker table, Laliberté’s wealth and passion for the game make him one of poker’s richest and most well-known figures.

3. Paul Phua - $10 Billion (est.)

Paul Phua is a Malaysian businessman and one of the biggest names in high-stakes poker. His net worth is estimated to be between $400 million and nearly $1 billion. He made his fortune as a VIP casino junket operator in Macau, connecting wealthy gamblers with luxury casinos.

Phua also co-founded the Triton Poker Series, known for hosting some of the world’s most expensive poker tournaments. His sharp business sense helped him build a huge fortune, and he enjoys using it to compete at the highest levels of poker.

At the poker table, Phua is both respected and feared. He often plays in massive cash games in Macau and other parts of the world, where the pots can reach millions of dollars. He has earned more than $31 million in live tournaments, with several wins worth over a million each from Triton events.

Known for his bold and aggressive playing style, Phua combines skill with deep pockets, making him one of the toughest players around. His mix of business success and poker talent has earned him a legendary place in the poker world.

4. Cary Katz - $1 Billion (est.)

Cary Katz may not be widely known outside poker circles, but within the game he’s recognized as the billionaire founder of PokerGO and a constant presence in high-stakes tournaments. He made his fortune in the student loan industry after starting College Loan Corporation in 1999 and growing it into a massive company that earned him a billion-dollar net worth.

After achieving success in business, Katz turned his focus to poker. He created PokerGO, a streaming platform for top-level poker content, and became a regular in some of the most expensive tournaments around the world.

At the table, Katz competes strongly against professional players. He has earned more than $41 million in live tournaments, with notable results in events like the Super High Roller Bowl. Even with the huge amounts at stake, he often plays simply for the enjoyment of the game.

His wealth, skill, and passion have brought him several titles in major events such as Poker Masters. By combining his business success with his love for poker, Cary Katz has become one of the richest and most influential people in the poker world. He shows that a leader in business can also be a serious player at the table.

5. Antanas “Tony G” Guoga - $300 Million

Antanas Guoga, better known as Tony G, is a Lithuanian-born poker player who turned his fame at the tables into success in business and politics. In 2025, he shared that his net worth was around $300 million, built from poker winnings, smart investments, and his time as a member of the European Parliament.

Tony G became well known in the mid-2000s for his bold and talkative style on televised poker shows. He earned over $11 million in tournament prizes and much more in cash games, often remembered for his energetic catchphrases like “Bring on the Russians!”

Outside of poker, Tony G has proven to be a skilled businessman. He invested early in cryptocurrency and blockchain companies, leads a venture capital firm called Solvery or Stratagem, and has stakes in several gaming businesses. His ventures grew as he emphasized responsible bankroll strategies, something he often compared to setting gambling limitsin poker. These efforts greatly increased his wealth.

He has also been involved in poker ownership, helping to bring the World Poker Tour to Europe. Today, Tony G divides his time between business and occasional poker games. When he plays, he still shows the same aggressive and entertaining style that made him famous. His mix of confidence, business talent, and passion for poker has made him one of the richest and most colorful figures in the game.

6. Dan Bilzerian - $200 Million

Dan Bilzerian, often called the “Instagram King,” is famous for showing off a life filled with luxury, private jets, parties, and poker. He claims to have a net worth of about $200 million, though people debate how much of that comes from poker and how much from his family’s wealth.

Bilzerian is the son of corporate raider Paul Bilzerian and received a large inheritance when he was young. He says he grew that fortune through high-stakes poker games, even claiming to have won $10 million in a single night. However, many poker players doubt his poker skills since he hasn’t proven himself in big tournaments or against top professionals.

What’s certain is that Bilzerian knows how to attract attention. He’s said to have played in private poker games in Hollywood and Las Vegas where the stakes reached millions of dollars. He used his image as a poker player to land sponsorships, including a short stint as an ambassador for GGPoker, and to promote his business ventures such as a cannabis company.

Even though his actual poker talent is questioned, Bilzerian’s flashy lifestyle, risky bets, and inherited fortune keep him among the richest and most talked-about names linked to poker. Many see him more as a gambler and entertainer than a true poker professional.

7. Talal Shakerchi - $100 Million

Not all of poker’s richest players are well-known TV professionals. Some are extremely wealthy enthusiasts like Talal Shakerchi, a British hedge fund manager with an estimated net worth of about $150 million. Shakerchi runs Meditor Capital and made his fortune in finance, but he is also a strong and serious poker player who often competes in the world’s biggest tournaments.

Unlike many wealthy hobby players, he approaches poker with focus and skill. He has earned more than $7 million in live tournaments and has also won major online titles under the name “Raidalot.” In high-stakes events such as the $100,000 PokerStars Players Championshipand the $300,000 Super High Roller Bowl, he has shown that he can compete with top professionals.

What makes Shakerchi unique is that he doesn’t play poker for money but for the challenge and enjoyment of the game. At the table, he’s known for his calm and analytical style, which fits his background in finance. Other players often point out that facing him is never easy, even though he’s technically an amateur.

His willingness to pay massive entry fees adds excitement and bigger prize pools to major tournaments. Talal Shakerchi represents a new kind of poker player: extremely wealthy, highly skilled, and driven by passion rather than profit. With a nine-figure fortune behind him, he can play purely for the love of the game

8. Phil Ivey - $100+ Million

Regarded by many as the greatest poker player of his generation, Phil Ivey has both the winnings and the wealth to prove it. Often called the “Tiger Woods of Poker,” Ivey has an estimated net worth of around $100 to $125 million.

Most of that came from poker itself, with 10 World Series of Poker bracelets and more than $30 million in live tournament prizes, along with huge amounts won in cash games. He dominated the high-stakes poker scene of the 2000s and became one of the most feared players in both live and online games from Las Vegas to Macau.

Beyond his poker winnings, Ivey grew his fortune through sponsorship deals, his own poker training site, and other business ventures. He also faced challenges, including legal disputes over an edge-sorting incident with casinos that led to some winnings being withheld. Even so, these setbacks didn’t affect his long-term success.

His fame in poker also led to appearances in video games and investment opportunities. Now in his forties, Ivey still plays in select high-roller tournaments and private games. With a net worth above $100 million, he remains one of the richest poker players in the world and one of the few who earned most of his wealth purely through skill at the game.

9. Sam Farha - $100 Million

Sam Farha is an old-school poker legend known for his flashy style, bold bets, and trademark unlit cigarette. He became famous as the runner-up to Chris Moneymaker in the 2003 World Series of Poker Main Event, a moment that helped spark the poker boom.

Farha used that fame to succeed in high-stakes cash games and business ventures. His net worth is estimated to be around $100 million. A large part of his fortune comes from outside poker, including investments in real estate and other businesses, though he spent many years playing in the biggest cash games in Las Vegas with fellow millionaires.

At the poker table, Farha’s fearless and creative approach, especially in high-stakes Omaha, made him a force to be reckoned with. He won three World Series of Poker bracelets and became a familiar face on the classic TV show High Stakes Poker. Off the table, he benefited from family wealth and successful business ventures that helped support his poker career through the ups and downs of the game.

By the late 2000s, Farha had largely stepped back from public poker appearances, but he remains remembered for his charm, confidence, and love of high-risk play. With his poker winnings and business success, Sam Farha is firmly among the wealthiest players in the game’s history.

10. Chris “Jesus” Ferguson - $80 Million

Wearing his signature cowboy hat and long hair, Chris Ferguson was one of the top tournament players of the 2000s who later became a wealthy poker entrepreneur. His net worth is estimated to be around $80 million. Although he earned over $6 million in live tournaments, including winning the 2000 World Series of Poker Main Event, most of his fortune came from co-founding and owning the online poker site Full Tilt Poker.

During the height of the poker boom, the site made huge profits, and Ferguson earned tens of millions as a part-owner. However, when Full Tilt collapsed in 2011 and faced legal trouble, his reputation suffered, even though he eventually settled with the government without admitting any wrongdoing.

Despite the controversy, Ferguson remained one of the richest poker professionals. After several years away from the spotlight, he returned to play in World Series of Poker events and even won another bracelet in 2017. Now in his late fifties, he keeps a low profile but still appears in some live tournaments.

His career is a mix of poker skill, business success, and public backlash. Even after the refunds and penalties related to Full Tilt, Chris Ferguson kept a large fortune, placing him among the wealthiest people to have built their riches in poker.

11. Bryn Kenney - $72 Million

At just 37 years old, Bryn Kenney is one of the youngest among poker’s richest players. He became famous for earning more tournament money than anyone else in history, with over $57 million in live winnings and a single payout of $20.5 million at the 2019 Triton London event.

His net worth is estimated to be around $70 to $72 million. Unlike many wealthy poker players, most of Kenney’s fortune comes directly from playing poker and from poker-related ventures. He is known for backing other players in exchange for a share of their winnings and even launched his own poker website in 2022.

Kenney is a fearless competitor who regularly enters tournaments with million-dollar buy-ins. His confidence and skill have earned him victories and top finishes in some of the toughest games in the world. While there has been some debate about his staking arrangements and involvement in certain games, his financial success is undeniable.

Bryn Kenney’s journey from a young online player to the top of poker’s all-time money list shows what modern poker success looks like. As he continues to grow both his poker and business ventures, his wealth could increase even further, possibly making him poker’s next billionaire.

12. Daniel Negreanu - $70 Million

Few poker players are as well-loved and successful as Daniel “Kid Poker” Negreanu, who has built an estimated $70 million fortune. Born in Canada, Negreanu became one of poker’s biggest stars in the 2000s thanks to his friendly personality and remarkable skill at reading opponents.

He has won six World Series of Poker bracelets and earned more than $45 million in live tournaments, placing him among the top players in history. Beyond his winnings, he grew his wealth through a long-time sponsorship with PokerStars, his own poker training site, and ventures like his autobiography and online masterclass.

Negreanu’s rise is a true success story. He began as a broke teenager in Toronto and, through hard work and talent, built a multi-million dollar bankroll by his mid-twenties. By constantly improving his strategy, he stayed competitive even as poker became more challenging. His careful money management, including paying taxes and investing wisely, helped him turn tournament winnings into lasting wealth.

In recent years, he has expanded into business investments and continues to serve as one of poker’s most visible ambassadors. From starting with just a few hundred dollars in the 1990s to reaching $70 million today, Daniel Negreanu’s journey shows how poker skill, charisma, and smart planning can lead to incredible success.

13. Justin Bonomo - $65 Million

Justin Bonomo is one of the richest poker players in the world, with about $65 million in net worth. He once held the record for the most money won in live poker tournaments and is now second behind Bryn Kenney.

Born in Virginia, he began playing high-stakes poker online as a teenager and later became one of the best in live high roller events. In 2018 alone, he earned about $25 million, including a $10 million prize from the Big One for One Drop tournament.

Most of Bonomo’s wealth comes directly from poker, not from side businesses. He treated the game like a career, always playing tougher opponents and moving up in stakes. His success came from being flexible-he shifted from online poker to live tournaments and learned new high-stakes formats. By the early 2020s, he had won over $57 million in live events and likely earned more from cash games and early cryptocurrency investments.

Known for being quiet and thoughtful, Bonomo represents the new generation of poker pros who turned their skills into lasting wealth. These days, he only plays the biggest tournaments and enjoys the freedom his success has given him.

14. Bill Perkins - $50 Million

Bill Perkins is a hedge fund manager and longtime Wall Street trader who brings his risk-taking mindset to poker. He’s estimated to be worth more than $50 million and is well known for playing in televised high-stakes poker games and making wild side bets.

Perkins built his wealth through energy trading and fund management, then started playing poker for fun around 2012. He soon became a regular in expensive tournaments and high-stakes cash games with players like Dan Bilzerian and Phil Ivey.

Perkins openly admits he’s not a professional-he plays for excitement, not profit. His fearless style and lively personality make him a fan favorite, even if it sometimes costs him big. He’s known for taking bold risks, joking with other players, and keeping games entertaining.

Outside poker, Perkins is an author and philanthropist. In his book Die With Zero, he encourages people to spend their wealth on meaningful experiences rather than saving it all. While he’s rumored to have lost large sums playing poker, his fortune easily absorbs the ups and downs. Charismatic and generous, Bill Perkins is seen as the fun-loving amateur who brings energy and good vibes to the high-stakes poker scene.

15. Erik Seidel - $40 Million

Erik Seidel is one of the longest-lasting and most successful poker players ever, with an estimated net worth of about $40 million. A New Yorker, he first gained attention in the 1980s when he finished second in the 1988 World Series of Poker Main Event, a moment later shown in a famous poker movie. Since then, he’s won nine WSOP bracelets and more than $40 million in tournament prizes.

Unlike some loud or flashy players, Seidel is known for being calm, thoughtful, and consistent. He was part of the legendary Mayfair Club in New York and later thrived in both online poker and modern high-stakes tournaments, continuing to win well into his fifties and sixties.

Seidel’s wealth comes not only from poker but also from smart financial decisions. Before becoming a full-time player, he worked in finance and continued to invest wisely throughout his career. His steady mindset helped him avoid the financial troubles that affected other pros. His $40 million fortune likely includes both tournament winnings and long-term investment growth.

Even after decades in the game, Seidel remains highly competitive. In 2021, he won a Poker Masters event, showing that his skills haven’t faded. His career proves that patience, discipline, and consistency can build lasting success in poker.

16. Fedor Holz - $32.5 Million

Fedor Holz is a German poker star who went from online grinder to millionaire in just a few years. His net worth is estimated at about $32 million, built mostly from his incredible streak in high-stakes tournaments during the mid-2010s.

In his early 20s, he won major events back-to-back, including a $5 million prize in 2016 and about $6 million for finishing second in the One Drop High Roller. By 2017, at only 23 years old, he had earned over $26 million in live events and briefly announced his retirement, though he continued to play and even won another $1.3 million online soon after.

He didn’t stay retired for long. Holz returned to poker while also building a business outside the game. He launched Primed Mind, a mindset and poker training app that became another source of income. Known for his focus on psychology and personal growth, Holz used these same principles to stay sharp and balanced both on and off the table.

Along with sponsorships and smart investments, Holz’s wealth grew far beyond his poker winnings. Despite his young age and massive success, he’s known for being careful with money and disciplined about managing his bankroll.

Now in his late 20s, he enjoys financial stability that most players can only dream of. He’s fully active in poker or not, Fedor Holz has already secured his place as one of the richest and most successful young players in the game.

17. Patrik Antonius - $30 Million

Patrik Antonius is a Finnish poker star known as one of the toughest cash game players in the world. Over his long career, he’s built an estimated net worth of about $30 million. Antonius became famous during the 2000s poker boom, catching attention for his calm, focused style and his striking appearance. Originally a tennis player, he switched to poker and soon became a regular in the biggest games both in Las Vegas and online during the Full Tilt “Rail Heaven” era, where he once played a record $1.3 million online pot.

Most of Antonius’s wealth comes from high-stakes cash games, where he competed against legends like Tom Dwan and Phil Ivey. Though the swings were huge, he’s believed to have come out ahead overall. He’s also earned about $12 million in live tournament winnings. Beyond poker, he’s made money through business ventures, including poker apps and real estate investments.

Antonius’s discipline at the table extends to his finances. He’s known for managing his money wisely and avoiding the reckless habits that hurt other players. Now in his 40s, he still plays in some of the world’s biggest cash games and remains one of poker’s most respected and consistent winners. His $30 million fortune reflects years of skill, focus, and smart decision-making.

18. Phil Hellmuth - $28 Million

No list of poker legends or wealthy pros would be complete without Phil Hellmuth, known as the “Poker Brat.” He has an estimated net worth of about $28 million and holds the record for the most World Series of Poker bracelets with 17. Hellmuth has been in the spotlight for more than thirty years, earning over $23 million in tournaments.

He’s also made plenty of money through sponsorships, books, product deals, and appearances. Confident and outspoken, Hellmuth has built his brand with reality TV spots, merchandise sales, and paid appearances that boost his income.

While $28 million puts him lower on the richest players list, it’s still a huge amount, especially since most of it comes directly from poker and related ventures, not outside businesses. Hellmuth won the WSOP Main Event in 1989 at just 24 years old and has continued winning titles well into recent years, including in 2021. His ability to stay relevant in poker has kept opportunities coming his way.

Beyond tournaments, he’s been involved in poker websites, high-stakes private games, and even blockchain poker projects. People love or dislike his fiery personality at the table, but Phil Hellmuth’s long-term success shows he’s a true master of both the game and his career.

19. Antonio Esfandiari - $27 Million

Antonio “The Magician” Esfandiari turned his flair for magic tricks into a charismatic poker career and a net worth of about $27 million. Esfandiari became a poker celebrity after winning the 2004 L.A. Poker Classic for $1.4 million, then later cemented his legend by winning the first $1 million buy-in One Drop tournament in 2012 for a record $18.3 million payday.

That single win launched him up the all-time money list and made up a large portion of his wealth. Esfandiari also earned another seven-figure tournament win and appeared on many poker TV shows, which helped him land sponsorships and acting opportunities.

Beyond playing, Antonio has been smart with his money. He’s spoken about careful bankroll management and, despite his flashy image, friends say he’s cautious with spending and investments. He co-authored a poker strategy book and did consulting work to diversify his income.

In recent years, Esfandiari has stepped back from playing tournaments full-time to focus on his family and select events. The money he’s already earned and invested keeps him among poker’s richest players. Antonio’s charm and showmanship continue to bring him new opportunities, from TV appearances to business deals. True to his nickname, “The Magician” turned cards and charisma into a lasting fortune and made sure it stayed that way.

20. Jennifer Tilly - $25 Million

Rounding out the top 20 is Jennifer Tilly, a Hollywood actress who became a skilled poker player with an estimated net worth of about $25 million. Tilly is best known for her movie roles and an Academy Award nomination, but she has also made a name for herself in poker by winning the 2005 World Series of Poker Ladies Event and competing in high-stakes games.

Her wealth comes from both her successful acting career and her poker results. Her earnings are strong for an actress in her category, although they are modest compared to major stars often referenced in entertainment discussions such as Harrison Ford's net worth. She has earned over $1 million in tournaments and likely much more in private cash games.

Tilly’s love for poker grew strong enough that she took breaks from acting to focus on playing. She is a familiar face in celebrity poker events and major tournaments. Starting with solid financial security from her acting career, she was able to play high-stakes games without pressure, which helped her grow as a player.

Jennifer Tilly has been part of the poker world for nearly twenty years, often appearing alongside her long-time partner and fellow pro Phil Laak. With her mix of Hollywood success, poker talent, and dedication to the game, she stands out as one of the richest and most respected female players in poker today.

FAQs About The Richest Poker Players

Who Is The Richest Poker Player In The World?

The richest poker player in the world is Andy Beal, with an estimated net worth of about $12 billion.

Which Poker Player Has Won The Most Money In Tournaments?

As of 2025, Bryn Kenney holds the record for most live tournament earnings, with about $57 million won. He slightly eclipsed Justin Bonomo, who has around $55 million.

Are There Any Billionaires Who Play Poker Regularly?

A few billionaires are active in high-stakes poker. Andy Beal (banker, ~$12B) and Guy Laliberté (Cirque du Soleil founder, ~$1B) are two prime examples.

How Do Poker Players Manage To Stay Rich Given The Swings In Gambling?

Successful poker players use a combination of skill, bankroll management, and diversification to maintain their wealth.

Who Is The Richest Female Poker Player?

Jennifer Tilly is often considered the richest female poker player, with a net worth around $25 million thanks to both her poker success and acting career.

What Role Do Sponsorships And Business Ventures Play In Poker Players’ Wealth?

Sponsorships and businesses can significantly boost a poker player’s income.

Conclusion

Poker has been called “a hard way to make an easy living,” but the twenty individuals above show that it can lead to extraordinary riches. It’s also clear that maintaining such wealth requires more than just winning a few big pots.

The poker millionaires tend to be savvy with money management, diversify into businesses or investments, and continually adapt both in poker and in life. For fans and aspiring players, these stories are equal parts inspiring and cautionary. They show that with enough talent and drive, poker can be a path to vast wealth, but it also helps to have a safety net or alternate income.

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