Doyle Brunson - "Godfather of Poker"
One of the most iconic figures to shape the poker world was Doyle Brunson. This American player is considered one of poker's greatest legends and has rightfully earned the nickname "The Godfather of Poker". Brunson began his poker career in the 1950s and has since gone on to become one of the greatest champions. He won two World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event titles in 1976 and 1977, becoming the first player to win more than one title in the prestigious event.
Brunson is also the author of one of poker's most famous manuals, the Super System, which has become a bible for all poker players. This manual has had a huge impact on the way poker is played and perceived to this day. Because of his perseverance and dedication to poker, he is considered one of the greatest role models poker has ever presented. We have dedicated a series of seven articles to Doyle on our site, charting his life in detail, which you can recall here:
Godfather of Poker #7: The Last WSOP, 10 Bracelets and an Immortal Legacy
Phil Ivey - "The Tiger Woods of Poker"
Another name that can't be missed is Phil Ivey. Considered one of the most talented players of all time, this American has earned the nickname "The Tiger Woods of Poker" for his ability to excel in a different variants and his unwavering confidence at the tables. Ivey won 11 WSOP bracelets and millions of dollars in tournaments, and his game continues to inspire players around the world to this day.
Ivey is known for his cool and methodical approach to the game, which he manages to maintain even in the most tense moments. His ability to adapt his game to the different styles of his opponents and the situations that arise on the table is one of the main reasons why he has become one of poker's most respected players. In addition to this, Phil Ivey is also known for his regular appearances at cash games around the world, where he is not afraid to play even the highest stakes.
Daniel Negreanu - "Kid Poker"
Canadian player Daniel Negreanu is another icon who has played a key role in the modernization of poker. His nickname "Kid Poker" comes from his young age when he managed to become one of the most respected poker players in the world. Negreanu won seven WSOP bracelets and two World Poker Tour (WPT) titles, becoming the most profitable professional player in history (#1 on the all-time money list) for many years.
He is known for his ability to predict what cards his opponents are holding, which is often the result of his incredible powers of observation and intuition. Negreanu is also one of poker's biggest ambassadors, helping to popularize the game among the general public through his YouTube channel and various media appearances.
Stu Ungar - Unstoppable Legend
The story of Stu Ungar is one of the most tragic and inspiring stories in poker history. This American made a name for himself as an undefeated player who won three WSOP Main Event titles in 1980, 1981 and 1997. Often referred to as the best player in poker history, Ungar had an extraordinary knack for recognizing situations and quickly reading his opponents. Despite his poker successes, his life was marred by personal problems and addictions that eventually cost him his career and his life.
Ungar became a legend not only because of his winnings, but also because of the way he approached the game. His aggressive style and ruthlessness towards his opponents brought new ways of winning and cashing in. His life was best summed up by a quote he made on ESPN after winning his third WSOP Main Event title: "There's nobody in poker who can beat me. Only me." We dedicated a 4-part mini-series to Stu on our website, which you can check out here:
Stu Ungar: The Controversial Genius Who Had No Competition in the Poker World
These players, as well as many others, played a key role in how poker evolved into the modern form we know today. Their stories are not only an inspiration to other players, but also proof that poker is a game that requires talent, perseverance and mental toughness. Each of these players has contributed in his or her own way to making poker not only a prestigious game, but also a cultural phenomenon. And that is why their names will forever remain etched in the history of this fascinating game.
Sources - WSOP, Wikimedia, PokerNews, PokerGO, HendonMob, TodayShow, Masterclass