WSOP Announces the 50 Greatest Poker Players of All Time

As the World Series of Poker Celebrates its 50th Anniversary, WSOP Recently Released a List of 50 Greatest Players in Poker History. Though Many Poker Legends Were Honored, Fans Felt the List was Incomplete & Biased

Introduction: Celebrating the Legends of Poker

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is the most prestigious and globally recognized authority in poker, hosting premier tournaments that attract the best poker players worldwide. Since its inception in 1970, WSOP has set the gold standard for competitive poker, offering the biggest prize pools and the most coveted bracelets. Recognizing legendary poker players is crucial as they have shaped the game’s evolution, influencing future generations and introducing new strategies for playing the game. Honoring these icons preserves the rich history of poker and the competitive spirit.

The 2019 WSOP is special for many reasons. After all, it’s the 50th Annual World Series of Poker, and to celebrate the golden jubilee of WSOP, officials have released a list of “50 Greatest Poker Players” in history. According to WSOP officials, the list of the Top 50 Greatest Poker Players was compiled after tallying votes from a panel made up of 26 poker media and industry stalwarts. From a list of 200 players, the panel had to choose 50 players and were also given the ability to add write-ins. Out of 200 players and write-ins, 173 different players received votes. The WSOP press release stated-

To help celebrate the 50th running of the World Series of Poker (WSOP), event organizers tasked a poker industry and media panel to vote on the 50 Greatest Poker Players in history. While the WSOP had no say in the outcome, the panel was given a list of 200 names pulled together by the WSOP and were asked to select their Top 50, with the option to write-in any names that they felt were missed from the WSOP’s Top 200 list.”

It’s important to note that there was no ranking involved. The panel had to simply select who belonged in the Top 50 out of the list of 200 players. Also, unlike the Poker Hall of Fame, WSOP’s 50 Greatest Poker Players list didn’t have any restrictions on age, stakes, and the respect of peers for the nominees. The only caveat – the nominated player had to have played at the WSOP at least once. Without further ado, here’s a look at the list (in no particular order):

WSOP’s List of 50 Greatest Players in Poker History

The Controversy – Greatest of All Time

As it always happens with any “Greatest of All Time” list, this one also met with some controversy. Though many poker greats were honored in the list like Stu Ungar, Doyle Brunson, Amarillo Slim, Johnny Chan, etc., the overall reaction from the poker community was mixed, with many being displeased with the list released by WSOP. Poker players and fans alike took to social media to express their indignation calling the list incomplete and biased, pointing out that many players who deserved to be on the list were excluded like Jason Koon, Mike Sexton, Daniel Colman, David “Devilfish” Ulliott, Phil Laak, Dan Cates, Mike Matusow, and David Peters, etc.

Also, the exclusion of Chris Moneymaker was one of the most high-profile ommissions that people were not happy about; many feel Moneymaker’s contribution to poker game is still underappreciated. After all, Chris Moneymaker is widely hailed as the man who kickstarted the ‘poker boom’. But, in defense of WSOP, Moneymaker missed out on a place in the top 50 as he has gone without any significant win since his WSOP Main Event victory way back in 2003.

First Fifty Honors Gala – 2019 WSOP

To keep the celebration going for what has been a tremendous 50th Annual WSOP, poker will pause play this Saturday night at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino to take time to honour the most memorable moments and players that have made the last 50 years of the WSOP so memorable.”

WSOP officials also announced that a special ceremony will take place inside the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas at 8 P.M. this Saturday (29th June) for those that have made it onto the list. The special “First Fifty Honors Gala” will be hosted by Lon McEachern and Norman Chad and will honor those named while looking back at some of the other top 50 moments in WSOP history. The award presentation, along with cocktails and dinner, will take place in the Brasilia Ballroom and is open to all WSOP gold bracelet winners and VIPs. Of course, tickets are required in advance. Also, the WSOP will request former Main Event champions attending the First Fifty Honors Gala to come up on stage for a group photo. Additionally, the WSOP will unveil the winners of seven different categories voted on by the public.

• Most Memorable TV Hand
• Best Overall WSOP Performance
• Most Likely to Succeed
• Fan Favorite
• WSOP’s Favorite Bad Boy
• Most Impressive WSOP Main Event Win
• Four Most Important Players in WSOP History

It is important we take time out to honour the WSOP’s first 50 years and pay tribute to those that paved the way for where we are today. We look forward to getting the poker community together on Saturday and commemorating 50 years of the World Series of Poker. Ty Stewart; WSOP Executive Director

Here are the 50 Greatest Poker Players in History, check if your favorite poker player makes the list-

WSOP’s Criteria for Ranking the Greatest Poker Players

The WSOP ranks greatness using bracelets won (prestige of titles), total earnings (consistency and stakes played), and iconic hands (memorable hands and performances). Influencing the game, like shaping poker strategies and culture is also taken into account. Phil Hellmuth, with a record 17 bracelets is a prime example – his longevity, table talk, and dramatic wins cement his status as one of poker’s all-time greats.

Impact of Legendary Players on Poker’s Global Popularity

Legendary poker players have played a crucial role in popularizing the game globally, influencing poker culture and strategy through their media presence. Three such examples are given below:

1. Doyle Brunson: Known as the ‘Godfather of Poker’, Brunson’s book Super/System (1979) revolutionized poker strategy and remains one of the most influential poker books ever written.
2. Phil Hellmuth: Holding the record for the most WSOP bracelets, Hellmuth’s personality and ‘Poker Brat’ aura made him a media icon. His books and training materials have provided crucial insights for the future generation.
3. Daniel Negreanu: With his engaging table talk and deep understanding of poker strategy, Negreanu has become one of the most recognized poker players in the modern day. His YouTube content and training courses have helped bring in new players to the game.

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