The Best Gambler in the World and Other Legendary High Rollers
Who is the best gambler in the world? It’s a tough one, as many famous gamblers are out there. We think we have the answer and can also think of many other great gamblers who deserve a mention.
Phil Ivey: The Best Gambler in the World
Ivey is a famous gambler and poker player with the second-most World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets and millions in cash game winnings.
Many consider Ivey the world’s best gambler. He has also won millions playing baccarat. However, much of that seems to have resulted from edge sorting, a practice some consider cheating. This ultimately led to his winnings being stripped.
We still think he deserves to be called the best gambler, though, especially if you’re talking about living gamblers who seem to excel at whatever game they play.
Famous Gamblers in the Past
We know what you’re thinking—how can we put Ivey ahead of Nick Dandolos (better known as “Nick the Greek”), Archie Karas, and Doyle Brunson?
All of these gamblers deserve a mention, but unfortunately, they’re no longer with us. They all excelled in various games, with Dandalos redefining whale gambling, Karas turning a pocketful of notes into tens of millions, and Brunson winning consecutive WSOP Main Events.
They are some of the best gamblers in history but not the best right now.
Phil Helmuth deserves a mention, too.
The famous gambler has won more WSOP bracelets than anyone else. Known as “The Poker Brat,” he doesn’t get the attention he deserves, as he’s the player that people love to hate, but it’s hard to ignore his achievements.
He might not be the world’s best gambler, but you can’t omit his name from the list if you’re talking about the best poker players.
How to Become a Famous Gambler
You need a few things to become a famous gambler: skill, patience, and luck.
Many would argue that you also need a big bankroll, but that’s not necessarily the case. Chris Ferguson, nicknamed “Jesus,” proved that you could get by on skill alone when he completed a challenge to turn $0 into $10,000, beginning with freerolls and progressing to cash games.
Other gamblers have achieved similar feats; some have convinced top players and friends to bankroll them.
A big bankroll will make it easier to get better perks and bonuses. These include favorable table terms, such as those negotiated by Don Johnson, who is considered by some to be the best blackjack gambler, who won $15 million in Atlantic City, and loyalty promotions and gamblers insurance.
Summary: The Best Gambler in the World
His enigmatic style and many WSOP bracelets mean that Phil Ivey gets our vote as the world’s best gambler right now. Still, others are constantly challenging his status and a long history of brilliant gamblers who have broken the bank at casinos, taken millions from sportsbooks, and won big at the poker tables.
Remember, while it is possible to follow in their footsteps, these guys are one in a million. They have the skill, patience, knowledge, and nerve to make high-stakes gambling worthwhile, and few gamblers can replicate their success.
Casino Common Queries
Who is the best gambler of all time?
It’s debatable, but many point to Archie Karas or Nick the Greek. Both have a Greek connection and took millions from casinos, earning their place in history books.
Who is the richest gambler in the world?
Tony Bloom is one of the wealthiest living gamblers, but he didn’t make his money at the tables like all billionaire gamblers. He’s a businessman who loves to gamble. Kerry Packer, an Australian media tycoon who passed away in 2005, was in a similar position and is often said to be among history’s richest and most interesting high rollers.
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