53 Poker Millionaires Already Minted in 2023

53 Poker Millionaires Already Minted in 2023

It is no secret that live poker is booming once more. After an expected dropoff due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2022 saw more poker millionaires than at any time in history. As such, it is no surprise that the number of poker millionaires in 2023 is skyrocketing.

Through the first week of April 2023, there are 53 players with over $1 million in live tournament earnings. That is almost a third of 2022’s total, and we haven’t even gotten to the 2023 World Series of Poker. One has to wonder if we will eclipse 200 players winning at least $1 million in 2023.

53 Players Already Poker Millionaires in 2023

Through the first week of April, 53 players are sitting with over $1 million in live tournament earnings, according to Hendon Mob. Isaac Haxton presently sits atop that list with $5.154 million. Sam Greenwood of Canada is the next closest player, with $4.14 million in earnings.

England’s Talal Shakerchi is third thus far in 2023 with $3.49 million. Jose Barbero and Aliaksandr Shyllko round out the top five with $3.3 and $3.17 million each.

Looking at the top players, the top 20 players are a virtual who’s who of poker. Chris Soyza, Chris Brewer, Nick Petrangelo, Stephen Chidwick, Seth Davies, and Fedor Holz are over $2 million in earnings this year.

Other players with over $1 million in earnings this year include Steve O’Dwyer, Michael Watson, Dan Smith, Justin Bonomo, Jason Koon, Alex Foxen, Jonathan Jaffe, Daniel Dvoress, and Cary Katz.

What is a Poker Millionaire?

The term “poker millionaire” is often used in the poker tournament world. That means a person has won at least $1 million in live poker tournaments. As such, there are 53 poker millionaires already made in 2023.

Last year, 161 players finished with $1 million or more in live winnings. Of course, these totals do not factor in tournament buy-ins or other expenses incurred with playing live tournaments. Instead, it looks at straight payouts to players.

For example, Poker Hall of Famer Daniel Negreanu is credited with having won $4.74 million in tournaments in 2022. However, it is also well-documented that he lost over $1.1 million in tournament buy-ins during the 2022 World Series of Poker.

This is common for most poker players, especially those that play high stakes or high volumes of poker tournaments. Just because they are listed as poker millionaires doesn’t mean they are profitable at playing poker.

Also, remember that these stats only apply to live tournament play. It does not factor in any online poker tournament earnings from players.

Only 1 Aussie in the Top 200 Thus Far

Amazingly, a serious lack of Aussie talent is showing up in the 2023 Money List. Thus far, Australia’s only representative in the 2023 Money List is Sheng Ye. He has won $256,097 so far in 2023. Other Aussies with over $200k in earnings this year are Sosia Jiang and Joshua Mccully.

One big name that is far down the list is Michael Addamo. The Aussie high roller has only won $129k so far in 2023. This is way down from his $3.12 million total in 2022 and significantly down from his career high of $9.41 million in 2021.

The World Series of Poker is Right Around the Corner

As many in poker like to say, “Summer camp is right around the corner.” The 2023 World Series of Poker will kick off at the end of May and continues through mid-July. WSOP season is when we start to see earnings skyrocket as players from around the world converge on Vegas.

Not only does the WSOP run throughout the summer, but several other high-profile events in and around Las Vegas. By July, we will likely have well over 100 poker millionaires. The big question now is, will we break 200?

Considering that a new all-time record was set in 2022 for poker millionaires, we will likely see a new record set in 2023. We already appear to be on pace to break 200, and a potentially record-setting 2023 WSOP will probably make a new record for poker millionaires a reality.

Author: Walter Cook