Beyond a doubt huge amounts of individuals are trying to be the next "star" in poker, but here is a short list of 4 of the more famous "great players" of poker. Granted "nice" is connected with their names when you are at a poker table it is "no more Mr. Nice guy" until they have removed you out of the competition!
Daniel Negreanu
In 2004, his tournament payouts added up to in the region of $4.4 million and he captured 2 highly respected awards in the WSOP Player of the Year and Cardplayer Magazine’s Tourney Player of the Year. In February 2006 he was appointed Card Player’s Preferred Poker Player. Daniel still has the decency to talk with his fans about how they will be able to advance their own game.
Howard Lederer
Called "The Professor" and sibling of fellow poker professional Annie Duke. His achievements have lead to him making an educational video named "Secrets of No Limit Hold’em" and co hosting a tournament poker show for Fox. As of Two Thousand and Five, his complete life time winnings exceed $2.7 million.
Scotty Nguyen
Scotty is one of the most active players in poker and between 2000 and Two Thousand and Four he finished in the money in excess of one hundred competitions. He is notorious for saying "yeah baby" throughout poker matches and also credited with the phrase "that’s poker baby" when referring to a exceptionally bad defeat. As of 2006, his career earnings are almost $6 million.
Chris Ferguson
Chris has earned five WSOP titles with two of his successes happening in 2003. Has the alias "Jesus" due to his characteristic long hair and beard, that, and along with his ability to toss cards fast enough to cut through bananas and pickles. As of 2005 his total poker tourney earnings exceeded $5 million.