Top 5 poker players of all time

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There have been numerous occasions during the course of my tenure as a gambling writer that I have invited extreme physical harm by stating my opinions about various aspects of the professional poker circuit. It is only to be expected that tempers will often flare when a group of committed fans get together to debate who the greatest players ever to appear on this scene were, and in what order they should be ranked.

Really, there’s no difference between poker and any other major competition, whether it be football, baseball, hockey, beach volleyball, checkers, basketball or underwater basket weaving. What all these great competitions have in common are hordes of devoted fans who will not shrink from violence in defending their heroes.

So it is that I have been sent to the intensive care unit on a number of occasions after having initiated a bar fight based upon who should be ranked as the top five poker players of all time. Fortunately, I come from very hearty stock and my bones and internal issues seem to mend rather quickly. Therefore, I have never had to stay in the hospital for more than three or four weeks at the time. As I’ve gotten older and a bit mellower, I have learned not to flagrantly invoke these kinds of beatings in rowdy saloons. Rather, I am content to simply walk away knowing that I am right and everyone else is wrong.

While we are on the subject, allow me to go through my list of the top five greatest poker players. Bear in mind that this list tends to change a bit with my passing whims and moods. But, at the core, it remains essentially the same.

At a very top of my list would have to go Doyle “Texas Dolley” Brunson. If anyone deserves the status of living legend, it's this distinguished gentlemen. He’s been around forever, racked up more pots than you can imagine and continues to make his mark on the circuit.

Amarillo Slim is another legendary player whose name must be included in any top five list. An old friend of Doyle's, he was known for his colorful personality and fearless play at the tables. They don't make 'em like that any more.

Rounding out the top three of what I call the Holy Trinity of poker legends is the great Benny Binion. His contribution to the game is unique not only as a player, but as the proprietor of Binion's Horseshoe Casino in Las Vegas. He also invented the World Series of Poker.

Another great champion who deserves the respect of all is Johnny Chan. This guy broke racial barriers and shattered expectations, all back at a time when no one gave him a chance of making a name for himself. All players of poker can learn much from Mr. Chan.

Finally, I would mention the great Johnny Moss. He deserves a unique mention because he was the very first person to win the World Series of Poker back in 1970. He went on to repeat this feat, as I’m sure you know, and always maintained his unique sense of style at the green felt.