Literally millions and millions of individuals are trying to be the next "star" in poker, but here is a short list of four of the more famous "great guys" of the game. Even though "nice" is connected with their names when you are facing them it is "no more Mr. Nice guy" until they have put you out of the competition!
Daniel Negreanu
In Two Thousand and Four, his tourney payouts added up to more than 4.4 million dollars and he came away with 2 immensely admired awards in the World Series of Poker Player of the Year and Cardplayer Magazine’s Tourney Player of the Year. In Feb 2006 he was named Card Player’s Preferred Poker Player. He still has the decency to speak to his admirers about how they can advance their own game.
Howard Lederer
Known as "The Professor" and sibling of fellow poker professional Annie Duke. His achievements have lead to him making an educational poker video named "Secrets of No Limit Hold’em" and also hosting a tournament poker show for Fox TV. As of Two Thousand and Five, his total life time winnings exceed 2.7 million dollars.
Scotty Nguyen
Scotty is one of the most active players in poker and between Two Thousand and Two Thousand and Four he ranked in the money in more than 100 competitions. He is notorious for saying "yeah baby" throughout poker matches and also credited with the term "that’s poker baby" when referring to a particularly bad loss. As of Two Thousand and Six, his career winnings are just about six million dollars.
Chris Ferguson
Chris has captured five World Series of Poker titles with 2 of his successes coming in 2003. Chris has the alias "Jesus" as a result of his trademark long hair and beard, along with his ability to throw cards quick enough to slice through pickles and bananas. As of Two Thousand and Five his total poker tournament earnings exceeded five million dollars.