The most famous poker players in the world may not necessarily be some of the best. Nevertheless, plenty of big names like to jump in the actor – whether actors, musicians, or social media mavens.
Their level of success may vary, but poker remains an engaging game for many, and that can even include celebrities.
to athletes to celebrities. Learn about their achievements and contributions to the poker world.
Most Famous Poker Players of All Time — Hollywood Celebrities
Some of the most famous poker players in history may not always be the best at the game, but that hasn’t stopped big-name celebrities from trying their hand.
Plenty of big names like to test their luck and prove their skills playing poker – whether actors, musicians, or social media mavens.
Their level of success may vary, but poker remains an engaging game for many, and that can even include celebrities.
Let's begin with some mainstream icons who are as famous for their work on-screen as they are for their poker skills.
1 – Ben Affleck
This actor and filmmaker is a regular at the poker table. In 2004, he won the California State Poker Championship at the Commerce Casino in Los Angeles for $356,400.
That was quite an accomplishment, but depending on how you look at it, this finish may rank in third place behind his two Oscar wins.
Affleck won Best Original Screenplay in 1997 for Good Will Hunting and Best Picture in 2012 for directing Argo. A leading man in many films, including a turn as Batman, Affleck causes a stir in the poker world when he’s spotted at a table.
Affleck even took his interest in poker to the big screen with the 2013 poker movie Runner, Runner, co-starring Justin Timberlake.
The film received generally negative reviews but scored $63 million at the box office, doubling the $30 million budget.
- Occupation: Actor, director, screenwriter
- Achievements: Two Oscar wins
- Notable in poker: Won the California State Poker Championship
- Fun fact: Poker legend Johnny Chan once named Affleck the best “amateur” poker player he’d ever competed against.
2 – Matt Damon
Matt Damon, like his long-time friend Ben Affleck, is no stranger to hitting the poker table. After co-writing Good Will Hunting with Affleck, he rose to fame and became one of Hollywood's most sought-after stars.
That roster of films includes Saving Private Ryan, The Talented Mr. Ripley, The Martian, and many others.
Poker fans may remember more from playing Mike McDermott in the film Rounders. The film has become one of the biggest in the poker genre after its release in 1998.
He has competed in several World Series of Poker events and was even sent to the rail by Doyle Brunson in the 1998 Main Event.
- Occupation: Actor, producer, screenwriter
- Achievements: Five-time Oscar nominee, including winning with Affleck in 1998 for Good Will Hunting.
- Notable: A memorable scene in Rounders has Damon facing off against poker legend Johnny Chan.
3 – Edward Norton
Speaking of Rounders, Damon’s co-star may have been even more enamoured with poker. Brilliant in his role as Worm, Norton has also appeared in the World Series of Poker.
The famous Hollywood star has remained a regular at the poker tables. He has also starred in films such as American History X, The Illusionist, Red Dragon, Primal Fear, and Birdman.
“It’s a very sophisticated game that operates on a lot of levels, both mathematical and strategic, ” he said after getting knocked out of the 1998 WSOP Main Event. “When you’re playing with these guys, there may be luck on any given hand, but over time, the really terrific players will crush it.”
- Occupation: Actor, filmmaker
- Achievements: Two Golden Globe awards
| Notable: Remains active in environmental and humanitarian causes. |
4 – Toby Maguire
Former Spider-Man and Seabiscuit jockey Red Pollard brings plenty of skills to the poker table. He is believed to have been tutored by Daniel Negreanu, one of the best poker players in history.
Along with Affleck, he's believed to be one of the celebrities involved with Molly Bloom's high-stakes cash games in the 2000s. Those events were the basis of her hit book and subsequent film, Molly's Game.
In 2007, Maguire cashed in the WSOP Main Event for $39,445. But his most significant win came in the $2,080 Phil Hellmuth Invitational at Hollywood Park for $95,480.
Maguire's Spider-Man was also obviously successful, raking in more than $2.5 billion at the box office. Some insiders have said he's the best poker player in Hollywood.
- Occupation: Actor, producer
- Achievements: Believed to have won hundreds of thousands of dollars in Hollywood cash games.
- Notable: It’s been reported that he’s Player X in the Molly’s Game
5 – Leonardo DiCaprio
Another celebrity rumoured to have been part of the Molly’s Game poker scene is none other than Leonardo DiCaprio. While his poker skills are far less publicised than his legendary acting career, DiCaprio's love for the game is no secret in Hollywood.
Known for iconic roles in films like Titanic and The Wolf of Wall Street, and his Oscar-winning performance in The Revenant, DiCaprio's mystique also extends to the poker table.
He is one of the best poker players in history by status and allure. Poker legend Chris Moneymaker, who famously won the 2003 World Series of Poker as an amateur, once recalled a memorable moment at an exclusive Hollywood party.
“I’m a big fan of your work,” someone said to him. When Moneymaker turned around, he found himself face-to-face with Leonardo DiCaprio.
- Occupation: Actor, producer
- Achievements: Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role
| Notable: While Leonardo DiCaprio has no recorded tournament wins on Hendon Mob, he is widely known for hopping around Hollywood’s high-stakes private game scene. |
6 – Ray Romano
A regular at the annual World Series of Poker, this comedian and actor loves the game. His show Everybody Loves Raymond was on the air from 1996 to 2005. He’s also made plenty of appearances at the WSOP annual poker tournament series.
“It’s always great to play this event, as it’s exhilarating and nerve-wracking at the same time. And it’s also the only event I play every year,” he told PokerGO at the WSOP in 2018.
“Because it’s the only one I play, there’s a lot at stake for me. When I bust this event, I know I’ll have to wait until next year, so I get a little tentative. Together with my buddy who’s also playing, we’re just trying to struggle our way into Day 3.”
- Occupation: Actor, comedian
- Achievements: Three Emmy awards.
- Notable: Once made Day 3 of the WSOP Main Event.
7 – James Woods
This old-school actor may love poker almost more than any card-playing celebrity. Notable in Hollywood for an acting career dating back to the 1970s, Woods has two Oscar nominations and a Golden Globe.
Poker and gambling fans may also want to check out his performance in Casino, a film about the media in Las Vegas.
He plays cash games almost daily in Los Angeles and is a regular at the World Series of Poker, with more than $400,000 in live tournament winnings.
- Occupation: Actor, producer
- Achievements: Golden Globe Winner, two Oscar nominations.
| Notable: Fifth place in $1,500 WSOP Dealer’s Choice in 2018 for $23,686. First place in LA Poker Open $600 Limit Triple Stud in 2023 for $4,900 — James Woods loves to play mixed game events at all buy-in levels. |
8 – Jennifer Tilly
While she may be a highly regarded actress Tilly has also transitioned to becoming a familiar face on poker TV. In 2005, she also won the World Series of Poker Ladies Championship for $158,625.
Tilly regularly appears in televised poker games like Poker Night in America and Poker After Dark. She and long-time boyfriend Phil Laak make quite the poker power couple.
She may be one of the best players on this list, and Tilly’s personable, chatty demeanour makes her fun to watch.
- Occupation: Actress, poker player
- Achievements: WSOP bracelet, $1 million in live tournament winnings.
- Notable: Her father was also a poker player and gambler. In 2005, Tilly also won the third World Poker Tour Ladies Invitational Tournament held at the Bicycle Casino.
Most Famous Poker Players of All Time — Sports Stars, Musicians, and Comedians
Now that we have listed classic Hollywood poker celebrities, let’s add athletes and “creatives” to the list.
These are some of the most famous poker players of all time in sports, music, and comedy.
9 – Neymar Jr.
This international soccer icon not only scores on the pitch but also on the felt. Neymar has some scores in the tournament arena.
Neymar scored a sixth-place finish in a $1,400 side event at the Brazilian Series of Poker for $21,072.
He's also had some decent finishes online and is currently a regular on Hustler Casino Live. Neymar has said that when not playing soccer, the Brazilian phenom is usually playing poker.
- Occupation: Professional soccer player
- Achievements: Numerous championships and titles
| Notable: His transfer to Paris Saint-Germain for €222 million made Neymar the most expensive player ever. |
10 – The Eagles
The rock 'n' roll sensation not only toured the world playing sold-out shows but also played plenty of poker. Bandleader Glenn Frey and Don Henley were big fans of the game and played for hours on the road.
The poker action began in the early 1970s when both were part of the backing band for country singer Linda Ronstadt. She often played in those early games and remembers Frey, who passed away in 2016, as the Eagle shark.
“Glenn was always smarter and better prepared than you thought he would be,” she told the Los Angeles Times. “It was like going into a card game with him. We used to play poker, and you’d go into a game thinking you were going to take his money, but he always ended up winning.”
Henley grew up in East Texas and is quite a card player himself. The Eagles’ poker games continued for years.
- Occupation: Rock band, songwriters
- Achievements: 200 million in album sales, six Grammy awards.
| Notable: Glenn Frey hosted games at his home in L.A. throughout the ‘70s during Monday Night Football. The games included the Eagles, roadies, and Joni Mitchell, among other musicians. |
11 – Willie Nelson
This Texan and outlaw country legend has sold more than 40 million albums. He has inspired artists across the musical spectrum. Some also play in his regular poker home game, which he has run well into his 80s.
Those poker pals include Woody Harrelson, Owen Wilson, Jamey Johnson, Jackson, Merle Haggard, and others.
Nelson is usually the table shark (poker term reserved for most dangerous players) in the games:
"He gave me some knuckles," Jack Johnson told Taste of Country. "I didn't even know what was going on."
- Occupation: Singer, songwriter, actor, author
- Achievements: Many Grammy awards
- Notable: Nelson’s poker games are usually held at his home in Hawaii.
12 – Kevin Hart
Kevin Hart isn't just a box office sensation but a mainstay at the poker table. The Philadelphia-born comedian brings his signature humour to every game, but don't be fooled: rumour has it that Kevin Hart is a bit of a "nit"!
In recent years, Hart has competed in high roller events, going head-to-head with some of the best players in the world. He’s also rumoured to play in some big games in Hollywood when not in front of the cameras filming movies like Ride Along, Jumanji, and The Wedding Ringer.
- Occupation: Actor, comedian
- Achievements: $3 billion in box office ticket sales
| Notable: Don’t look for the stereotypically stoic poker face with Hart, who enjoys mixing it up with some laughs. During the 2018 Super High Roller Bowl, he told his tablemates: “Everyone loves to hear me talk!” |
13 – Brad Garrett
The comedian and long-time Everybody Loves Raymond actor has had a lifelong love of Las Vegas and gambling. He’s performed stand-up in Las Vegas for more than 30 years and also owns a comedy club at the MGM Grand.
At the poker table, Garret brings plenty of laughs. He’s appeared in several televised cash games and even hosted his own home game in partnership with Zynga. In addition, Garrett is a regular in private cash games and has also cashed in the WSOP twice.
“I think a lot of people in the entertainment industry, especially actors and comics, we like that rush,” he told Casino Player magazine in 2019. “Good or bad, healthy or not healthy, gambling kind of brings that rush.”
- Occupation: Actor, comedian
- Achievements: Three Emmy awards
| Notable: Voiced the role of Hulk Hogan in the early ‘80s for Hulk Hogan's Rock 'n' Wrestling cartoon show. |
Most Famous Poker Players of All Time — Social Media Stars
Finally, we need to update this list to include the latest arena of entertainment: social media. They are not afraid to tangle with the best poker players in history by skill level and have competed on live streams for thousands of people to watch.
These are the most famous poker players of all time for the next generation.
14 – Mr. Beast
MrBeast, born Jimmy Donaldson, is YouTube’s most famous creator. He is renowned for his extravagant giveaways, massive charitable efforts, and controversial challenges, which draw attention for their intense, gladiator-style format.
Known for pushing the boundaries of risk, he’s taken that same high-stakes mindset to the poker table.
MrBeast regularly competes in high-stakes poker streams and has been spotted with poker legend Phil Hellmuth. From the Aria casino to live YouTube streams, MrBeast isn’t afraid to play for the highest stakes, bringing his fearless approach to the poker world.
- Occupation: YouTuber, philanthropist
- Achievements: Over 200 million YouTube subscribers; donated millions to charitable causes
- Notable Poker Moment: Played in the Hustler Casino Live high-stakes poker stream Creator Game, one of the most-watched YouTube livestreams ever — racking up 1.4M views in its own right.
15 – Tana Mongeau
Tana Mongeau, a popular social media personality and YouTuber has made waves in the poker world by appearing in several high-profile poker streams… and surprising everyone with her success.
Known for her controversial and candid style, she brings the same boldness to the poker table. Mongeau’s presence in the poker community continues to grow as she plays in celebrity games and live streams, often bringing her signature ‘party girl’ flair and wild attitude to the felt.
She is an unexpected bridge between social media hyperspace—she even married fellow YouTuber Jake Paul on camera—and poker tournaments.
- Occupation: YouTuber, social media influencer
- Achievements:5 million YouTube subscribers; MTV reality show Tana Turns 21
| Notable Poker Moment: Finished in 2nd and 3rd place in two Celebrity Poker Tour events in 2024 |
16 – Ludwig
Ludwig Ahgren, a prominent YouTube streamer and content creator, is friends with MrBeast and a friend of poker. They’ve even filmed themselves casually playing heads-up on YouTube.
While Ludwig is a casual player and not deeply immersed in the poker scene, he raised eyebrows in 2024, saying that the sponsorship he most regrets was with America’s Cardroom.
He insisted that he still believes in the excellence of poker and that his issues involved difficulties getting paid for his partnership, not a dislike for the game. Despite the fallout, Ludwig remains a vocal supporter of poker,
- Occupation: YouTuber, Twitch streamer, content creator
- Achievements: Streamer of the Year (2021); one of the most-subscribed Twitch streamers before moving to YouTube
| Notable Poker Moment: Playing against fellow content creators in the ‘Creator Game’ on Hustler Casino Live |
♦♥♣♠
This sampling represents a few of the big names heading to the poker tables. While some of the most popular players may not always be the best, their fame is undoubtedly good for the game.
A little extra poker in the limelight can bring new players to the tables.
