Canada's 10 Richest Poker Players: 2025 Fortune Rankings

Canada's Richest Poker Players

Poker has enabled many talented Canadians to build real fortunes. Thanks to staggering tournament winnings, lucrative sponsorship deals and other sources of income, these professional players have amassed impressive fortunes. Here are the top 10 richest Canadian poker players.

Top 10 Richest Canadian Poker Players in 2025

1. Daniel Negreanu - Approx. 120 M$ CAD

Daniel "Kid Poker Negreanu is without doubt Canada's most famous and wealthiest poker player. With six bracelets World Series of Poker (WSOP) and two titles of the World Poker Tour (WPT) to his credit, he has amassed over 50 M$ US in tournament winnings over the course of his career. His personal fortune is estimated at over $100 millionsome evaluators even put it at around 120 M$ CAD. A large part of this wealth comes from his results in live tournaments - Negreanu has long occupied the 1st place in the All-Time Money List worldwide.

At the same time, he benefited from lucrative sponsorship contractsThese included a 12-year stint with PokerStars, followed by a stint as ambassador for GGPoker. These partnerships have brought him millions more in revenue and raised his profile. Negreanu has also diversified his income by publishing a best-selling book on poker and appearing in the media (he was seen in the film X-Men Origins: Wolverine cameo, for example). Interesting anecdote: despite his huge success, Daniel got off to a rocky start in Las Vegas, making bankruptcy on several occasions in his youth.

His perseverance paid off, making him one of the most successful players in history, with a friendly style and legendary reading of the game that enabled him to amass this considerable fortune.

2. Timothy Adams - Approx. 110 M$ CAD

Timothy Adams is the canadian king of high rollers. Very discreet in the media, this Ontarian has nevertheless accumulated a fortune estimated at nearly 110 million Canadian dollars thanks to its performance at the highest limits. It is the Canada's second-biggest tournament winner live behind Negreanu, with over 38 M$ US in tournament earnings. A specialist in high-stakes tournaments, he has twice won the prestigious Super High Roller Bowl (including a victory in Sochi 2020 for 3.6 M$ US) and has been a star on the Triton Poker circuit, raking in millions with every win.

Unlike others, Adams doesn't have a huge income outside poker - he's not particularly present on Twitch or in public sponsorship - but he does have multiplied online earnings under the pseudonym "Tim0thee" and made a few appearances at charity events. His fortune comes mainly from tournament winnings, which he has managed prudently. A highlight of his career: in 2019 in JejuA few months later, he pulled off a memorable bluff against Mikita Badziakouski in a €250,000 High Roller at the WSOP Europe (although he didn't win that tournament).

Timothy Adams is the epitome of calm, methodical success - little-publicized but frighteningly effective - which has enabled him to amass a colossal fortune among the world's poker elite.

3. Sam Greenwood - Approx. 50 M$ CAD

Sam Greenwood is another Canadian who made his fortune in high-stakes poker tournaments. A former stock market trader, this Torontonian turned to professional poker with great success. Live tournament winnings exceed 36 M$ USmaking him one of the 20 most prolific players in the world. His personal fortune is estimated at around 50 million Canadian dollarsfueled by its many performances.

Greenwood excels particularly in Super High Rollers He's won 50,000 $ and 100,000 $ tournaments all over the world (EPT, partypoker MILLIONS, etc.), including several victories worth over a million dollars each. While he has just one WSOP bracelet, Sam boasts a multitude of final tables in prestigious events. Unlike some of his counterparts, he doesn't have a permanent major sponsorship deal, but he has occasionally sported poker site logos during his deep runs.

In addition to his tournament winnings, Greenwood undoubtedly made his money grow thanks to his financial knowledge and sound investments. Fun fact: Sam isn't the only one in his family in the poker game. twin brothers Luc and Max Greenwood are also successful players, and all three brothers have played together at the final tables of the same tournament, a rare occurrence that underlines the "family" atmosphere of his success. Sam Greenwood's trajectory shows how an analytical, combative mind can quickly build a substantial fortune in the world of professional poker.

4. Daniel Dvoress - Approx. 50 M$ CAD

Daniel Dvoress is one of the heavyweights of the new generation of high rollers, having accumulated a fortune estimated at around 50 million Canadian dollars thanks to his prowess at the tables. Born in Russia but raised in Canada, Dvoress has made a name for himself in private parties and ultra-selective tournaments. In live tournaments, he has won around 38.7 M$ US to date, including winning the London Super High Roller Bowl 2019 (for around 4 M$ US) and a WSOP bracelet in the online Millionaire Maker in 2020.

A regular on the Triton Poker circuit, Daniel's string of final tables against the world's best guarantees him huge winnings year after year. Unlike some champions, he stays relatively out of the limelight: no flamboyant sponsorship or personal Twitch channel, Dvoress prefers to play in the spotlight. focus on the game himself. He is sometimes referred to as theIce Man"He is known for his calmness and phlegm at the table, a quality that has undoubtedly helped him to win astronomical sums of money. He also takes part in high stakes cash game whose results are not public, but which contribute to his bankroll.

Anecdotally, Dvoress was for many years part of a circle of young Toronto pros who trained together online, honing their strategies in the shadows before exploding onto the international scene. This studious approach paid off: today, a multi-millionaire, Daniel Dvoress remains one of Canada's most feared players and one of poker's biggest fortunes.

5. Jonathan Duhamel - Approx. 45 M$ CAD

Jonathan Duhamel became a Canadian poker legend when he won the 2010 WSOP Main Eventbecoming the first Canadian poker world champion. This triumph brought him a winnings of 8.94 M$ US in one fell swoop, laying the foundations for a fortune now estimated at around 45 million $ CAD. After this historic victory, Duhamel signed from numerous advertising contractsIn addition, he has been a PokerStars ambassador for several years, which has provided him with a stable seven-figure income.

He also published a book and took part in charity events, reinforcing his image as a modest young champion. On the poker front, Duhamel continued to perform well: he landed two more WSOP bracelets (in 2015 and 2017) and a total of nearly 18 M$ US in live tournament earnings in his career. Other lucrative successes include a high roller victory at the European Poker Tour de Deauville in 2011 and several final tables on the North American circuit. A striking anecdote from his post-title life: in 2011, he fell victim to a violent burglary perpetrated by former friends, who robbed him of cash and his world champion bracelet.

Fortunately, the police recovered the trophy, and this episode didn't hinder Duhamel's financial ascent. Between his tournament winnings and advertising revenues, the former Boucherville student has wisely invested and conserved his bankroll, and today ranks among the richest poker players in Canada.

6. Mike McDonald - Approx. 25 M$ CAD

Michael "Mike" McDonald, nicknamed "TimexThe young poker player has enjoyed dazzling success, becoming a multi-millionaire in his early twenties. In 2008, aged just 18, he won the EPT Dortmund for 1.3 M$ barely a year after he was legally able to play - an early record. Today, his fortune is estimated at around 25 million $ CADThe result of his performances at the tables, but also of his other activities.

Mike has accumulated over 13 M$ US in tournament winnings live during his career, with numerous feats of arms: a 2nd place finish at the 2014 PCA (1 M$), several High Roller titles, and a remarkable return to the circuit after a break when he announced his early "retirement".

In addition to his pure earnings, McDonald diversified his income. He founded PokerSharesan innovative company that enables bets to be placed on the results of poker players, providing him with an entrepreneurial income. What's more, he is prudent investorMike is known for taking on unusual challenges: in 2018, he almost won a six-figure bet by attempting to shoot 90 out of 100 free throws in basketball. On the anecdotal side, Mike is known for taking on unusual challenges: in 2018, he almost won a six-figure bet by attempting to make 90 out of 100 free throws in basketball (he made 88, narrowly missing the bonus!).

Thanks to his strategic genius and business acumen, Mike McDonald has amassed a solid fortune and remains one of Canada's most financially successful poker figures.

7. Mike Watson - Approx. 20 M$ CAD

Michael Watson, often referred to as "SirWatts online, is a Canadian poker stalwart who has parlayed his longevity into a solid fortune estimated at nearly 20 million Canadian dollars. A versatile competitor, Watson has accumulated about 18 M$ US in live tournament earnings, and has been among the world's elite for over a decade. He won the WPT Bellagio Cup in 2008 (1.7 M$ US) and the PCA Main Event (PokerStars Caribbean Adventure) in 2016, and more recently a WSOP bracelet in 2021, which was particularly close to his heart.

These major victories, combined with countless paid places on the international circuit, have fuelled his income. Added to this are his online earnings on PokerStars and other platforms under the pseudonym "SirWatts", where he has also made millions over the years. Unlike some of his compatriots, Mike Watson has not been a high-profile sponsorship figure, nor has he officially represented any poker room as a long-term ambassador.

But he is highly respected in the industry for his exemplary professionalism. He undoubtedly benefited from backing (investors who finance buy-ins in return for a share of the winnings) in the very big tournaments, but also made his money grow through rigorous bankroll management.

One anecdote illustrates his perseverance: he reached numerous WSOP final tables during his career, and it was only after more than 50 paid places that he finally landed his first bracelet - a testament to his consistency. Today, Mike Watson's career continues to go from strength to strength, and his fortune is the reflection of hard work and an undying passion for the game.

8. Sorel Mizzi - Approx. 15 M$ CAD

Sorel Mizzi is one of Canada's online poker prodigies who has parlayed his success into the live circuit, amassing a fortune estimated at 15 million $ CAD. Originally from Toronto, Mizzi first made a name for himself under the pseudonyms "Imper1um and "Zangbezan24" on the Internet, where he won millions in online tournaments during the 2000s. He then went on to shine live, with over 12.5 M$ US winnings in official tournaments to date. Notable achievements include 3rd place in the 2012 £1 Million One Drop High Roller and numerous final tables in High Rollers in Macau and Vegas.

Sorel was also elected Player of the Year 2010 by BLUFF magazine thanks to his outstanding performances that year. In addition to his winnings at the tables, he was able to take advantage of sponsorships Mizzi has also been associated with a number of online poker rooms, which have supported him in certain tournaments, adding to his income. Although Mizzi has experienced some controversy in his online career (stories of shared accounts have led to suspensions), he has bounced back and maintained his profitability.

As for anecdotes, Sorel is renowned for his boundless enthusiasm: during a victory in Australia, he celebrated by making a lap of honour carrying the Canadian flag on his shoulders, showing just how much he relishes his successes. Still active today, Mizzi continues to play all over the world, and his solid fortune is testament to his talent for winning in all poker variants and formats.

9. Pascal Lefrançois - Approx. 10 M$ CAD

Quebecer Pascal Lefrançois made a name for himself by winning a WSOP bracelet in 2010The same year, he came close to the Main Event final table (eliminated in 11th place at the World Championship). Since then, he has climbed the high roller ladder and built up a fortune estimated at over 10 million Canadian dollars. His winnings in live tournaments are around 10 M$ USThese were underlined by two major performances that boosted his bankroll: in 2018, Pascal won the title of partypoker MILLIONS Grand Final Barcelona (a prestigious €10,000 Main Event) for a win of 1,7 M€and the following year he triumphed at the WSOP Europe High Roller One Drop 2019 to Rozvadov, pocketing 3,8 M€ more.

These two scores combined to explode his prize list and income. Although less publicized than others, Lefrançois has undoubtedly taken advantage of these victories to secure his fortune, via investments and by carefully selecting his tournaments. He is appreciated for his seriousness and calmness at the tables, sometimes earning him the nickname of Quebec's "poker machine". Although he has no long-term sponsorship with an online room, he has been seen sporting the logo of Playground Poker Clubthe famous Montreal venue, underlining its local roots.

Fun fact: Pascal juggled poker and finance studies for a while before fully devoting himself to the cards, and he attributes part of his prudent bankroll management to his academic background. Thanks to a few lucrative poker coups and a well-managed career, Pascal Lefrançois has joined the club of Canadian players who are millionaires in dollars, and ranks 9th on this list of the world's richest.

10. Kristen Bicknell (Foxen) - Approx. 5 M$ CAD

Kristen Bicknell - now also known as Kristen Foxen since her marriage - is Canada's wealthiest poker player, with a fortune estimated at around $5 million. Originally from St. Catharines, Ontario, Kristen first made a name for herself online, where she earned hundreds of thousands of dollars under the pseudonym "krissyb24", twice becoming the first "krissyb24". Supernova Elite on PokerStars (for which she already earned substantial bonuses). Live, she has accumulated over 5 M$ US in tournament earnings, having won three WSOP bracelets (including the 2013 Ladies Event and two open tournaments in 2016 and 2020).

She enjoyed a string of successes in mid-stakes and high-stakes tournaments, which propelled her to the top of the women's world rankings for several years. Beyond the tables, Bicknell has also benefited from sponsoring agreements notable: she was a partypoker ambassador between 2018 and 2021, which brought her additional income as well as increased visibility. She is also active on Twitch and social networks, generating poker-related influencer income.

Interesting trivia: Kristen was named Female GPI (Global Poker Index) Player of the Year three years running (2017, 2018, 2019), a rare feat that demonstrates her consistency - and these honors were often accompanied by additional bonuses or contracts. Now married to American Alex Foxen (also a poker champion), she and he form a poker's power couple. Together, they intelligently manage their careers and investments, consolidating a comfortable financial base. Kristen Bicknell-Foxen, by breaking the glass ceiling of poker, has shown that a Canadian woman can not only excel at the highest level, but also accumulate a handsome fortune thanks to the game.

FAQ on Canada's 10 Richest Poker Players

Q: Who is the richest poker player in the world?
R : If we include the billionaire businessmen who play amateur poker, names like Andy Beal (a Texas banker who played the pros in the high stakes and made billions) or the Canadian Guy Laliberté (founder of Cirque du Soleil and initiator of the Big One for One Drop tournament) are among the richest. However, these fortunes come mainly from their businesses outside poker.

Among the full-time poker professionalsthe title of richest player is debated. We often quote Dan Bilzerianwho claims to have accumulated more than 200 partly private M$ (even though he inherited some of his wealth); or legends such as Phil Ivey and Bryn Kenneywhose assets are estimated at around 100 M$ CAD. In short, it all depends on whether you're counting only the money earned grace or the entire assets of poker players. In all cases, Daniel Negreanu is one of the richest pro players in the world, even if he's probably no longer the world's absolute number one in terms of wealth.

Q: How do poker players make money outside of tournaments?
R : The best poker players don't just win in tournaments. Many also play in cash game (cash games) where the stakes can be just as high - these private or casino games can bring in substantial sums, often on a more regular basis than tournaments. In addition, players can sign sponsoring agreements with online poker sites or brands, becoming ambassadors and being paid to represent the brand (logo wear, event participation, streaming, etc.).

Contracts for top players can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, or more. Some players also monetize their image and expertise via Twitch or YouTube by streaming their games, generating advertising revenue and donations from fans. Others write booksThey sell poker courses or coaching, or create educational content (videos, masterclasses) for specialized platforms - another source of income.

Finally, many of them invest their earnings in parallel affairs real estate, start-ups, crypto-currencies, etc., to diversify their wealth. Poker thus offers a showcase and capital that savvy players can grow well beyond the tables.

Q: Are poker winnings taxable in Canada?
R : In Canada, the taxation of poker winnings is a sensitive issue. As a general rule, gambling winnings are not taxable for individuals, as they are considered lottery winnings (i.e. non-recurring and due to chance). Thus, an amateur who wins a one-off tournament will not pay tax on the win.

However, the case of professional players is more nuanced. If poker is a person's main activity and they earn a regular income from it, the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) can attempt to reclassify these gains as business or self-employment incomeand therefore taxable. This depends on a number of factors (frequency of winnings, professional approach, sponsors, etc.). In reality, few Canadian pro players declare their poker winnings as taxable income, and there have been legal battles over the matter. For example, the CRA has already investigated some major Canadian winners (such as Jonathan Duhamel) to determine whether they should be taxed.

Until now, most live tournament winnings have not been taxed in Canada, but the situation could change if the authorities consider that a player is exercising a "taxable" activity. gainful employment. In short: an ordinary Canadian who wins at poker pays no tax on it, whereas a professional player could theoretically be taxed, even if this is rare and complex to implement.

Q: Do players keep all their tournament winnings?
R : Not necessarily - it's common for players not to keep 100 % of their winnings, for a variety of reasons. Firstly, many players use the staking or share sales: they sell percentages of their tournament entry to investors or other players. In exchange, these backers receive the same proportion of any winnings. For example, if a player sells 50 % of his share in a tournament, half of any winnings will go to investors. This enables the player to reduce his entry costs and lower variance, but in return he shares his winnings.

Then there are the registration fees buy-ins can be very high - a posted win of 1,000,000 $ does not take into account that the player may have paid 100,000 $ to enter, sometimes several times over in the case of re-entries. These costs are deducted from the actual profit. What's more, if the tournament is held abroad, there may be withholding tax in certain countries (in the United States, for example, a tax may be levied on foreigners' winnings, which the player may be able to recover in part via a tax treaty).

Finally, many pros have private agreements They can share their winnings with associates or coaches, or redistribute among friends when they swap percentages with each other to reduce variance. In short, the gross figure earned on stage is not always what ends up in the player's bank account, who may only receive a portion of it after honoring all these arrangements.

Q: Which Canadian has won the most money in poker tournaments?
R : In terms of gross winnings in live tournamentsthe winningest Canadian in history is Daniel Negreanuwith some US$50-55 million won in official events. For many years, he held first place on the All-Time Money List. Behind him are Timothy Adamswho has amassed between US$37 and US$38 million in tournaments, placing him second in Canada.

Other Canadians like Daniel Dvoress and Sam Greenwood follow close behind with more than Thirty million US each. It should be noted that these amounts represent accumulated earnings and not net profit (see previous question). Furthermore, if we included online earnings, players like Chris Moorman (British living in Canada) or other expatriates could appear, but generally we classify by nationality of origin and live tournaments.

Worldwide, Negreanu remains one of the top 5 biggest winners of live tournaments, even though the American Bryn Kenney and English Justin Bonomo have overtaken him in recent years thanks to huge scores (each close to 57 million US in earnings). Nevertheless, Negreanu remains Canada's undisputed number 1 in tournament earnings and, combined with his other earnings, the richest Canadian poker player to date.