Top Poker Players of 2005

[JoeyOh]

John Phan

Although John Phan hasn't won the most money in 2005, he certainly has proven himself by showing an impressive string of finishes.

Phan has eight top 4 finishes in major tournaments this year, including first place for the Ultimate Poker Challenge and the L.A. Poker Classic.

Ted Forrest

Ted Forrest's accomplishments this year have earned him over a million dollars in winnings and a lot more in respect from the poker community.

Forrest has made top 10 in several important tournaments this year, with notable first and second place finishes at two separate Mirage Poker Showdown events.

Michael Gracz

This up and coming star has already taken home over $2.4 million in 2005. Not bad for someone who just turned 25!

Gracz' has impressed, winning a gold bracelet for the $1000 buy-in WSOP No Limit Hold'em event plus a 1.5 million dollar payday in the PartyPoker Million IV.

Michael "the Grinder" Mizrachi

Michael Mizrachi put his best foot forward early this year by taking top honors in No Limit Hold'em at the L.A. Poker Classic. That $1.8 million payday started a trend of strong play throughout the year, especially in WSOP Tournament Circuit events.

Freddy Deeb

Kassam "Freddy" Deeb is considered by many to be one of the most confident poker pros out there. And for good reason! In 2005 Deeb has placed well in a number of major tournaments, with the pinnacle being his first place $1,000,000 win at the Ultimatebet.com Poker Classic.

Erick Lindgren

Another under 30 powerhouse, Erick Lindgren has proven his ability with a number of strong finishes this year. His best payday came earlier in the year at the WSOP Tournament Circuit -Atlantic City.

Mark Seif

No one can doubt the skill of Mark Seif after he won 2 bracelets at this year's WSOP, in both Limit and No Limit Hold'em. And in case you thought he wasn't diverse in his ability, he went on to take the United States Poker Championship Seven Card Stud title in October.

Phil Ivey

Accurately described as the "Tiger Woods of poker", Phil Ivey is young, talented and successful. His most notable accomplishment in 2005 is a WSOP bracelet win.

Tony Ma

The 1999 CardPlayer "Player of the Year" is tops again this year. First place finishes in the Five-Star World Poker Classic and the California State Championship have helped reestablish his position as a force to be reckoned with.

Chris "Jesus" Ferguson

If you follow poker even casually, chances are you have heard of Chris "Jesus" Ferguson. He's always been a solid player, and 2005 is no exception. Top placements in WSOP Tournament Circuit events and impressive showings in a variety of WSOP tournaments (stud, Omaha and Hold'em) prove Ferguson's talent and versatility.