Many of the greatest poker players are known by their nicknames. But what do their names really mean and how did they earn them?
Doyle “ Texas Dolly” Brunson
Sometimes mistakes stick in people’s minds. Such was the case when reporters overheard Jimmy Snyder call Brunson “Texas Doyle” and thought he said “Texas Dolly”. Since then the poker legend hasn’t been able to shake it. While you may also have also heard him being called “The Godfather” or “Big Papa”, isn’t “Dolly” by far the cutest nickname around?
Johnny “The Orient Express” Chan
What do you call a player that eliminates his opponents so fast you can hardly blink? Johnny Chan. Or, as Bob Stupak nicknamed him “The Orient Express” after his excellent poker skills helped him knock out 13 of the last 16 players in just over 30 minutes during the Bob Stupak America’s Cup in the early 1980’s.
Antonio “The Magician” Esfandiari
This one is not that complicated, but interesting nonetheless. Before he became one of the most skilled poker players around he was in fact a working magician. Don’t believe us? Just check out how he handles those poker chips.
Chris “Jesus” Ferguson
It is perhaps no wonder that Chris Ferguson is often referred to as one of the most recognized poker players out there. His flowing dark hair and beard makes him a great Jesus lookalike. And, watching him throw playing cards at a speed that slices right through both carrots and melons is definitely a near-religious experience.
Barry “Robin Hood of Poker” Greenstein
Out of all the poker nicknames, maybe “Robin Hood of Poker” is the most respectable. Barry Greenstein has donated generously to charities for years and been a dedicated sponsor for many children through the organization Children Incorporated. A truly heroic way to spend your tournament winnings we think.
Phil “The Poker Brat” Hellmuth
Known for his sarcasm and his temper, Phil Hellmuth certainly proves over and over again why he has earned his nickname “The Poker Brat”. Whether you love him or hate him, you have to admit that the poker world is a more entertaining place thanks to his behavior at and around the tournament tables.
Phil “The Unabomber” Laak
If you were a famous poker player, would you like to be nicknamed after an infamous letter-bomber? Probably not. But there is little that Phil Laak can do about being called “The Unabomber” these days. After people saw him continually hiding behind his trademark shades and drawstring hooded sweater, they just couldn’t help but be reminded of those widely disseminated forensic sketches of Ted “Unabomber” Kaczynski.
Mike “ The Mouth” Matusow
With a reputation for being one of the most vocal and aggressive players around, Mike Matusow has deservedly become know as “The Mouth”. Some find him incredibly entertaining while others feel his manners disrupt a good game – how you feel about him probably depends on whether or not you like trash-talking, loud blow-ups and emotional meltdowns as part of your poker experience.
Michael “ The Grinder” Mizrachi
Here is in fact another of the poker universe’s more aggressive and unpredictable players. Yet it is Michael Mizrachi determined, grinding style to move through tournaments that have earned him the nickname “The Grinder”. We have heard his family has also taken to the nickname, and that there is a “Mama Grinder”, a “Mrs. Grinder” and even a “Baby Grinder”…
Daniel “Kid Poker” Negreanu
One of the most loved professional players today, Daniel Negreanu earned his “Kid Poker” nickname after becoming the youngest WSOP bracelet winner in history back in 1998 – he held this record until 2004.
Greg “FossilMan” Raymer
We love to see creative and unique methods to boost your bankroll just like Greg Raymer did back in the day. Buying and selling fossils at the table for a profit he soon became Greg “FossilMan” Raymer.
Tom “durrrr” Dwan
An online legend and a respected live player, Tom Dwan has said he adopted his Internet poker alias “durrrr” to annoy and throw his opponents off. His nickname stuck and so did his presence on the professional poker scene.
Stu “The Kid” Ungar
One of the greatest card players of all time, Stu Ungar made an unforgettable mark on the world of poker. But before he started playing poker he was a gin rummy legend – after winning his first gin rummy tournament at the age of 10 he became know as “The Kid”, a nickname that stuck with him throughout his extraordinary life.
Do you have more poker nicknames to add to this list? Post them in the comments on our Facebook page. And, of course, tell us what YOUR poker nickname is.
