The top 10 most respected players in poker Part 2
With poker players like Annie Duke, Howard Lederer, Scotty Nguyen, Erick Lindgren, Sorel Mizzi, Joe Sebok, Chino Rheem, Daniel Cates, Alec Torelli and countless others all having to answer questions about their behavior or their associations in the poker world I thought it would be interesting to take a look at some of the most well-respected players in poker.
Now, this doesn’t mean these people are beyond reproach, but simply means that at the current time in the poker world these players have a very solid reputation both from the general public and from their poker playing peers. Basically, when these players speak the poker world tends to listen.
In order to be considered for the following list a player must not only have a good reputation, they also need to be fairly well-known and also willing to speak about current topics in the poker world, whether it’s the occasional insightful post or a weekly blog.
So here is Part 2 of this three-part series:
#7 — Gus Hansen
Gus is another player who doesn’t speak his mind very often, but when he does most people in the poker world stop and take notice. Over the years Gus has managed to avoid any controversies (personal or professional), is widely admired and liked by his peers, and is one of the better-known poker players in the world.
#6 — Joe Hachem
The 2005 World Series of Poker Champion has conducted himself very well in the years since his big win (other than occasional mini-Hellmuth moments at the tables), and has built-up a solid reputation as a straight-shooter and a player of unimpeachable reputation.
Hachem is currently serving as an ambassador for the Asian Pacific Poker Tour (APPT), and is “The Man” in Australian poker.
#5 — Greg Raymer
Hachem’s predecessor is one of the most vocal players in poker when it comes to legalizing and regulating the game online. Raymer’s law background and (a former patent attorney) excellent standing in the world of poker have allowed him to become one of the mouthpieces for the pro-online poker movement.
Raymer sits on several advocacy boards, including FairPlay USA and the Poker Players Alliance, and is one of the first people called upon for television interviews and articles when a poker player is needed.
#4 — Mike Sexton
Sexton is an older version of Greg Raymer, with few disparaging words ever exiting his mouth and a love of the game that can be seen from miles away. The Poker Hall of Famer isn’t known as the Ambassador of Poker for nothing!
Sexton doesn’t chime in on every issue, but has penned a number of columns both for legalizing online poker and for cleaning up and live poker tournaments, making them more inviting to casual players.
