LAS VEGAS, Nevada – It seems that 2023 is shaping up to be an exciting year for poker, with some of the game’s biggest and brightest stars set to take center stage. From established veterans to emerging young stars, the competition is going to be fierce. Take a look at some names to watch out for.

Phil Ivey

With a career spanning more than two decades, Phil Ivey is a true legend of the game. He’s won 10 World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets and is considered one of the greatest players of all time. One of Ivey’s most notable achievements was his victory at the 2012 Aussie Millions $250,000 Challenge, where he took home a whopping $2 million in prize money. He’s also had success in poker online, with over $6 million in winnings on Full Tilt Poker alone. His wealth of experience, impressive track record and strategic playing style make him worth watching at any live or online casino table.

Daniel “Jungleman” Cates

Daniel “Jungleman” Cates has been playing professionally for over a decade, with a large portion of his success coming from online poker games. Cates has also made a name for himself in live poker tournaments and has even taken on some of the biggest names in poker, including Phil Ivey and Tom Dwan. In a game where reading your opponents is key, Cates has proven time and time again that he is a master at the craft and will remain a dominant force in the world of poker in 2023. 

Espen Uhlen Jørstad

Espen Uhlen Jørstad is quickly establishing himself as a formidable force. With over $3 million in live tournament earnings, this Norwegian pro is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. But what sets Jørstad apart from his peers is his ability to dominate the online poker scene, earning over $2.7 million on virtual felt. Jørstad’s playing style is aggressive and calculated, and he is poised to make even bigger waves in the poker world in 2023. 

Sam Grafton

Sam Grafton, also known as “SamSquid,” has been a successful professional player since 2005, having earned over $8 million in winnings in live poker tournaments. In 2022 he won a career-best $5.5m in the Coin Rivet Invitational. Just three days before, he had won almost $1m for second place in a $50k high roller event at the same festival. With his experience and skill, Sam Grafton is certainly worth watching in 2023. 

Jason Koon

Jason Koon is considered one of the top poker players to watch, with over $30 million in career earnings. He has multiple titles and final table finishes in prestigious tournaments, such as the Triton Series and the World Series of Poker. In the 2018 Triton Super High Roller Series, Koon won over $3.6 million in a single event. He also took down the Poker Masters $100,000 No-Limit Hold’em Main Event, earning $2.8 million in prize money. Finally, Koon was awarded his first WSOP bracelet in 2022, and fans should continue watching closely as his career progresses.

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