Literally millions and millions of individuals are trying to be the next "mega star" in poker, but here is a short list of 4 of the more well known "great players" of poker. Granted "nice" is associated with their names when you are sitting accross the table from them it is "no more Mr. Nice guy" until they have put you out of the competition!
Daniel Negreanu
In 2004, his tournament earnings added up to more than four and a half million dollars and he won 2 immensely admired awards in the World Series of Poker Player of the Year and Cardplayer Magazine’s Tournament Player of the Year. In Feb 2006 he was chosen Card Player’s Preferred Poker Player. Daniel still has the humility to talk to his fans about how they will be able to boost their own game.
Howard Lederer
Known as "The Professor" and sibling of fellow poker pro Annie Duke. His accomplishments have lead to him making an educational video named "Secrets of No Limit Hold’em" and also holding a tournament poker show for Fox TV. As of 2005, his complete life time winnings exceed $2.7 million.
Scotty Nguyen
Scott is 1 of the most active players in professional poker and between Two Thousand and Two Thousand and Four he placed in the money in well over 100 tournaments. He is notorious for saying "yeah baby" during poker matches and also coined the phrase "that’s poker baby" when referring to a especially bad defeat. As of 2006, his life time earnings are just about six million dollars.
Chris Ferguson
Chris has won 5 World Series of Poker titles with 2 of his wins coming in 2003. Has the nickname "Jesus" because of his characteristic long hair and beard, and is able to throw playing cards quick enough to slice through bananas and pickles. As of 2005 his total live poker tourney winnings exceeded $5 million.