Top 5 Most Fun Players to Watch
There’s so much poker on TV these days that sometimes it gets a little too much, and you end up with final tables full of new guys that just aren’t all that exciting.
I thought today I’d think a bit about my top 5 favorite players to watch on TV.
1. GUS HANSEN: He’s the obvious choice, yeah, but I honestly think Gus is still playing not only the most fun to watch poker in the game, but the most creative, even ‘progressive.’ His recent successes also prove that there is extreme method to the madness and that there’s more to poker than just the classic ideas. Anytime Gus is on a poker show, I make a point to tune in.
2. SAMMY FARHA. I like watching Farha for a totally different reason than anyone else on this list: he plays a style I could never and would never try, and it is always fun to see him pull it off. Playing literally any two cards in any spot isn’t for everyone, and Sammy seems like a cool guy to boot.
3. DANIEL NEGREANU. Another perhaps clear pick, but Daniel makes an interesting watch for his ability not only to play a wide range of cards, but more so for his ability to pick up on what his opponent is doing and make plays based on that rather than his crazy cards. Always expect to see something new with Daniel.
4. ALLEN CUNNINGHAM. Again, totally different than anyone else on the list, but Allen I think out of all these players plays the style of poker I most model my own game after (though not to the level he’s at obviously). I love watching a solid player who knows when to push his opponent, and who can take reads off his gut and turn them into money.
5. (tie) PATRIK ANTONIUS or GAVIN SMITH. Two strange cats with good attitudes and the ability to move big money when they know they can push to win, but who tend to have the good when they end up in the middle.
Anybody want to add?
Photo: Newscom
I thinkyou nailed what I would have picked although not in that particular order.
I disagree about Gavin Smith though. I think Patrik is a clear favorite over him.
I might edge out cunningham though and put Greenstein in there. Their games are similar but I think Barry does some plays that Allen isn’t capable of doing. Nothing specific though. Just my gut feeling.
If any one believes that Poker Pros are not at another level then every one else, then I beg you to watch the Heartland Poker Tour.
The HPT is the proletariat tourney of choice (or that is how it is marketed) and the play is absolutely disgusting.
Yeah you’re probably right about Smith. He’s not quite Antonius, though I do think he is a strong player.
Greenstein, eh, I dunno. He’s good obviously, and makes some crazy plays, but something about him doesn’t sit with me. Maybe it’s because he was saying ‘Ship it’ for his buddies on tv.
Um what about me dork.
durden this isnt the top five most likely to say ‘I made a straight’ list, wait your turn.
He doesn’t show up on TV much anymore, and I don’t think he makes this list, but another guy I really like to watch is Ted Forrest. The guy looks like a school teacher until he sits down at the poker table…then he looks like the guy you don’t want to meet in a back alley.
hehe if it was i would be up there
I can see where Barry may not be liked.
He is quiet but when he does say something usually it is pretty funny.
I’ve heard him make fun of Phil Helmuth and Lederer several times.
you never expect it from him which makes it funnier.
ted forrest is funny. he is less wild than i remember when i first started watching but yes i do like to see him play