It is amazing how many outstanding young poker players there are out there. My original list included over twenty-five players so I had to make a few cuts, but here is my pick for the top ten male players under the age of thirty.
Phil Ivey
One of today's best tournament players and the number one pick to win the Main Event at the 2006 World Series of Poker, Ivey recently claimed back-to-back wins at the Monte Carlo Millions and the Full Tilt Poker.net Invitational. One of the 'oldest' of the young players, Phil will be turning thirty on February 1st.
Erick 'E-Dog' Lindgren
Erick ranked 12th in the 2005 CardPlayer's Player of the Year standings and recently authored a book entitled: World Poker Tour: Making the Final Table. Not surprising since he placed 7th, 1st, and 11th respectively in three consecutive years at the WPT's Party Poker Million tournaments.
Michael Gracz
Michael "The Kid" Gracz won the first place prize of $1,525,500 in the 2005 Party Poker Millions and was ranked 4th in the Player of the Year standings. Many believe that he is the single greatest player under the age of 25 - he certainly is building the record to prove it.
Michael 'The Grinder' Mizrachi
One of the most consistent players on the tournament circuit, Michael placed 5th in the 2005 CardPlayer Player of the Year standings. His most notable victory to date was winning 1st place at last year's L.A. Poker Classic, taking home $1,859,909.
Antonio Esfandiari
It seems that Antonio should be way older than he is since we have been hearing his name for years, but the man behind the magic is only 27-years old. He has earned more than $2.2 million in career earnings to date.
David Williams
David Williams shot to poker fame in 2004 when he took down 2nd place in the Main Event of the World Series of Poker, taking home a cool $3.5 million dollars. Still only 25 years old, we are sure to see many great things from him in the years to come.
Joe Cassidy
Joe Cassidy is relatively new to the poker scene, but he is definitely leaving an impression everywhere he goes. A California native, Joe plays in high stakes cash games as well as tournament poker.
Joe Sebok
Poker player, poker writer, and son of Barry Greenstein. That is a winning combination if I have ever seen one. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Joe Sebok is the guy to watch out for in the coming years.
Tuan Le
Tuan Le is simply one of the best players I have seen, period. With over $4.4 million in lifetime winnings, Tuan is doing something right. Not bad for a guy who will only be 28 years old next month.
Allen Cunningham
Third in the 2005 Player of the Year standings, seven final tables, and voted Best All Around Player Under 35 by his poker-playing peers, Allen Cunningham is miles ahead of the average 28-year old.
