Online poker is one of the biggest casino games worldwide with top-earning players raking in millions of dollars every year.
Step into the world of high-stakes online poker and in-person tournaments as we spotlight the richest poker players in 2025.
Top 3 Online Poker Earners of 2025
These players pulled off some of the biggest poker wins of 2025. Here we share their key stats and success stories.
1. Niklas “Lena900” Astedt
🏆 Tournaments: Spring Championship of Online Poker, World Championship of Online Poker, World Series of Poker Main Event
💰 Career Earnings: $54.7 million
🃏 Playing Style: Versatile player who thrives on making quick adjustments depending on his opposition.
📈 Successes: 9-time PokerStars Spring Championship of Online Poker winner, 7-time World Championship of Online Poker winner
2. Peter “Belabacsi” Traply
🏆 Tournaments: World Series of Poker, World Championship of Online Poker, World Series of Poker Paradise
💰 Career Earnings: $19.1 million
🃏 Playing Style: Aggressive player who takes advantage of strong hands to punish the opposition.
📈 Successes: 2009 World Series of Poker bracelet winner, won $10,211 at the 2024 World Championship of Online Poker
3. Joao “Naza114” Vieira
🏆 Tournaments: World Series of Poker, World Championship of Online Poker, Super High Rollers Championship, World Series of Poker Paradise
💰 Career Earnings: $17.7 million
🃏 Playing Style: Disciplined strategist focused on self-improvement who’s always ready to push with a strong hand.
📈 Successes: Three-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner, nine World Championship of Online Poker titles
Winning Strategies of Poker Pros: Variants, Mindset, Playing Style
Online poker is a hyper-individualistic game. However, there are many strategies that all the top online poker earners share. Whether you are just learning how to play poker online or are an experienced player, you should know these tips:
Select games and poker formats with high earnings
Choosing the right game is crucial when you play real money poker. All online poker variants have their own strengths and weaknesses. One variant might be better for you, while another could work to disadvantage you.
You should also consider the format of the game and the competition. If you are a newbie, you don’t want to enter a tournament with experienced, high-stakes poker players. Cash games and “Sit & Go” tables are probably better for new players. On the other hand, if you know what you’re doing, you could sweep a tournament against less experienced players.
Have the right mindset and stay disciplined
All the richest poker players of 2025 and every other high-stakes player will tell you that poker is first and foremost a mental game. It’s not just pure strategy, either. You have to have emotional intelligence and the ability to stay cool under pressure to anticipate what other players might do.
If you can’t stay disciplined and maintain the right mindset, you will have a very hard time winning online poker tournaments. You will do even worse at in-person games.
Match poker games with your playing style
While there are strategies you can use to increase your chances of winning, not all poker formats suit every player. Before you start playing at high-stakes tables, assess your own playing style so that you can focus on poker variants that you will be good at.
For example, if you’re an aggressive player, you should play fast-paced games. If you’re a strategist, tournament play deep-stack cash games will be better for your bankroll management.
Play Poker Online to Sharpen Your Skills
Whenever I read about high-stakes poker players, I immediately want to play online poker to sharpen my skills so that I can eventually reach their level.
If you’re like me, you’ll want to check out our best online poker sites in Canada to get your game on. Each of the sites has dozens of poker games, live dealer tables, and tournaments available 24/7.