As poker is getting more and more popular, the professional players of the game are gaining fame.  Televised poker tournaments are helping to promote not only the game, but the players as well.  Here are a few well-known professional poker players that may someday soon become household names.
Brett ‘gank’ Jungblut:  Brett was raised in a poker community and in fact is named after a poker player from a TV show.  He rose to stardom in online poker tournaments, but has also found success in live tournament play.  At only 30 years old he is quickly making a name for himself and has earnings of around USD $400,000.  Brett plays up to 16 hours of online poker a day.
Gus Hansen:  Born in Denmark, Hansen was not raised playing poker but instead was an ace at backgammon and tennis.  He first joined the professional poker circuit in 1997.  He did not begin playing poker until 1993, but has quickly mastered the game.  He is known for his aggressive and unpredictable style.  To date, he has made over USD $5 million in live poker tournaments.
Annie Duke:  Annie is one of the most famous and most notable women poker players in the world.  She has won both the World Series of Poker and the World Series of Poker Tournament of Champions.  Annie was a psychology major and attributes that in aiding her to read her opponents.  She enjoys mentoring other poker players, one of whom was Ben Affleck.
Amarillo Slim:  Amarillo Slim’s real name is Thomas Austin Preston Jr.  At over 70 years of age, Slim is one of the most colorful characters in poker.  He won the World Series of Poker in 1972 and his career earnings have been monumental.  Slim is known for being a hustler as well, and has hustled money out of Willie Nelson, Larry Flynt and Evil Knievel.  The tales about him are legendary including how he won a bet playing ping pong with an iron skillet and shooting billiards with a broomstick.