Poker is undeniably a monetarily rewarding card game, but those who know the game intimately have a good idea of the stress that players go through. So much so that many circles prefer to call it a sport and more than a game. Thus it’s always a treat to take a glimpse into the exploits of the shining lights that have gained fame and fortune by it.

These are some of the living stars:

Erik Seidel (born 1959, New York City)—Winner of eight bracelets, World Series of Poker. 2008 Winner, WPT Foxwoods Poker Classic. Runner-up finishes, the Aussie Millions 2007 and 2008. Total winnings from tournaments have exceeded $9,200,000 as of 2008. Interestingly, Seidel originally played tournament backgammon for eight years. He helped design the online poker game Full Tilt Poker.

Phillip Hellmuth Jr. (born 1964, Madison, Wisconsin)—Holds 11 bracelets, World Series of Poker. Main event winner, World Series of Poker 1989, and still holds the distinction of being the youngest-ever player to do so at 24 years old. Member, Poker Hall of Fame. Ranks 4th in the poker All-Time Money List. Total tournament winnings: more than $10,600,000 as of 2008. He has authored numerous books and articles on poker and acted as commentator at many online poker shows.

James Mackey (born 1986, Kansas City, Missouri)—Winner, 2007 World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP) organized by PokerStars. At 21, youngest-ever bracelet winner in a 2007 WSOP event. Runnerup, 2008 WSOP. Tournament winnings: over $1,200.000 as of 2008. He began playing online poker only in 2005 with a $75 online account, from which he made $20,000.