Real Kid Poker has Real Opinions on Poker
Daniel Negreanu opened up on how and why he contends of POY every year.
He’s the most recognized poker player on the planet. He’s every poker fan’s favorite player, a first ballot Hall of Famer and produces the most watched World Series of Poker vlog – of course, we’re talking about Daniel Negreanu.
The only constant in poker is change and somehow Negreanu stayed ahead of the curve for the last 30 years. At the time of publication, he’s listed in sixth place with 2,745 points. He’s a perennial contender for WSOP Player of the Year; more impressively, he could win POY in three distinct eras of poker.
What else is left for Kid Poker to accomplish?
“It’s the journey,” said Negreanu. We caught up with him in the $50,000 High Roller event in a reflective mood. “The decisions I’ve made, understanding I can’t really complain since we’re winning, as far as results go.”
“But, when I play the WSOP, I want to win bracelets,” he continued. “I’ve had some close opportunities this year, so I’m hoping to break through with my third place in an online event the other night. I think that with a win, I have a shot at (winning) Player of the Year.”
A Ride for His Efforts
Negreanu won his first POY title in 2003 and is the only player awarded a tangible prize – a 2003 Toyota Tundra. Negreanu kept the truck for a couple of years before eventually selling it. These days, Negreanu’s rides are a shade more luxurious.
He credits his success to his ability to stay hungry. “I’m easily self-motivated and when the World Series comes around, that’s all I think about,” said Negreanu. “Before the Series, I don’t play at all, so that I’m motivated and want it.”
2025 - A Snapshot of Negreanu’s Career
This summer alone, he’s logged a lesser player’s career worth of WSOP results. He’s cashed ten times in nine different variants, made five final tables and earned $1.3 million.
“I play all the mixed games at a high level,” he said. “I also play the high stakes No Limit Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha events and I feel confident in all of them. There are very few people, maybe a handful, who can say that.”
The Game’s Ultimate Spokesperson
Outside of playing every day, Negreanu quickly and harshly criticized the $1 million ClubWPT Gold promo.
“Look, I'm a big fan of competition because that benefits the players,” said Negreanu. “But ultimately, I'm not defending what their intentions were, but the WSOP, whether you like it or not, is the biggest stage in the poker world, right?”
Negreanu continued, “If you’re intentions were to sabotage the game of poker and you’re purposely putting together something that's going to be a black mark on mainstream news, are you really helping yourself in any way?”
“I don't see the win there,” said Negreanu. “Listen, the World Series of Poker's been going on for years, and every single venue around here competes,” he said. “They declare war with each event, and that's all part of the game.”
“That's fair, venues have always done that,” he said. “So, we run one in the Bahamas, and people say, ‘Oh, you can't do that!’ It's insane how people get emotional about things without thinking rationally and logically about it.”
Photos courtesy of PokerOrg.