Luckily, the NFL has been blessed with some outstanding quarterbacks, but who is the greatest? In this article, we break down the best NFL quarterbacks based on their skills, stats, and achievements. Ready? Set hut!

20. Kurt Warner (1998 – 2009)

The first name on our list, Kurt Warner, is a true NFL underdog story. After a solid but unspectacular college career, he went undrafted in the 1994 NFL draft before playing in the Indoor Football League (IFL) and NFL Europe.

Warner was signed by the St. Louis Rams as cover for Trent Green who had suffered a torn ACL. In each of Warner’s first three NFL starts, he threw three touchdown passes and went on to have one of the best seasons by a quarterback in NFL history.

He threw for 4,353 yards and 41 touchdown passes with a completion rate of 65.1%. He was named NFL MVP and won the Super Bowl. In total, he played 12 seasons for the Rams, Cardinals, and Giants, throwing 32,344 yards and 208 touchdowns.

Warner was a four-time Pro Bowler, two-time MVP, Super Bowl MVP, Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017. Warner is certainly worth of being named one of the best quarterbacks of all time.

19. Jim Kelly (1986 – 1996)

Jim Kelly was selected as the 14th overall pick by the Buffalo Bills in the 1983 NFL Draft. This turned out to be a great move for both the franchise and the player. Kelly led the Bills to a record four consecutive Super Bowls, though was unable to convert these appearances into wins.

He may not be the best quarterback ever, having never won the Super Bowl, but Kelly was an outstanding performer for the Bills, who employed a no-huddle offense and thrilled fans with their attacking play. He played 11 NFL seasons and threw for a total of 35,467 yards and 237 touchdowns, both of which are Buffalo records. Kelly was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002.

18. Terry Bradshaw (1970 – 1983)

Terry Bradshaw was the leader of the Pittsburgh Steelers dynasty that dominated the NFL in the mid to late 1970s. During this time they won four Super Bowl championships in six years. Bradshaw was selected as the number one pick in the 1970 draft by the Steelers, but things could have been very different.

At the end of the 1969 season, both the Steelers and the Chicago Bears had identical 1-13 records. So, to decide which team would get the first pick in the draft, they settled it with a coin flip. Pittsburgh won, and the rest is history.

Terry Bradshaw went on to play 14 seasons for the Steelers and threw for 27,989 yards and 212 touchdowns. He was a three-time Pro Bowler, one-time MVP, two-time Super Bowl MVP, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1989.

17. Warren Moon (1984 – 2000)

Warren Moon had a long and successful football career where he played in both the CFL and NFL. Another player who went undrafted out of college, Moon honed his skill by playing for the Edmonton Eskimos. Here he led the team to five consecutive Grey Cup victories.

The same level of team success did not follow when Moon joined the Houston Oilers in the NFL in 1984, but he still made outstanding individual contributions. He lead the Oilers to seven consecutive playoff appearances between 1987 and 1993.

In his 22-year NFL career, he threw for 49,325 yards and 291 touchdowns. He was a nine-time Pro Bowler, one-time Offensive Player of the Year, and Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year.

He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006, becoming the first African-American and the first undrafted quarterback to do so. Moon is also the only player who has been inducted into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.

He is well-deserving of a place on our list of the best quarterbacks of all time.

16. Otto Graham (1946 – 1955)

Otto Graham is a legend in Cleveland. He led the Browns to an unprecedented seven championship wins in just 10 seasons from 1946 to 1955. Despite playing a lot of his career before the Super Bowl era began, Graham’s impact can not be underestimated.

He still holds NFL records for career average yards gained per pass attempt (8.63) and the highest career winning percentage for an NFL starting quarterback (81.0%). This has helped him be remembered as one of the best NFL quarterbacks.

In total, Graham played 6 NFL seasons for the Browns, throwing 13,499 yards and 88 touchdowns. He was selected to play in 5 Pro Bowls and won 3 championships. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1965.

15. Troy Aikman (1989 – 2000)

Troy Aikman was always destined for greatness. A standout in both football and baseball in high school, the New York Mets offered Aikman a contract to join them when he graduated. Aikman turned the offer to play pro baseball down and instead chose to play football for the University of Oklahoma Sooners.

After a stellar college career, Aikman was selected as the first overall pick in the 1989 draft by the Dallas Cowboys. Cowboys fans are still thanking their lucky stars that Aikman didn’t choose baseball.

In 12 seasons for the Cowboys, Aikman threw for 32,942 yards and 165 touchdowns. He was selected to play in 6 Pro Bowls, won the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, 1 Super Bowl MVP award, and 3 championships. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006.

14. Bart Starr (1956 – 1971)

Bart Starr is another legend of 50s and 60s football that makes our list. He played for the Green Bay Packers and was a five-time NFL champion, including Super Bowl I and II, where he also collected MVP awards. Starr was outstanding in big games and clutch moments and held a postseason record of 9-1.

In total, he threw for 24,718 yards and 152 touchdowns, was selected to play in four Pro Bowls, and won 1 MVP award, 2 Super Bowl MVP awards, and 5 championships. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1977.

13. Ben Roethlisberger (2004 – 2021)

Ben Roethlisberger delivered outstanding performances individually and at a team level during his 18 seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers. After being selected as the 11th overall pick in the 2004 draft, he shone in his early NFL career.

He won the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award in 2004, and in 2005 became the youngest Super Bowl–winning quarterback in NFL history, aged just 23. Big Ben and the Steelers followed this Super Bowl victory up with another one three years later, claiming the franchises’ second title in four seasons.

In his career, Roethlisberger threw for 64,088 yards and 418 touchdowns and was selected to play in the Pro Bowl six times.

12. Roger Staubach (1969 – 1979)

Roger Staubach is the only Heisman Trophy winner to appear on our list of the greatest NFL quarterbacks ever. He followed up his domination of the college game with an outstanding pro career.

Like many of the great quarterbacks on this list, Staubach spent his entire career with one franchise. This stability helped him become one of the most memorable players of the 1970s.

Staubach played 11 seasons for the Cowboys where he threw for a total of 22,700 yards and 153 touchdowns. He was a two-time Super Bowl champion, one-time Super Bowl MVP, six-time Pro Bowler, and recipient of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1985.

Staubach is even one of the richest NFL players in history, having sold a real estate business for $613 million.

11. Fran Tarkenton (1961 – 1978)

Fran Tarkenton aged like a fine wine. Although he was an exceptional college player and had remarkable success in his early NFL career, it was his 15th season in the league that cemented him as one of the best quarterbacks of all time.

In 1975, he was named both the NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year. He was just the fourth player in league history to do so at the time. He led the league in both completions and touchdowns and took the Minnesota Vikings to the Super Bowl in back-to-back seasons.

Despite never winning a Super Bowl, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his era. He threw for 47,003 yards and 342 touchdowns.

10. Dan Marino (1983 – 1999)

Dan Marino is arguably the greatest quarterback (and the highest-ranked on our list) to never win a Super Bowl. He reached the Super Bowl just once. Yet another one-team man, Marino was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 1983. He went on to become one of the most iconic and effective players of the 1980s and 90s.

Marino was an outstanding passer, and led the Dolphins to the playoffs in 10 of his 17 seasons. When he retired he held more than 40 NFL single-season and career passing records, and was the first quarterback to throw 400 career touchdowns.

In total, he threw for 61,361 yards and 420 touchdowns, was selected to play in nine Pro Bowls, and won one Offensive Player of the Year award, one MVP award, and the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005.

Marino doesn’t need a Super Bowl win to be remembered as one of the best NFL quarterbacks of all time!

9. Steve Young (1985 – 1999)

Steve Young is known as one of the most efficient and effective passers in NFL history. After starting his pro career in the USFL, he eventually joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1985. After a shocking two years with the Bucs, where Young went 3–16 as a starter, he moved to the San Francisco 49ers to act as a backup to superstar quarterback, Joe Montana (more on him later).

Thanks to a long-term injury to Montana in 1990, Young finally got his chance to start for the 49ers. In the subsequent seasons, he was named Offensive Player of the Year and league MVP twice. He led the league in most passing stats for several years, and eventually led the 49ers to victory at Super Bowl XXIX.

In his career, he threw for 33,124 yards and 232 touchdowns. He was selected to play in seven Pro Bowls, won one Super Bowl MVP award and three championships in total. Young was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005.

8. Aaron Rodgers (2005 – present)

Aaron Rodgers is one of the most individually decorated quarterbacks in history. He has held more records than most players have made appearances in the NFL. It therefore comes as no surprise that he is widely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks of all time.

Rodgers is the first quarterback in history who has had a career passer rating over 100. He also has the best touchdown-to-interception ratio in NFL history at 4.52. During his 18-year career with the Green Bay Packers, the biggest surprise is that he only won one Super Bowl.

So far in his career, he has thrown for 59,055 yards and 475 touchdowns. He has been selected to play in 10 Pro Bowls, won four MVP awards and one Super Bowl MVP award.

7. Johnny Unitas (1956 – 1973)

Like many of the best quarterbacks in NFL history, Johnny Unitas is proof that you don’t have to be drafted as the first pick or have a glittering college career to go on to greatness in the NFL.

Unitas was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the ninth round of the 1955 draft but never made the team. A year later, he joined the Baltimore Colts where he would enjoy an unbelievable period of success.

In the next 17 seasons with the Colts, he was selected to play in 10 Pro Bowls (a record for a quarterback at the time), won three MVP awards, the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, and four NFL championships. In his career, he threw for 40,239 yards, 290 touchdowns and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979.

6. Brett Favre (1991 – 2010)

Brett Favre is undoubtedly one of the best quarterbacks of all time and a legend of the modern era. But, he didn’t always have universal approval. His first head coach in the NFL, Jerry Glanville, even said it would take a plane crash for him to put Favre into the game.

Clearly, it was never meant to be for Glanville and Farve at the Atlanta Falcons. That all changed when Farve was traded to the Green Bay Packers in 1992. Across 16 seasons in Green Bay, Farve became the only player in NFL history to win the league MVP award three seasons in a row. He also led the team to back-to-back Super Bowl appearances at XXXI and XXXII, winning the first.

Favre eventually moved on from the Packers, giving way to Aaron Rodgers. In 20 seasons for four teams he threw for a total of 71,838 yards and 508 touchdowns. He was also selected to play in 11 Pro Bowls, won one Offensive Player of the Year award, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016.

5. John Elway (1983 – 1998)

John Elway is synonymous with the Denver Broncos as he is the only person in the franchise’s history to be associated with each of their three Super Bowl wins. Two came as a player in 1997 and 1998, and one as the general manager when they won Super Bowl 50.

As a player, Elway was a dual threat. He could easily escape trouble with his running ability while also being an accurate passer. It’s this that helped him become one of the best quarterbacks of all time. In 16 seasons for the Broncos, he threw for 51,475 yards and 300 touchdowns. He played in nine Pro Bowls, won one MVP award, the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, and one Super Bowl MVP award. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004.

4. Drew Brees (2001 – 2020)

Despite a successful college career, where he finished in fourth and third positions in Heisman Trophy voting, NFL teams were unsure whether Drew Brees could be effective in the pro ranks. He was perceived as having a small stature and lack of arm strength. Brees was therefore only selected as the 32nd overall pick in the 2001 draft.

He established himself as a starter in his second season with the San Diego Chargers, but would truly find his home when he signed with the New Orleans Saints in 2006. During his time with the Saints, he became a passing powerhouse. He still holds the record for most seasons as passing yards leader in NFL history (seven).

In 20 total seasons in the NFL, he threw for 80,358 yards and 571 touchdowns. He was selected for 13 Pro Bowls, won one Comeback Player of the Year award, two Offensive Player of the Year awards, the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, one Super Bowl MVP award, and Super Bowl XLIV.

3. Joe Montana (1979 – 1994)

As we reach the top three best quarterbacks of all time, it goes without saying that these guys could perform under pressure.

Joe Montana is arguably the best clutch quarterback in history, known for producing his best at crucial moments. This includes a game-winning touchdown pass to Dwight Clark in the 1981 NFC Championship Game vs. Dallas (known as “The Catch”) and a championship-winning 92-yard drive against the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl XXIII.

“Joe Cool” held several NFL records when he retired in 1994. He was victorious in four out of four Super Bowl appearances, was named MVP in three, and holds Super Bowl career records for most passes without an interception (122) and the highest passer rating (127.8).

Montana threw for a career total of 40,551 yards and 273 touchdowns. He was selected to play in eight Pro Bowls, won one Offensive Player of the Year award, and two league MVP awards. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000.

2. Peyton Manning (1998 – 2015)

While some may have hoped to see two Mannings on this list (we see you Giants fans), there is no doubt that Peyton deserves his place amongst the very best NFL quarterbacks of all time. He entered the league after the Indianapolis Colts selected him with the first pick of the 1998 draft.

In his glittering career, Manning amassed a huge number of individual records, including the most MVP awards (five), most touchdown passes in a season (55), and most First-Team All-Pro selections (seven).

Despite winning two Super Bowls (one with the Colts and one with the Broncos), his outstanding regular season stats did not translate to the playoffs, and his career postseason record is just 14–13. Although there have been questions asked of Manning in this regard, he is a hugely gifted player.

In total, he threw for 71,940 yards and 539 touchdowns. He was selected for 14 Pro Bowls, won one Comeback Player of the Year award, two Offensive Player of the Year awards, and the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2021.

1. Tom Brady (2000 – 2022)

It couldn’t have been anyone else, could it? Tom Brady is the best quarterback of all time.

What Tom Brady lacked in talent (he was the 199th overall pick in the 2000 draft) he made up for with sheer hard work, grit, and determination.

He won the most games in NFL regular season history (251), has the most career passing yards (89,214), most touchdown passes (649), most NFL championships of any player (seven), and most Super Bowl MVPs (five). So, no, it couldn’t have been anyone else.

Brady’s efficiency and longevity are testament to his ability as a competitor. But his relationship with Bill Belichick formed the most formidable head coach-quarterback combination in NFL history. With Belichick and Brady at the helm, the Patriots became the most dominant dynasty in the modern NFL. Brady’s accomplishments will probably remain unmatched for as long as the NFL exists.

In his career, Brady threw for 89,214 yards and 649 touchdowns, was selected to play in 15 Pro Bowls, won one Comeback Player of the Year award, two Offensive Player of the Year awards, and three MVP awards.

All hail the GOAT!

Lead Image: Brook Ward/Flickr, CC BY-NC 2.0

With bettors pegged to bet $35 billion on NFL games this year, knowing the best quarterback still playing is key. With that in mind, lets take a look at the top 10 in this article, as well as in the game that matters the most – the Super Bowl.

Who are the top touchdown performers in the big show? Keep reading to find out.

Who Has The Most Touchdowns In NFL History?: Most Touchdowns By a Quarterback

Unsurprisingly, the top 10 touchdown scorers in the history of the NFL are all quarterbacks. Jerry Rice has the most career touchdowns for a non-quarterback with 208, but he’s not even close to beating the no.10 on our list.

Note: All stats in this article are for regular-season games only.

10. Eli Manning (2004-2019) – 373

Sorry to ruin the surprise; this isn’t the only Manning brother on this list of the most touchdowns in NFL history (but more on that later).

Former 2x Super Bowl champ and no.1 draft pick Eli Manning sits at number 10 on the list of total career touchdowns. In his NFL career, he clocked an impressive 373 total touchdowns (366 passing, 7 rushing) and 57,023 yards.

9. Matt Ryan (2008-present) – 394

The NFL MVP from 2016, Matt Ryan has had an outstanding career despite never picking up a Super Bowl ring (don’t mention Super Bowl LI).

Up to the end of the 2022/23 season, he has a total of 394 career touchdowns (381 passing, 13 rushing) earning his place on the list of the most touchdowns in NFL history.

8. Dan Marino (1983-1999) 420

Miami Dolphins legend Dan Marino is another who makes the the most touchdowns in NFL history list without ever claiming football’s ultimate prize.

At the time of his retirement, Marino had a list of NFL records as long as your arm, but they have been slowly whittled away by the remaining QBs on this list.

In total, Marino recorded 429 career touchdowns (420 passing, 9 rushing).

7. Philip Rivers (2004-2020) – 424

In his time with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers, Phillip Rivers started an awesome 224 consecutive games (2006-2019).

This longevity and durability, combined with his passing skill, accounted for a total of 424 career touchdowns (421 passing, 3 rushing). These stats are even more surprising, given how much time he’s spent raising his nine children.

6. Ben Roethlisberger (2004-2021) – 438

“Big Ben” spent his entire 15-year career with the Pittsburgh Steelers and he enjoyed a lot of success.

Roethlisberger got his hands on two Super Bowl trophies and had great connections with his receivers. He has a career total of 438 touchdowns (418 passing, 20 rushing).

5. Aaron Rodgers (2005-present) – 510

Another one team man, Aaron Rodgers has had a glittering NFL career that includes a Super Bowl ring, a Super Bowl MVP, and 4 NFL MVP trophies.

Rodgers is still active, having recently joined the New York Jets, so he could add to his career total, but at the time of writing, he has 510 total touchdowns (475 passing, 35 rushing).

4. Brett Favre (1991-2010) – 522

Like no.5 on the list, no.4 is occupied by a famous Green Bay Packers QB, Brett Farve.

And like all of the other players on this list, the Super Bowl XXXI champ’s career touchdowns is in a large part thanks to his longevity.

In 20 seasons in the NFL, Farve recorded 522 total touchdowns (508 passing, 14 rushing).

3. Peyton Manning (1998-2015) – 557

The Manning brothers occupy the no.10 and no.3 spots on our list of all-time NFL touchdowns. Not bad for one family.

Like Eli, Peyton Manning was a no.1 draft pick when he entered the NFL and has two Super Bowl rings to his name. He has a career total of 557 touchdowns (539 passing, 18 rushing).

2. Drew Brees (2001-2020) – 596

Only a select few players have spent more time in the NFL than Drew Brees.

“Breesus” as he is affectionately known by New Orleans Saints fans, completed 20 seasons in the NFL and was consistently one of the best offensive players in the league for many years.

The Super Bowl XLIV champion and MVP led the league in passing seven times and in passing touchdowns four times, so it’s no surprise he sits so high on this list.

In his illustrious career, he had a total of 596 touchdowns (571 passing, 25 rushing).

1. Tom Brady (2000-2023) – 677

The number one spot on this list surprises nobody who knows anything about football. If you’re wondering about any NFL record, chances are Tom Brady holds it.

The seven-time Super Bowl champ recently announced his retirement from the NFL for the second time in two years and this time it looks like he means it.

The GOAT is the only man in NFL history to have achieved more than 600 touchdowns.

With (statistically at least) a career total of 677 touchdowns so far (649 passing, 28 rushing), it’s unlikely that this total will ever be matched – especially not by another 6th round pick.

Who Has The Most Touchdowns in NFL History?: Most Touchdowns In Super Bowls

Quarterbacks also dominate the list of most career touchdowns in Super Bowls, but not exclusively.

Rob Gronkowski is the only tight end on the list, and he recorded an impressive five TDs in five Super Bowl appearances thanks to his connection with Tom Brady.

Emmitt Smith, one of the greatest running backs in the history of the league, also secured five touchdowns in just three Super Bowl games for the Dallas Cowboys.

The final non-quarterback on this list is the consensus greatest wide receiver in football history, Jerry Rice. “World” caught an incredible eight touchdown passes in Super Bowls in just four games, coming out as champ in three.

And no prizes for guessing who’s no.1 on this list…

T-8. Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Rob Gronkoswki, Brett Farve (5)

7. Steve Young (6)

6. Kurt Warner (6)

5. Roger Staubach (8)

4. Jerry Rice (8)

3. Terry Bradshaw (9)

2. Joe Montana (11)

1. Tom Brady (21)

For more touchdown-related articles, check out our Octopus betting guide.

Lead image: Dave Adamson/Unsplash

From huge opulent poker rooms to thousands of slots, these supersized casinos are mini gambling towns in their own right.

Join us as we take a look at the top 10 largest real money casinos in America.

1. Winstar: Thackerville, Oklahoma (600,000 Square feet)

Words like stupendously large just don’t convey the immenseness that is the Winstar Casino. Located just minutes from the Texas border, Winstar isn’t just the largest casino in America, it’s the largest casino in the world.

With 600,000 square feet of gaming space, almost 9,000 slot machines, and over 150 table games, the Chickasaw Nation has built a phenomenal mousetrap for the 7.5 million people in the Dallas Fort Worth metro area.

Like all of the mega-casinos on our list, they’ve made gambling the star attraction, but you shouldn’t overlook the world-class golf, spa, top-of-the-line concerts, and luxury dining and hotel experiences. If you can’t make it, however, check out our review of the Winstar Online Casino.

2. Mohegan Sun: Uncasville, Connecticut (364,000 square feet)

Huge casinos need a constant stream of players to continue to thrive. When the tribes began negotiating gaming compacts in Connecticut 30 years ago, it was obvious from the outset that, with more than twenty million people within a two-hour drive, these casinos would need to be big.

With 364,000 square feet of gaming, Mohegan Sun did not disappoint.

Mohegan Sun boasts 6,400 slots, over 350 table games, a state-of-the-art sportsbook, and stadium betting on baccarat and roulette.

The tribe didn’t scrimp on amenities, with hiking trails, golf, tennis, pickleball, and lots of other fun outdoor activities on offer. There are also countless restaurants and more than 1,500 hotel rooms to meet your needs.

3. Foxwoods Casino Resort: Ledyard, Connecticut (340,000 square feet)

Foxwoods is sort of the bookend to the Mohegan Sun property in that they are similar in their massive gaming square footage but only 13 miles apart.

The Mashantucket Pequot tribe has about 340,000 square feet of gaming space spread across six casinos within a casino. These are comprised of about 5,500 slots and 260 table games.

Foxwoods is also known for its state-of-the-art shopping experience, with almost 100 high-end luxury shops on the property.

In addition to the 2,500 hotel rooms and the usual amenities like golf, the resort offers premier zip-lining and go-carting experiences that draw risk-takers of all ages.

4. Yaamava Resort and Casino: Highland, California (290,000 square feet)

Run by the San Manual band of Indians, the Yaamava casino story is one of almost constant growth and rebirth in the 40 years since it opened.

The casino currently boasts 290,000 square feet of gaming space, with more than 4,400 slot machines and 150 table games. While it only has 400 hotel rooms on the property, the nearby towns of San Bernadino or even Riverside have many overnight stay options.

Other recent additions include a world-class 3,000-seat concert venue, which draws many LA-based bands when they are not on tour, along with a half dozen restaurants and some high-end retailers.

While this resort doesn’t yet offer the amenities that many other properties with similar-sized gaming spaces on our list of the largest casinos in America do, it is in the heart of the Los Angeles metro area and a whole lot closer than the 4-hour trip to Vegas.

5. Thunder Valley Casino: Lincoln, California (250,000 square feet)

This large American casino is operated in Northern California in a joint effort between the Miwuk and Maidu Indian tribes. It is located near Sacramento, California. The 250,000 square feet of gaming space is jampacked with 3,500 slots and 150 table games. 

The hotel only has 400 rooms, and though there is a spa and entertainment venue that holds over 4,000 guests, the spotlight here is more on local play than driving tourist visits.

That being said, it is a beautiful property with plenty of dining options, and just about any game or slot you might wish to play.

6. Hard Rock Tampa: Tampa, Florida (240,000 square feet)

The Hard Rock Tampa, on the other hand, is a true destination resort in the sun. Three pool areas total over 200,000 gallons of water, and one pool area alone has 60,000 square feet of swimming space. 700 lounge chairs, almost two dozen cabanas, and two DJ booth setups round out the poolside attractions.

You can choose from almost 900 hotel rooms and more than a dozen dining options, as well as hit their award-winning spa or top-tier concert tours. That’s before you try your luck at one of their 6,000 slots and 200 table games spread across a well-thought-out casino space of 240,000 square feet.

The Seminole Tribe bought out Hard Rock International at a bargain basement price in 2007, and now have cafes in more than 70 countries, an exclusive brand name to build on, and casino resorts in almost another dozen locations.

This means that your Unity tier card not only works in Tampa, but Atlantic City, and all the other Hard Rock locations, as well as the Mirage. That’s a big deal to people who like to use their tier points and comp credits at more than just one location, and gives the Seminoles the ability to cross-sell to various locations.

7. River Wind Casino: Norman, Oklahoma (219,000 square feet)

The metro area of Norman, Oklahoma, is home to a surprising 1.4 million people, and the Chickasaw-owned River Winds Casino is there to meet all their gaming needs.

It has 2,700 slots, over 20 table games, and a 17-table poker room. Unlike some of the Tribal Casinos located a bit closer to the Dallas—Fort Worth area, the RiverWinds, despite its still very impressive 219,00 square feet of gaming space, is not a mega-resort. In fact, it only has 100 hotel rooms.

They do have partnerships with Panda Express, Burger King, and perennial favorite IHOP for a quick bite, or a buffet and a British Fish and Chips place for something a bit more upscale. Other amenities include a 1500-seat theater, and a gift shop located conveniently near the exit.

8. Choctaw Casino: Durant, Oklahoma (219,000 square feet)

In its 219,000 square feet of gaming space, Choctaw Casino currently has over 7,000 slots, 120 tables, and a large poker room.

Being several hours from the Dallas-Fort Worth area and less than 30 minutes from the largest casino in the US (Winstar), this resort has taken a different look at amenities, creating not one but two huge nightclub/live concert venues, including a Gilley’s Road House.

You can also find over 20 restaurants, ranging from fine dining at Salt and Stone to Texas barbeque, which you’ll need to eat with your fingers.

You will find more than 1,700 hotel rooms, including Vegas-style suites, as well as amenities seldom seen at big US casinos like horse riding, fishing, bowling, hiking, and, of course, a world-class spa to relax in.

9. River Spirit Casino: Tulsa, Oklahoma (212,000 square feet)

Situated in the northeast corner of Oklahoma, the River Spirit Casino is near Tulsa, which boasts about 1 million people in its metro area. It can also draw people in from Kansas and Missouri who are looking for some casino excitement. 

The Muskogee Tribe has 3,100 slots and about 70 table games in their 212,000 square feet of gaming space. 

The tribe has added 483 luxury hotel rooms so far and is making plans for more. Their concert venue can host 2,500 guests and their restaurant choices number over a dozen. The amenity list includes a pool, and convention center.

10. Encore Casino: Boston, Massachusetts (210,000 square feet)

Strictly speaking, this casino, owned by the Wynn group, is located in Everett, MA, and is the only non-tribal casino to make our list of the 10 biggest casinos in America

At approximately 210,00 square feet of gaming space, it is still a massive space filled with 3,400 slots and over 160 table games. This integrated mega resort cost 2.6 billion to build in 2019.

Developed on just 34 acres, this casino doesn’t feature many outdoor amenities due to space constraints, but it makes up for that in 5-star luxury that one would expect from any Wynn property.

The 671 hotel rooms are all lavishly appointed and designed to meet the needs of very discerning clients. There are thirteen restaurants and the entire property is almost a museum space as it is filled with millions in paintings and sculptures.

A Round Up Of The Largest Casinos In America:

1. Winstar: Thackerville, Oklahoma (600,000 Square feet)
2. Mohegan Sun: Uncasville, Connecticut (364,000 square feet)
3. Foxwoods Casino Resort: Ledyard, Connecticut (340,000 square feet)
4. Yaamava Resort and Casino: Highland, California (290,000 square feet)
5. Thunder Valley Casino: Lincoln, California (250,000 square feet)
6. Hard Rock Tampa: Tampa, Florida (240,000 square feet)
7. River Wind Casino: Norman, Oklahoma (219,000 square feet)
8. Choctaw Casino: Durant, Oklahoma (219,000 square feet)
9. River Spirit Casino: Tulsa, Oklahoma (212,000 square feet)
10. Encore Casino: Boston, Massachusetts (210,000 square feet)

There are more than 1,000 casinos in the US, so it takes a true behemoth to make the biggest casinos in America shortlist.

With all of the casinos constantly expanding, this list may look very different in a few years, especially as new gaming legislation is passed in states like New York, where the population within a few hours’ drive is easily in the tens of millions.

Perhaps, despite the intense competition in Las Vegas, someone will finally build a mega-resort that puts Sin City back on the top ten biggest list again. Combining the Wynn and Encore properties in Las Vegas only gets us to 195,000 square feet of gaming, so still a little room for improvement.

While bigger isn’t always better, these casinos show the true diversity of gambling in America. From slot halls to five-star luxury, they cover the gamut of the American gambling experience and showcase the reach of gaming growth over the past several decades.

From Norman Oklahoma to Boston, from Riverdale California to Tampa, casinos continue to thrive.

It’s not a surprise that the two largest American TV markets also have two basketball teams. New York City is the largest TV market, and the Big Apple is home to the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets. Los Angeles is the second largest TV market, and they have the L.A. Lakers and L.A. Clippers.

Let’s take a look at the rest of the top 10 NBA teams by market size

1. New York Knicks / Brooklyn Nets

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• Media Market: New York City-Newark, NJ-Stamford, CT
• TV Market Share: 7.6 million
• Population: 19.2 million

The metro region around New York City is comprised of the “Tri-State Area” that includes suburbs in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. With a population over 19 million, there’s multiple teams for every major sport.

The NBA market has the Knicks and Nets. The MLB has the New York Yankees and New York Mets. The NFL has the New York Giants and New York Jets. The NHL has three teams with the New York Rangers, New York Islanders, and New Jersey Devils.

Even though the Nets have never won an NBA championship and the Knicks have not won a title in over 50 years, the two NBA franchises in Gotham are some of the most valuable NBA teams thanks to their juicy media TV market of nearly 7.6 million and arena locations in Midtown Manhattan and downtown Brooklyn, making them top of the NBA teams by market size rankings.

2. Los Angeles Lakers / Los Angeles Clippers

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• Media Market: Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
• TV Market Share: 5.9 million
• Population: 12.8 million

The L.A. Lakers are the most popular sports team in Southern California. And when Hollywood stars want to catch a pro sports team, they’ll be spotted sitting courtside in celebrity row at a Lakers game. Only the Boston Celtics won more NBA titles than the Lakers, who have been a premier NBA franchise ever since Dr. Jerry Buss bought the team in the late 1970s.

The media market in the Los Angeles area is gigantic with nearly 13 million residents and a TV market share that’s almost six million, which is why the City of Angels can sustain two NBA teams and why they are some of the richest NBA teams in the league.

The Clippers are the second team in L.A., and even though they’re not as popular as the Lakers, they’re still ranked #5 as the Top 5 Richest NBA Teams and worth over $4.65 billion.

The SoCal TV market is so huge that it could’ve supported three NBA teams. In the early 2010s, the Sacramento Kings were up for sale and one prospective buyer explored the possibility of relocating the Kings to Orange County, California where they would play their home games in Anaheim in the shows of Disneyland. When the Kings were eventually sold, the new owner vowed to keep the team in Sacramento.

3. Chicago Bulls

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• Media Market: Chicago–Naperville–Elgin, IL
• TV Market Share: 3.65 million
• Population: 9.2 million

Chicago is known as America’s “Second City” and the heart of the Midwest. Michael Jordan led the Bulls to six championships during the 1990s, and their dynasty imprinted Chicago as an elite basketball town in the NBA. Their sprawling population dips into southern Wisconsin and northeastern Indiana. The Bulls have a huge reach in the Midwest thanks to a TV market of 3.65 million viewers and a population of over 9.2 million.

4. Philadelphia 76ers

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• Media Market: Philadelphia, PA-Camden, NJ-Willington, DE
• TV Market Share: 3.17 million
• Population: 6.2 million

The City of Brotherly Love is the fourth-largest TV market and just a smidge ahead of Dallas-Fort Worth with 3.17 million viewers. By itself, Philadelphia only has 1.5 million residents, but a massive suburban sprawl surrounds the city extends into two neighboring states. The “mini-tri-state” area includes most of Delaware, southern New Jersey, and eastern Pennsylvania.

If you live in some parts of “South Jersey,” basketball fans get access to TV stations in both NYC and Philly which means they can watch the 76ers, Knicks, and Nets.

5. Dallas Mavericks

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• Media Market: Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX
• TV Market Share: 3.13 million
• Population: 8.1 million

Everything is big in Texas, especially the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex that encompasses over eight million people. The Dallas Mavericks have the benefit of playing in the fifth-largest TV market and fourth-largest metro area in terms of population.

Football is a religion in Texas, so basketball is not the primary sport in the Lone Star state. The Mavs have stiff competition during football season particularly on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Friday evenings are designated for high school football statewide (that’s when the term “Friday Night Lights” was coined), and there’s no shortage of college football teams to fill up the TV schedule on Saturday. Of course, all eyes are on the Dallas Cowboys on Sundays. However, as soon as football season ends, the Mavs become the biggest game in town.

Pro hoops fans in the Big D had a lot to cheer about this past season. The Mavs won the Western Conference title and advanced to the 2024 NBA Finals, before their magical run ended when they lost to the Celtics in the championship.

6. Houston Rockets

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• Media Market: Houston-The Woodlands, TX
• TV Market Share: 2.77 million
• Population: 7.5 million

Like Dallas, basketball fans in Houston must compete with the insane popularity of football in Texas. The Rockets have struggled in recent years, but the franchise is highly valued thanks to their robust TV market and population of over 7.5 million and steadily growing.

Houston saw a small boost in population when displaced residents from New Orleans relocated to Houston after Hurricane Katrina. Right now, Houston’s TV market reaches nearly 2.8 million homes.

7. Atlanta Hawks

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• Media Market: Atlanta-Roswell-Sandy Springs, GA
• TV Market Share: 2.73 million
• Population: 6.3 million

The Atlanta Hawks are thankful that Atlanta is the largest TV market in the South, because they find themselves in steep competition with baseball and college football. The beloved and popular Atlanta Braves will always being their primary sports team in Atlanta, but the state of Georgia is also in the heart of college football country.

As a result, SEC games are the highest-rated sport on TV. Georgia recently won two college football championships, but the Hawks are lucky they have a sprawling population of over six million to support them.

8. Toronto Raptors

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• Media Market: Toronto-Hamilton-Niagara Falls, Canada
• TV Market Share: N/A
• Population: 6.2 million

When looking at metro population figures in the U.S. and Canada, Toronto is the third largest overall behind New York and L.A. with 3.2 million people. The greater Toronto area, which extends to the border at Niagara Falls, reaches over 6.2 million.

The Toronto Raptors are the only non-American NBA team. Vancouver used to have a franchise, but the Grizzlies relocated to Memphis in 2001. Even though ice hockey is the most-popular team sport in Canada, basketball fans love the Raptors.

Canadian markets are not tracked by Nielsen ratings, but we estimate that Toronto’s TV market is no lower than #8 on our list and could be as high as #7 when compared to their American counterparts.

9. Boston Celtics

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• Media Market: Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA
• TV Market Share: 2.6 million
• Population: 4.9 million

The Boston Celtics are the current NBA champion, and the franchise now holds the record with 18 titles. Boston is a frenetic sports town, and the greater New England area loves their Boston sports teams including the Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins, New England Patriots and the Celtics.

The Celtics’ regional reach encompasses all of New England which includes the states of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, and Connecticut.

The actual Boston metroplex is only 4.9 million, and their local TV market is only 2.6 million strong. However, New England has over 15 million people. That’s a lot of wicked-loyal fans.

10. Golden State Warriors

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• Media Market: San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, CA
• TV Market Share: 2.58 million
• Population: 4.5 million

The Bay Area in Northern California is really a sprawling megalopolis linked by three diverse cities anchored by San Francisco with Oakland to the east and San Jose to the south. Silicon Valley is a part of the southern-most part of the Bay Area, so this media market has one of the highest concentrations of wealth and nerd power on the planet.

The Bay Area has roughly 4.5 million residents, but many of them caught basketball fever over the last decade and support the Golden State Warriors. Steph Curry, one of the best point guards of all time, led the Warriors to four championships since 2015, which helped boost the team’s and valuation as a franchise.

The Warriors used to play their games in Oakland but recently relocated to a new arena in downtown San Francisco. Despite the upswing in interest brought about by the Golden State Warriors’ success, they, for the moment still bring up the tail of our NBA teams by market size rankings.

Small Markets and Expansion

The New Orleans Pelicans play in the smallest American TV market in the NBA and they’re ranked #53 overall. Memphis, home of the Grizzlies, is the second-smallest TV market in the NBA and ranked #48.

The Tampa-St. Petersburg metro area is the largest metroplex in America that does not have an NBA team. They are ranked #12 overall, but there’s no indication there will land a future franchise with two teams already in Florida with the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic.

The Seattle-Tacoma metroplex is the second largest TV market without an NBA team and ranked #13. Seattle, located in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, had the SuperSonics before the team was sold in 2006. They relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008 and rebranded as the Thunder.

One of the biggest open secrets in the NBA is that Seattle will be one of the cities that lands a new franchise team when the league eventually votes to expand from 30 to 32 teams. Las Vegas is the other city, but their TV market is only ranked #40.

The other largest American TV markets that do not have an NBA team include Raleigh-Durham at #22, St. Louis at #24, and Nashville at #26. Nashville has been on the shortlist of potential expansion teams, but they’ll have to wait another decade or longer before a new NBA team arrives in Music City, USA.

Montreal is the second-largest city in Canada and its population would be sixth overall if you combine the U.S. and Canada. Montreal could be considered for an NBA team if the league eventually grows to 36 teams by the late 2030s. So while these are the current NBA Teams by market size, this list looks set to shift in the near future.

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Regardless of your general strategy and how tight you like to play, you simply have to poker bluff every now and then. Your opponents need to know that you’re capable of it – otherwise, you’ll become too predictable and too easy to play against.

Bluffing in Poker: What You Need to Know

• Some players hate bluffing and just don’t want to take the risk. They believe that “tight is right,” and you should only play your strong hands.
• This approach may be good in some very specific cases and certain super-soft games, but it won’t cut it in any serious lineup.
• Luckily, like everything else in poker, the fine art of bluffing is something you can learn.

While you shouldn’t expect to become the best bluffer in poker overnight, reading through these tips and applying them in your games will certainly help you get better at it.

1. Detach Yourself From The Money During a Poker Bluff

When you sit down to play bluff poker, you shouldn’t be thinking in terms of real-world money. The chips you have in front of you are just big blinds, and you should see them as such.

It takes time to develop this mindset, but it will help you immensely to become better at bluffing.

When you’re thinking about pulling a poker bluff, you need to clear your mind of any such notions.

For example, in a $2/$5 game, betting $200 may seem like a lot of money. But, if you think in terms of it big blinds and you’re betting 40 BB to win 150 BB pot, it’s much easier.

I understand that this is easier said than done and it takes a lot of practice, but it’s really important.

You’ll never be able to pull a good poker bluff if you associate every bet with something you could buy with that money instead. It’ll make you hesitant to pull the trigger, and even if you do end up doing it, your opponents might pick up on the fact you’re doing it reluctantly.

The only time you should think about actual money is when you know this could be a factor for your opponent.

If you know that they think in terms of cash and are in the state of mind described above, this is something you can use to your advantage. These players are often prime targets for a large poker bluff as they just won’t call you and risk a lot of money with a non-nut hand.

2. Learn How To Tell A Story as a Poker Bluffer

If you really want to become an expert poker bluffer, you need to understand that your bluffs must make sense.

Being brave and not caring about money is all well and good, but any decent player will call you out when your story doesn’t add up.

So, before you decide to go for bluff poker think about what you’re trying to represent. Weaker players don’t seem to have a good grasp of this concept.

For example, you open from UTG, they flat call in the big blind, and the flop comes A A K. They check, you bet, and then they raise you.

This story just doesn’t make sense.

You have a huge range advantage on this board, and they only have a few solid hands in their range that connect with that board and don’t 3-bet before the flop. As a bluffing spot, this is one of the worst you could pick, and a good player will often call you on the flop even with air, just to take it away on the turn.

Make sure you know what kind of story you’re trying to tell first and foremost, think about whether it makes sense, and then proceed to the execution phase.

For example, you could check on a turn that completes a possible flush draw with the intention of raising your opponent’s bet. That story is much more believable and will put your opponent in a tough spot, especially when you follow through with a bet on the river if they do call the turn.

Sometimes you’ll tell a perfect story and still get picked off. This doesn’t mean that you’re bad at bluffing. Some players just hate folding.

While your poker bluff won’t work all the time, if you pick your spots carefully, you can add a lot of chips in your stack by pulling the trigger.

3. Control Your Body Language

This one is exclusively dedicated to live poker, but I just can’t leave this point aside.

Controlling your body language is easier said than done but definitely something you need to work on if you want to become an expert bluffer in poker.

Physical tells play an important role in live poker, and if you have too many of these, experienced players are very likely to get a read on you.

But what if your hands are shaking or you start to breathe harder when you’re bluffing? What can you do about it? It’s not like you can really control these things.

First of all, you should be aware of your table presence and figure out if there are any changes that happen when you’re bluffing. When you get this part right, you can start working towards eliminating them or minimizing their effects.

One good way to go about it is to have a fixed posture when you’re involved in an important hand.

For example, keeping both hands together and close to your mouth will help hide many recognizable tells. It’ll be hard to see if your hands are shaking, and other players won’t have a clear view of your throat or your chest.

Of course, you have to do this when you’re not bluffing as well. Simply find a certain posture that you’re comfortable with and stick with it every time you get involved in a significant pot.

While this won’t get rid of all tells, it will certainly make it much more difficult for your opponents to pick off any solid reads.

4. Be Aware Of Your Table Image During Your Poker Bluff

Knowing how other players perceive you is quite important in general, but it’s essential for constructing your bluffing strategy.

I know players who poker bluff so rarely that they can pretty much get me off any hand that’s not the nuts. Then there are some players I’ll happily look up all the way till the river with a second pair and no kicker.

Image is everything.

If you want to be good at bluffing, you need to develop an image of someone who’s more than capable of bluffing but isn’t crazy loose. That way, you’ll always keep your opponents on the edge of their seats and guessing.

However, you can’t always plan for how a session will go down.

Maybe you’ll get several great bluffing opportunities in a row, and this might make some people think you poker bluff all the time. Or, you may have been card dead, so you appear as a rock who never gets involved with anything but nuts.

Try to see things from your opponents’ perspective and adjust your play accordingly.

If it feels like they might have you pegged as a crazy LAG, it might be a good time to step back a bit and pass on some bluffing opportunities.

You have to consider the fact that you’re much more likely to get looked up in this scenario, so the profitability of your poker bluff will have decreased significantly.

5. Learn To Pick The Best Spots

When you’re thinking about bluffing, you need to have something going your way. Either the situation is favorable, or the player you’re facing is likely to fold to a bluff (ideally both, of course).

Learning how to pick your bluffing spots is one of the essential skills you’ll need to develop.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a simple guide to this.

Online poker is such a fluid game that you can’t just have one strategy and stick to it no matter what. In some games, you’ll have heaps of great bluffing spots. Sometimes, you’ll be pretty much forced to play it straight and bluff very rarely.

Some general tips on this topic include:

• Don’t bluff calling stations – they don’t fold enough.
• Avoid bluffing players who are tilting.
• Always be on the lookout for scare cards: over-cards, cards completing obvious draws, etc.
• Bluff more against shorter stacks – they don’t have enough chips to speculate.
• At the same time, avoid super-short stacks. They might be too committed.

As you can see, there’s a variety of factors you need to think about when picking your bluffing spots.

For example, scare cards are one of the best friends of every good poker bluffer, and they give you a lot of opportunities to continue your aggression and force your opponent to fold.

Of course, you will rarely be in a perfect scenario where you can tick all of these boxes, but making educated bluffs and considering these elements will help you a lot.

6. Avoid Bluffing In Multi-Way Pots

Some of the biggest and craziest poker bluffs that ever happened – happened in heads up pots. You’ll almost never see a seasoned player pulling a massive bluff against two, three, or more players.

And for good reason.

With multiple players involved in a hand, pulling off a successful poker bluff becomes increasingly difficult. There is just so much you need to figure out before you proceed, and the likelihood of someone having a good hand increases as well.

Of course, you can still take small stabs at a pot when no one has shown an interest – but don’t get too involved.

If you try and get called by two or more players, it’s time to throw in the towel.

There are so many better spots you can take advantage of that there is no need to waste your chips in unfavorable situations.

7. Toy With Different Bet Sizes When Bluffing

One of the things experts are really good at is toying with different sizes to throw their opponents off and confuse them.

For example, if someone’s expecting a normal bet of about half the pot but is instead faced with an oversized wager of 1.2x the pot, they’ll find themselves in unknown territory.

They’ve probably made plans for a normal bet, but now they have to rethink their strategy completely.

You also need to understand that your bluff poker moves can’t look too weak or constructed in a way as to price in your opponents. Players who are bad at bluffing will frequently bet something like 15 percent of the pot on the river and then will complain about getting called with a weak hand.

You can get away with mixing in some small bets now and then, but do understand that these are simply much likelier to get called.

If you want to bluff, you can’t be afraid to commit chips. If you’d bet about half pot for value, you have to bet the same when you’re bluffing. Otherwise, you’re just making it too easy for any observant opponent.

That isn’t to say that you shouldn’t experiment a little.

In different lineups, different things could work quite well. So, it’s fine to test various bet sizes to see what happens as long as you are up against recreational players, who likely don’t know how to react to such changes.

Let Your Journey To Becoming An Expert Bluffer in Poker Begin

If you’re new to poker and have aspirations of becoming a pro at bluffing – you should be very careful.

Big bluffs may look awesome on TV, but when it’s your money going across the table, it is an entirely different story.

I’d say that you should instead aspire to become an all-around good poker player, and bluffing should just be one part of your overall strategy.

The thing is, you don’t want to be known as the bluffer in your game. The only thing that title will bring you is that people will be looking you up lightly, forcing you to bleed your chips if you are actually bluffing too much.

The best bluffers are the ones you don’t think of as bluffers. These players are super hard to play against because you never know where you’re at with them.

So, if you want to become an expert bluffer, this is what you should aspire to.

Everyone can throw their stack away time and time again in a desperate attempt to win a pot. The best know exactly when to put their chips at risk and when to give up – and that’s what makes them the best.

Brush up on your knowledge even more with some light reading:

The same applies to your opponents. While you’ll occasionally come across straightforward players who only bet when they have the goods, a vast majority are capable of pulling a bluff at least now and then.

It’s your job to sniff out these bluffs and catch them with their hand in the cookie jar – but you’ll need to learn how to spot them first.

So if you’re facing a bet and aren’t sure what to make of it, these tips on common poker bluffs should give you a good starting point.

1. A Flop Continuation Bet Poker Bluff

If you’ve been playing online poker for any length of time, you’re probably aware of the continuation bet as its one of the most common poker bluffs.

This is a play when the player chooses to bet on the flop after raising preflop, and many of your opponents will do that whether they connect with the board or not.

While c-bets work very well and are a powerful weapon in your bluffing toolbelt, you can’t just bet every flop without thinking about it. This may work against very weak players who play fit-or-fold poker, but it won’t work against thinking opponents.

They’ll consider your preflop range and how that range corresponds with the flop texture. When trying to pick off a c-bet bluff, you should be doing the same.

Some players will use this move too frequently and you can easily exploit that.

For example, if someone has raised before the flop from an early position and the board comes with low to middle connected cards, their flop bet is more likely to be a bluff. The board texture is much more likely to help other players, especially if blinds are still in play.

Always be on the lookout for the players who continuation bet too often. This is definitely one of the more common poker bluffs out there, and many players don’t know how to balance it properly.

Once you figure out someone is automatically betting almost every flop, you can counter them by calling their bets in position or mixing in an occasional check-raise to force them to give up on whatever equity they might have after throwing some more money into the pot.

2. The Button Raise Poker Bluff

Even bad players know that you’re supposed to raise with all sorts of hands from the button to try and steal the blinds, which is why this is one of the most common poker bluffs out there.

Of course, it’s hard to talk about complete bluffs when discussing a preflop situation, but if you’re raising with a hand that you shouldn’t, you’re essentially bluffing.

So if you notice a player who is opening any two cards, you can add way more hands in your 3-betting range and call medium strength holdings from the big blind.

If your opponent is playing way too wide in this spot, they will have a very hard time defending against your 3-bets.

On top of that, if you structure your calling range properly and have a lot of decent hands against their wide and weak range, you’ll have many opportunities to take down the pots.

So while the player on the button has a huge advantage of position, if you notice them playing way too aggressive, you can easily punish them for it.

3. Bluffing To See Where They’re At

Although you won’t find this type of bluff with competent pros, recreational players seem very fond of this move, making it one of the more common poker bluffs.

This type of bluff is usually marked by a fairly small sizing.

As a poker bluff, it’s not a very good one as it doesn’t price other players out, and it reopens the action for anyone who might have a strong hand and has decided to play it tricky.

This play usually isn’t too hard to sniff out as the player making it is often quite honest about it.

The whole bluff is designed to buy the pot in the event everybody else has whiffed completely and are happy to give up, or at least to see the next card with a hope to improve very cheaply.

So while you will not see this move from experienced players, you’ll often face such bets even in multiway pots from someone new to the game, so you should not be afraid to play back.

4. The Instant-Bet Poker Bluff

When you check to your opponent and they instantly fire a fairly sizable bet, you might be facing an instant-bet bluff.

This is a common poker bluff, especially among live or video poker players, and the idea behind it is to confuse the opponent and not give them time to think.

Of course, you can have as much time as you want because the speed with which they bet doesn’t dictate your action – but this play does work sometimes.

The instant-bet bluff can be quite effective against inexperienced players who’ll feel pressured into making a quick decision. They might respond by auto-folding their cards without taking the proper time to think about the hand.

So when you face such a bet from your opponent, always try to break down the entire hand to see if they can represent a very strong hand.

More often then not, they are just trying to look intimidating, so you can pick a couple of extra pots based on that.

5. A Donk-Bet Poker Bluff

Most of the time in poker or live dealer poker, you’ll want to check the action to the original raiser and let them continue with the aggression.

There is very little advantage to betting into them on the flop to let them know you have a good hand and allow them to get away cheaply. Hence the play was dubbed a donk-bet.

While good players do use the donk-bet as a part of their overall strategy, you won’t see it very often since it is much harder to balance and put into overall solid strategy.

Bad or inexperienced players, on the other hand, will frequently donk-bet. And more often than not this will be done as a bluff.

The logic behind the move is to try and win the pot right away instead of having to deal with a continuation bet and everything that comes after.

You’ll find that some players simply refuse to give up on their donk-bet bluffs even after being repeatedly put in tough spots because of it.

With the original raiser having a position and range advantage, for the most part, they can choose to play however they want – call or raise with hands that have good equity and let the bluffer throw away some more money on the turn if they’d like.

So when you notice a recreational player donk betting on the flop, don’t rush into folding.

6. The Turn Stab Poker Bluff

As discussed earlier, firing a continuation bet on the flop is quite common.

So, when the player who’s supposed to bet on the flop decides to check behind, it opens doors for another common poker bluff, the turn stab.

This is another one of those bluffs that will work fairly frequently, especially against weaker players.

Good players know how to balance their check-back ranges by checking some of their strong hands. However, recreational players usually have absolute air or the nuts in these spots.

Since it’s really hard to flop the nuts, the turn stab bluff works quite well.

Even if the in-position player calls the turn, it’s possible to take them off of their hand with a river bet depending on how the board runs out.

So, if you don’t have this one in your arsenal, you should definitely start looking for good spots to add this play and always be ready to bluff-catch against other players.

7. The Min-Bet Poker Bluff

Again, this is one of those bluffs you’ll probably encounter frequently but only from less experienced players.

It usually happens on the river where they’ll try to buy the pot with a tiny bet.

Although this is a funny-looking bluff, it can be quite tricky, especially when you don’t have a hand with any real showdown value.

The problem with this bluff is that you have to be quite certain that it is, in fact, a bluff.

In that case, you can raise and win the pot. However, if it turns out to be a small value bet, you’ll be in the world of hurt when they jam on you.

The reason why pros don’t resort to this bluff as much is that a good player will simply make a call with a wide array of hands as they know they’re getting the right price.

So if you find yourself in this situation and see that your opponent’s story doesn’t add up, you should be calling fairly wide and can even consider raising if you are holding complete air.

8. The Squeeze Poker Bluff

If there is one thing that’s really changed about poker over the years, it’s the fact games have become much more aggressive.

Long gone are days where most people were sitting around the table, waiting for the nuts. These days, players are looking for good opportunities and are less worried about the quality of their holdings.

The squeeze bluff has become one of the most common poker bluffs, to the point where even inexperienced players resort to it quite often.

When there’s a raise and a few callers ahead of you, there is plenty of dead money in the pot and only one player (the original raiser) to really worry about.

So, why not raise and try to squeeze everyone out to win those sweet poker chips in the middle?

Again, this is a preflop play, so it may be hard to categorize it as a pure bluff, but when done with a weak hand, you aren’t expecting to have the best cards if you get any action.

The purpose of this bluff is to put everyone else to the test and force them to fold hands that are likely ahead and maybe even have you dominated.

For the most part, this move works great since people tend to be over-folding in these situations, so you can surely take advantage of that.

Don’t be scared when someone else is squeezing and don’t give up too easily. Unless you’re at the table full of really inexperienced players, you’ll see this play quite frequently.

9. The Triple-Barrel Poker Bluff

Although not as common as other bluffs on this list, the triple-barrel bluff is usually very effective and quite difficult to deal with.

When a player is determined to win a pot and they fire on the flop, the turn, and the river, calling them down without a very strong hand is a tough task.

It’s a good thing that most players don’t have it in them to go for a triple-barrel bluff frequently as that would make the game much harder overall. The only way to deconstruct these bluffs is by approaching the hand in a very methodical and calm manner.

Start by thinking about their likely preflop range and go from there. By betting all three streets, they’re representing a very strong hand. How likely are they to have a strong hand given the preflop action and the board structure?

Of course, any physical tells that you might have picked up along the way, and any previous knowledge of the player’s tendencies can come in very handy as well.

You better be quite sure someone is even capable of making this bluff before you decide to call them down.

10. The Overbet Poker Bluff

It’s only logical to conclude this list of top poker bluffs by the one that’s probably the hardest to deal with.

The overbet bluff is mostly applied on the river when your opponent decides to blast away with a really large bet – usually well over the size of the pot.

This type of bluff is not as uncommon as you might think. Loose players, even some very good ones, love to use it to put the maximum pressure on their opponents.

Of course, they’ll balance it out by polarizing their ranges and also sometimes betting huge when they have the virtual nuts.

What makes this bluff so hard to deal with is the fact you’re getting really bad odds on the call. So, you have to be sure you’re being bluffed to make the call, and it’s not easy to be sure when you have a mediocre hand and are facing a huge bet.

As a general rule of thumb, you shouldn’t be calling too many of these bets. Keep your hero calls for those times you’re up against a total maniac or a really good player that you believe is capable of making such play with air.

Keep in mind that this kind of bet will pretty much never be a medium hand. They’ll either have the nuts or nothing, so your hand strength is not as important as you might think.

Common Poker Bluffs And How to Use Them

If you play poker, you’ll have to deal with bluffs on a daily basis, and I hope that this article will help you recognize and deal with the most common spots.

There is so much to say about bluffing in poker that it’s impossible to explain in one article, but you have to start somewhere.

At the same time, keep in mind that your opponents might be privy to this knowledge as well. If you’re getting ready to fire away with air, think about these common situations.

If your play is screaming “bluff” then maybe you’d be better off cutting your losses and saving your chips for another, more favorable spot.

Who Has The Most Gold Medals? The Essentials

• The USA is the country widely predicted to earn the most gold medals at the Olympics at the 2024 Summer Olympics. They are also the country with the most gold medals at a whopping 1061!
• The current host of the Summer Olympics is France, who are expected to leverage the home field advantage to come third, adding to their excising tally of 223 Olympic gold medals.
• The UK is also a good bet to win at least one gold medal. They’ve taken home 284 since the beginning of the modern games and are the only country to have won at least one gold in every games since they restarted in 1896.
• In this guide, we’ll look at which country has the most Olympic gold medals by country and if they look set to earn more.

After a grand (and somewhat rainy) opening ceremony, the Paris 2024 Olympics are officially underway. There are more than 200 countries competing in this year’s celebration, each athlete representing the absolute pinnacle of sporting success in their country.

However, of the thousands of world-class athletes competing, only the very best can win an Olympic gold medal and claim their rightful place on the coveted podium.

The Olympic Games instill a sense of national pride like no other event can. So, we’re here to answer the one question on everybody’s mind: which country will win the highest number of Olympic medals at the Olympics?

Most Olympic Gold Medals by County

USA: Number of Gold Olympic Medals: 1061

In a forecast that’s surprising to nobody, the USA is predicted to bring home the highest number of Olympic medals for the fourth consecutive year. The US continuously performs well across the table, including in athletics, swimming, gymnastics, diving, basketball, tennis, wrestling, and shooting. This is largely due to the enormous pool of athletes in its 50 states.

Michael Phelps is the athlete with the most Olympic gold medals. The US swimmer holds the world record for winning Olympic gold medals with huge tally of 23.

Team USA’s star-studded lineup features not one but two (at least) strong contenders in many of its sports. Simone Biles and Sunisa Lee (gymnastics), LeBron James and Steph Curry (basketball), Sha’Carri Richardson and Noah Lyles (100m), Katie Ledecky and Caleb Dressel (swimming), and Caitlin Simmers and Carissa Moore (surfing) are some of the top US athletes to watch in the 2024 Olympics.

The USA is also a firm favorite among bettors, with sportsbooks offering specials like Noah Lyles to win gold and set a new Olympic record. 

China: Number of Olympic Gold Medals: 263

In second place behind the US, China is forecast to win the most gold medals at the Olympics this year. China is the leading country for the number of table tennis, badminton, and trampoline gymnastics medals.

However, the highest number of total medals per sport comes from diving (81 total, 47 golds), artistic gymnastics (69 total, 29 golds), and shooting (67 total, 26 golds).

China’s female athletes are forecast to dominate in their sports, with Wu Yanni (100m hurdles), Sun Yingsha (table tennis), Qun Hongchan (diving), Huang Yuting (shooting), and Zheng Qinwen (tennis) all highly anticipated to go for the gold. Shi Zhiyong (weightlifting) and Shi Yuqi (badminton) are also expected to shine on the Olympic stage.

Not only are China’s individual athletes looking to secure a place on the podium, but its team events are anticipated to score well, too. The men’s and women’s synchronized diving teams – Lian Junjie & Yang Hao and Chen Yiwen & Chang Yani, respectively – and the shooting duo Huang Yuting & Sheng Lihao are forecast to take the gold.

France: Number of Olympic Gold Medals: 264

Proud host of this year’s Olympic games, France is predicted to perform well on home turf. So well, in fact, that many sportsbooks are predicting a third-place win for the highest number of gold medals and sixth place for the overall number of medals.

After scoring 2x gold medals in Tokyo 2020, Clarisse Agbégnénou is a serious contender for the judo Olympic gold. Also favored by the sportsbooks are Sara Balzer (fencing), Mélanie De Jesus Dos Santos (artistic gymnastics), Antoine Dupont (rugby sevens), Teddy Riner (judo), and Léon Marchand (swimming).

Sportsbooks are also betting on the French teams to do well, with the women’s handball team the clear favorite across betting platforms. Both the men’s and women’s handball teams won gold in Tokyo, so it’s hardly a surprise that France is currently the leading Olympic country in the sport.

Image Credit: Flashpict/Shutterstock

Australia: Number of Olympic Gold Medals: 164

Australia has competed in every modern summer Olympics since Athens in 1896 and brought home at least one medal every time, so it’s hardly surprising that they’re forecast to score well across the table. The Aussie team has athletes competing in almost every Olympic event, barring only handball, fencing, and volleyball. 

Swimming is Australia’s most recurrently successful sport. This year, its 45-strong team of Dolphins looks set to win again, featuring top athletes like Ariarne Titmus, Kaylee McKeown, Emma McKeon, and Elijah Winnington. Jessica Fox is also predicted to place in the canoe slalom event, while Grace Brown competes for the top spot in road cycling.

Great Britain: Number of Olympic Gold Medals: 284

Though smaller in size than top competitors like the US and Australia, Great Britain is a serious contender for the most gold medals by country at Paris 2024. GB has competed in every modern Olympics since its inception and – as of the 2020 games – is currently third in the all-time Summer Olympics medal table, both by the number of golds and the overall tally of medals won. Great Britain is also the only country to have won at least one gold every year.

Tom Daley (diving), Andy Murray (tennis), Helen Glover (rowing), Max Whitlock (gymnastics), and Adam Peaty (swimming) are part of GB’s ‘golden generation’: Olympic legends who have come out of (or are extremely close to) retirement for one final swipe at the gold medal.

Other top contenders include GB’s youngest-ever Olympian Sky Brown (skateboarding), first-ever female weightlifting medalist Emily Campbell, and Sports Personality of the Year favorite Keely Hodgkinson (800m).

Japan: Number of Olympic Gold Medals: 169

The ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic meant that Japan’s turn to host the 2020 Olympics, which were postponed until 2021, wasn’t quite the large-scale operation it had envisaged. Nonetheless, the nation celebrated its most successful Olympics so far and arrived in Paris ready to fight for a spot at the table once more (and doing so in front of a much larger crowd).

Akari Fujinami hasn’t lost a wrestling match since she was in junior high, while Misaki Emura is hoping to win Japan’s first gold medal in fencing after coming first in the International Fencing Federation World Rankings. Competing in BMX freestyle, Rim Nakamura is aiming to become Japan’s first podium winner in an Olympic cycling event, while Shigeyuki Nakarai, better known as Shigekix, hopes to become the first male breaking champion in the history of the festival. 

Other top competitors include Daiki Hashimoto (gymnastics), Hina Hayata (table tennis), Haruka Kitaguchi (athletics), Tatsuru Saito (judo), Keisei Tominaga (basketball), and siblings Hijumi and Uta Abe (judo).

Netherlands: Number of Olympic Gold Medals: 95

Paris 2024 sees the Netherlands’ largest number of competing athletes in the country’s Olympic history. With a grand total of 276 athletes – 47 of whom are competing in track and field events – the Netherlands is hoping to build on the 36 medals won in Tokyo, eight of which were won in a single day.

Boasting numerous European champions in events like rowing, cycling, hockey, and athletics, the Netherlands is predicted to win over a dozen gold medals in Paris. Track and field athletes Femke Bol and Sifan Hassan, alongside cyclists Mathieu van der Poel and Harrie Lavreysen and shot putters Jessica Schilder and Jorinde van Klinken, are among the Netherlands’ top contenders for a gold medal.

Canada: Number of Olympic Gold Medals: 71

Paris 2024 is only Canada’s 29th appearance in the Olympic games, but it has performed consistently and successfully enough to earn a spot in the list of the 10 top-performing countries. Canada brings 315 athletes to the Olympic games, hoping to take a place on the podium in 31 events.

Summer McIntosh, who made her Olympic swimming debut at the age of 14, is returning to the Olympic games following a year of world record-breaking swims. Canada’s Olympians with the most gold medals, Andre De Grasse and Penny Oleksiak, are hoping to build on the six and seven medals they won across their first two Olympics, respectively. 

Eleanor Harvey (fencing), Aaron Brown (track and field), Josh Liendo (swimming), Bianca Andreescu (tennis), Katie Vincent (sprint canoe), Brian Yang (badminton), Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson (beach volleyball), and Fay De Fazio Ebert (skateboarding) are also favored to score well.

Image Credit: Inspiring Team/Shutterstock

Germany: Number of Olympic Gold Medals: 201

Germany consistently ranks within the top 10 performing Olympic countries. In fact, it has remained within this list for the last 21 consecutive summer Olympics, though it has yet to clinch the very top spot.

Basketball player Dennis Schr?der is expected to lead the team to victory, having played in the NBA since 2013 (most recently with the New York Nets). Long jumper Malaika Mihambo, despite a recent COVID-19 infection, is returning to Paris to defend her Tokyo gold, while rising star and German champion Lukas M?rtens hopes to secure the gold in his Olympic debut.

Angelique Kerber and Alexander Zverev (tennis), Timo Boll (table tennis), and Isabell Werth (dressage) are all looking to add to their Olympic medal collection, and the men’s basketball, women’s football, and men’s handball teams are predicted to score well.

Republic of Korea Number of Olympic Gold Medals: 96

Paris 2024 will be the Republic of Korea’s 19th Summer Olympics appearance after winning six gold, four silver, and ten bronze medals in the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics. The Republic has long been the undisputed champion of Olympic archery and repeatedly scores well in combat sports events like taekwondo, judo, and wrestling.

The women’s archery team of Jeon Hun-young, Lim Si-hyeon, and Nam Su-hyeon is predicted to bring home the Republic of Korea’s 10th consecutive gold. On the other hand, individual shooting athletes Ban Hyo-jin, Oh Ye-jin, and Kim Ye-ji are expected to finish at the top of the leaderboard. Oh Sang-uk (fencing) and Kim Woo-min (swimming) are also forecast to perform well in their events.

Title Image Credit: Shutterstock

Let’s take a look at the ten richest teams in the NBA according to the most recent individual valuations by Forbes.

1. Golden State Warriors – $7.7 billion

• Last Sale: $450 million in 2010
• Owners: Joe Lacob, Peter Guber

A lot of critics laughed when venture capitalist Joe Lacob and Mandalay Entertainment CEO Peter Guber paid $450 million for the Golden State Warriors in 2010. The Warriors had posted 14 losing seasons in the previous 16 years, but both astute businessmen had a keen eye for undervalued assets.

The Warriors quickly reversed their losing ways, and developed a winning culture that resulted in four NBA championships and six trips to the NBA Finals between 2015 and 2023.

Championships boost revenue across the board and in turn, the franchise’s value exponentially increases. The Warriors jumped from a valuation of $1.9 billion to $2.6 billion the year after Steph Curry led them to their first title in 2015.

At the start of the 2019-20 season, the Warriors found a new home at the Chase Center in downtown San Francisco after moving across the bay from Oakland.

Northern California is the hub for tech industry and the Bay Area is home to one of the largest concentrations of wealth on the planet. The Warriors are the hottest ticket in San Francisco, so it’s no surprise to see the Warriors at the top of the list of richest teams in the NBA. The Warriors became the first NBA team to be worth over $7 billion back in 2022. They’re currently worth $7.7 billion and their value is rising.

The Warriors banked $765 million in revenue during the 2022-23 season, and they didn’t even make it to the NBA Finals that year. Rakuten pays the Warriors approximately $20 million per season to have its logo placed on jerseys. Other corporate sponsors for the Warriors include Google, Oracle, Chase Bank, Verizon, and Ticketmaster.

By the end of next season, the Warriors expect their valuation will pass $8 billion. Meanwhile, the Warriors are racing against the Knicks and Lakers to become the first NBA team to be valued at $10 billion.

2. New York Knicks – $6.6 billion

• Last Sale: $300 million in 1997
• Owner: James Dolan (Madison Square Garden Sports)

The Knicks have not won a championship in over 50 years, and yet they’re the second richest team in basketball. That’s what happens when you play your home games at the world-famous Madison Square Garden in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.

The Knicks have a fervent fan base who supported the team during their most downtrodden times. Diehard fans remain loyal even though the Knicks have one of the most hated owners in all professional sports. James Dolan, the scion to the Cablevision fortune, inherited the Knicks after his father purchased the team in 1997 for $300 million.

For the last two decades, fans have been begging Dolan to sell the Knicks. Even their famous supporters, like Spike Lee and Ben Stiller, would love to have new ownership. Dolan has stated he would never sell the team. In 2020, the Knicks were valued at $5 billion. Dolan received multiple offers to sell the Knicks for well over $6 billion, and he rejected all suitors.

In just seven years, the Knicks doubled in value and they’re now worth $6.6 billion. A sale price today could fetch over $8 billion.

The Knicks have been on an upswing the last couple of seasons, and fans have not been this excited since the team’s heyday in the 1990s. If the Knicks somehow win a championship in the next few years, they have a chance to overtake the Warriors as the richest team in the NBA to become the first franchise worth over $10 billion.

The Knicks earned $504 million in revenue in the 2022-23, including a $16 million from a uniform sponsorship deal with Squarespace. During the most recent season, the Knicks had a jersey sponsorship with the Las Vegas Sphere. The Knicks also have a special corporate sponsorship with Wall Street titans J.P. Morgan Chase. Other corporate partners include Lexus, Delta Airlines, and multiple online sportsbooks.

3. Los Angeles Lakers – $6.4 billion

• Last Sale: $1.35 billion in 2021 for 27% stake
• Owners: Jeanie Buss (Buss Family Trust), Todd Boehly, Mark Walter

In 1979, Dr. Jerry Buss acquired the Los Angeles Lakers from Jack Kent Cooke for $20 million in a deal that involved cash and real estate. When Buss discovered he was a few million short, he threw in the Chrysler Building to make up for the deficit.

Heading into the 2023-24 season, the Lakers were tied with the Boston Celtics for most championships in NBA history with 17. The franchise won six titles before Buss bought the team but won 11 championships since 1979.

There’s never any shortage of celebrities in attendance whenever the Lakers play a home game in downtown L.A. Some of the biggest stars in Hollywood and the music industry are often found sitting courtside during games.

After Dr. Buss passed away, his daughter Jeanie Buss took over day-to-day operations of the Lakers. In 2021, She orchestrated a minority sale to Todd Boehly and Mark Walter for $1.35 billion which seems like a huge discount compared to what the franchise is worth today.

Bibigo, a global Korean food brand, paid the Lakers $27 million as their jersey sponsor last season. The Lakers play their home games at Crypto.com Arena, formerly known as the Staples Center. Other major corporate sponsors include Nike, American Express, and Toyota.

4. Boston Celtics – $4.7 billion

• Last Sale: $360 million in 2002
• Owners: Wyc Grousbeck and Stephen Pagliuca (Boston Basketball Partners)

Venture capitalists Wyc Grousbeck and Stephen Pagliuca formed Boston Basketball Partners and purchased the Celtics for $360 million in 2002. The team won its 17th championship in 2008, only six years after Grousbeck and Pagliuca bought the team.

Celtics recently won their 18th championship, which makes them the winningest franchise in NBA history. It’s one of the reasons why they’re valued at $4.7 billion and ranked #4 overall as the richest team in the NBA.

Vistaprint took over as jersey sponsor of the Celtics in 2020. The design and marketing company pays around $15 million per season. Other corporate sponsor include Gatorade, Dunkin’ Donuts, DraftKings, Comcast, and JetBlue Airlines.

5. Los Angeles Clippers – $4.65 billion

• Last Sale: $2 billion in 2014
• Owner: Steve Ballmer

The Clippers are the second team in Los Angeles behind the Lakers, and have been playing in their shadow since they relocated from San Diego in 1984. The franchise has never won a championship, and fans are convinced the team is cursed because of their lack of success in the postseason.

Steve Ballmer, the former CEO of Microsoft, is the richest NBA owner in the league. According to Forbes, Ballmer is the seventh richest person in the world with a net worth of nearly $130 billion. Ballmer didn’t blink when he plopped down a cool $2 billion to buy the Clippers in 2014. Insiders thought he was crazy to overpay for a franchise in turmoil. Ballmer got the last laugh. In less than seven years, the Clippers doubled in value and they’re now in the Top 5 of the wealthiest teams in the NBA.

In 2018, the dating app Bumble inked a three-year jersey sponsorship deal worth $20 million. Their most recent deal with Honey expired at the end of this last season. The Clippers are discussing a new patch deal that could be worth over $20 million per season. Other corporate sponsors include Lexus, Verizon, JBL, and Anheuser-Busch beer.

6. Chicago Bulls – $4.6 billion

• Last Sale: $16.2 million in 1985
• Owner: Jerry Reinsdorf

Jerry Reinsdorf was a former IRS agent who started a company that used loopholes in the US tax laws to leverage a fortune in real estate. He purchased the Chicago White Sox baseball team in 19981 and added the Chicago Bulls to his portfolio in 1985. The Bulls drafted Michael Jordan (who is the all-time richest NBA player) the year before, but they’d have to wait until 1991 before they won their first of six championships.

The Bulls last won a title in 1998, but the franchise has been living off Jordan’s legacy for over 25 years. The franchise is now worth $4.6 billion and would easily fetch almost $6 billion if it were sold today.

Motorola, which is headquartered in Chicago, became the official smartphone of the Bulls in 2022. Motorola also inked a jersey sponsorship. Other corporate sponsors include American Express, AT&T, Lexus, and Coca-Cola.

7. Dallas Mavericks – $4.5 billion

• Last Sale: $3.5 billion in 2023 for 73% stake
• Owners: Adelson family, Mark Cuban

Mark Cuban is one of the original American “tech bros.” He sold his company, Broadcast.com, to Yahoo for $5.7 billion in 1999. He used some of the proceeds to purchase the Dallas Mavericks for $200 million in 2000, and became one of the youngest owners in pro sports.

The Mavericks won their first and only championship in 2011, but they advanced to the NBA Finals in 2006 and 2024.

Cuban recently sold a majority stake of the Mavs to the Adelson family, who amassed their fortune in the gambling industry with marquee casinos in Las Vegas and Macau. Cuban banked $3.5 billion on the sale, and he still owns more than a quarter of the team.

Chime, a financial technology company based in San Francisco, signed a jersey sponsorship deal in 2020 that was worth $10 million per season. Other corporate sponsors include American Airlines, Ford Motors, and Keurig Dr Pepper.

8. Houston Rockets – $4.4 billion

• Last Sale: $2.2 billion in 2017
• Owner: Tilman Fertitta

The Rockets won back-to-back NBA championships in the mid-1990s thanks to former #1 pick Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon. Even though the Rockets have not won a title since 1995, they’re ranked #8 as one of the richest teams in the league with a valuation of $4.4 billion.

The Rockets doubled their valuation in less than seven years. When Tilman Fertitta purchased the team in 2017, he paid $2.2 billion. Fertitta is founder of Landry’s, a hospitality and entertainment company, that operates multiple restaurant brands and casinos including the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas.

The Rockets have a jersey sponsorship deal with Credit Karma. Other corporate sponsors include Adidas, NRG Energy, Toyota, and Southwest Airlines.

9. Philadelphia 76ers – $4.3 billion

• Last Sale: $287 million in 2011
• Owners: Joshua Harris, David Blitzer (Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment)

The Philadelphia 76ers won their first championship in 1955 when they were known as the Syracuse Nationals. The team relocated to Philadelphia in 1963 and rebranded as the 76ers, which drew inspiration from the Declaration of Independence that was signed in Philadelphia by America’s Founding Fathers in 1776.

The 76ers won their second title, and first title in Philadelphia, in 1967 thanks to a squad led by Wilt Chamberlain, Billy Cunningham, and Lucious Jackson. The 76ers won their franchise’s third and last championship in 1983 thanks to Julius “Dr. J” Irving.

A pair of bankers who formed Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment purchased the 76ers in 2011 for $287 million. The 76ers are now worth $4.3 billion and a juicy $4 billion more than its last sale price. The 76ers have not won a championship in over 40 years, but they’re still among the wealthiest teams in the NBA and ranked #9 overall.

Th 76ers have a jersey sponsorship with Crypto.com. Other corporate sponsors include Coca-Colla, Comcast, BetMGM, PokerStars, and Ticketmaster.

10. Toronto Raptors – $4.1 billion

• Last Sale: $400 million in 2012
• Owner: Larry Tanenbaum (Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment)

The Toronto Raptors joined the NBA as an expansion team in 1995. The Raptors are the only pro basketball team in Canada after the Vancouver Grizzlies relocated to Memphis in 2001.

Larry Tanenbaum is the chairman of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Raptors. They paid $400 million to purchase the Raptors in 2012. Contrary to many urban myths, the popular Canadian rapper Drake does not own the team. Drake is the Raptors’ most high-profile fan and often spotted sitting courtside.

The Raptors are now worth $4.1 billion, and currently occupy the tenth spot on the list of wealthiest teams in the NBA. Winning their first and only NBA championship in 2019 boosted their overall valuation.

Sun Life Financial signed a jersey sponsorship with the Raptors in 2017, and they agreed to extend their deal in 2023. Other corporate sponsors include Air Canada, McDonalds, Google, Mastercard. and Scotia Bank.

Overall Value Of The NBA

Business is booming in the NBA. The league earned $13 billion during the 2023-24 season, which is an increase of 11% from the previous season.

Sponsorship revenue reached a historic high in 2023 with over $1.6 billion mostly derived from arena sponsorship rights fees and jersey sponsorships. A total of 868 companies inked a sponsorship deal with at least one NBA team. Coca-Cola, Toyota, and Verizon had deals with no less than 20 different teams.

The average franchise in the NBA is now worth $3.85 billion, according to Forbes Magazine, thanks to a new TV rights deal. The average valuation is up 35% from last season, and up over 75% since 2019.

The Phoenix Suns and Charlotte Hornets were both sold in 2023, which directly contributed to the current surge in valuation across the league. In February 2023, Mat Ishbia purchased the Suns for $4 billion. In August 2023, Michael Jordan sold the Hornets to Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall for $3 billion.

The partial sale of the Dallas Mavericks was also a factor. In November 2023, Mark Cuban sold a majority share of the Mavs to the Adelson family for $3.5 billion, and he still retains 27% of the team.

For more articles on the NBA, check out:

• Biggest hands in the NBA
• The smallest players in the NBA
• The players with the most NBA rings
• Odds of making it in the NBA

Who Is The Shortest NBA Player Right Now?

The shortest current NBA player is Jacob Gilyard. The Brooklyn Nets guard is 5’8” tall.

Considering that you have some of the tallest players of all time in the league right now, like 7’4” Victor Wembanyama, it’s impressive that Gilyard has been able to carve out a career for himself despite being just 5’8” tall.

Gilyard went undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft after playing four years of college basketball for the University of Richmond Spiders. He signed for the Memphis Grizzlies in September 2022, but was quickly moved to their G-League team, the Memphis Hustle.

The Grizzlies re-signed him to a two-way contract in April 2023. He became a regular player for the Griz, leading them in three-point shooting percentage after 20 games. That wasn’t enough to convince Memphis to keep him around, though. The Grizzlies waived Gilyard in February 2024.

The Brooklyn Nets signed Gilyard to a two-way contract in March 2024. In his short time with the Nets so far, he has made four appearances and averaged 11 minutes per game. However, he didn’t score a single point in those minutes.

Gilyard did dish out 1.5 assists per game, though, so it wasn’t all bad for the shortest player in the NBA.

Who Are The Shortest Current NBA Players?

There are just two players in the NBA right now who are shorter than six feet tall. As mentioned, Jacob Gilyard is the shortest current NBA player standing at 5’8″, followed by Isaiah Thomas who is 5’9″.

After Thomas and Gilyard, there is a 8-way tie for the next shortest active players. See the full list of the top 10 shortest NBA players below:

1. Jacob Gilyard: 5’8“ (Brooklyn Nets)
2. Isaiah Thomas: 5’9“ (Phoenix Suns)
3. Jose Alvarado: 6’0” (New Orleans Pelicans)
4. Mike Conley: 6’0” (Minnesota Timberwolves)
5. Aaron Holiday: 6’0” (Houston Rockets)
6. Kyle Lowry: 6’0” (Philadelphia 76ers)
7. Jordan McLaughlin: 6’0” (Minnesota Timberwolves)
8. Davion Mitchell: 6’0” (Sacramento Kings)
9. Chris Paul: 6’0” (Golden State Warriors)
10. Fred VanVleet: 6’0” (Houston Rockets)

Who Was The Shortest NBA Player Ever?

Muggsy Bogues holds the title of being the shortest NBA player of all time.

The 5’3” point guard played nearly 900 games in his 14-year NBA career. Unlike Gilyard, the current shortest NBA player, Bogues was a highly-rated college prospect. He tore up the NCAA with Wake Forest and was drafted 12th overall by the Washington Bullets in the 1987 NBA Draft.

Bogues was so good in college that Wake Forest retired his No. 14 jersey. He wasn’t as impressive in his first NBA season, though.

Bogues started his time with the Bullets strong, alongside 7’7” teammate Manute Bol, but tailed off as the season went on. Washington left Bogues unprotected in the 1988 NBA expansion draft. He was then drafted by the Charlotte Hornets.

After joining the Hornets, Bogues became a genuine star. During his nine seasons with Charlotte, he was one of the league’s best assistmen, averaging more than seven assists a game in all but one season.

Bogues was also surprisingly solid defensively despite his height. He was consistently one of the league’s leaders in steals and would occasionally even block a shot. Bogues blocked 39 shots in his career, including a legendary swat on 7-foot-tall Patrick Ewing in 1993.

Top 10 Shortest Players In NBA History

Bogues tops the list of shortest players in NBA history, and is probably the most famous short NBA player, but he’s far from the only shorter man to have had a solid career in the NBA.

Here are the 10 other shortest NBA players in history:

1. Muggsy Bogues: 5’3” (1987-2001)
2. Earl Boykins: 5’5” (1999-2012)
3. Spud Webb: 5’6” (1985-1998)
4. Mel Hirsch: 5’6” (1946-1947)
5. Greg Grant: 5’7” (1989-1996)
6. Kieth Jennings: 5’7” (1992-1995)
7. Red Klotz: 5’7” (1947-1948)
8. Wat Misaka: 5’7” (1947-1948)
9. Markquis Nowell: 5’7” (2023-2024)
10. Monte Towe: 5’7” (1976-1977)

Insights About The Shortest NBA Players

We’re not ones to make blanket statements, but after looking at the list of the shortest NBA players in history, we’ve noticed some trends. Here are some of the things we’ve spotted related to the odds of making it in the NBA.

1. Short players average less points per game

Of the 25 shortest players in NBA history, just three have averaged more than 10 points per game in their NBA careers.

Calvin Murphy and Isaiah Thomas are the only players 5’9” or shorter to average 20+ points per game in a season. Murphy did it five times. Thomas has averaged more than 20 a night three times, including the 2016-17 season, where he scored 28.9 points per game.

The reason why short players in the NBA struggle to score is pretty obvious. It’s harder for them to shoot over players. This is even more clear when you look at their shooting percentages.

Bogues, Boykins, Thomas, Murphy, and Spud Webb, the five most famous short NBA players, played in the NBA for a combined 65 seasons. Between them, there are just two seasons where they shot more than 50% from the field.

2. But short men can dunk

When you think of the greatest dunkers in NBA history, not many short players come to mind. Maybe they should, though. Despite their size, plenty of the shortest NBA players in history have been surprisingly good dunkers.

Spud Webb stunned the competition at the 1986 Dunk Contest, beating out seven other players who were all 6’5” or taller, including the legendary Dominique Wilkins. 5’9” Nate Robinson is the only player in NBA history to win three dunk contests.

Allen Iverson, Isaiah Thomas, Ty Lawson, Will Bynum, Chris Paul, and JJ Barea have all been known to throw it down occasionally. Even Muggsy Bogues claimed he could dunk.

FAQs About Short NBA Players

What is considered short in the NBA?

In today’s NBA, anyone under 6’2” tall is considered short. For comparison, the average height for US males is 5’9”. If an average man played in the NBA today, he would be just one inch taller than the shortest current NBA player (and four inches shorter than the average WNBA player).

Who is the best NBA player under 6 feet?

Former Houston Rockets legend Calvin Murphy is the best NBA player under 6 feet tall in history. The Hall of Famer scored over 17,000 points while being just 5’9”. The current NBA players under 6 feet tall are not the greatest players of all time. Neither Jacob Gilyard nor Isaiah Thomas played more than 6 games in 2024.

Do NBA players get shorter?

Not really. The average NBA player height was 6’4” in the 1952-53 season, and is now 6’6.5″, so there has been an increase in height. That said, the NBAs’ tallest decade was actually in the 80s (average height of 6’7.2″) and has gone up and down since.

But with players like 7′4″ Victor Wembanyama and 7′1″ Chet Holmgren leading the next generation, it’s unlikely that the average is going to continue to go down.

How many 5’11” players are in the NBA?

There are currently no players in the NBA who are 5’11” tall. However, there are seven players listed at 6 feet tall. It’s possible that some of these players are rounding up their height to avoid being labeled as ‘small’ by scouts, general managers, and coaches. Chris Paul famously appears to be much shorter than his 6’0” listed height.

How many 6 foot players are in the NBA?

There are eight 6 foot players in the NBA: Jose Alvarado, Mike Conley, Aaron Holiday, Kyle Lowry, Jordan McLaughlin, Davion Mitchell, Chris Paul, and Fred VanVleet.

Can Muggsy dunk?

If you ask Muggsy Bogues whether he could dunk, the answer is 100% yes. The shortest player in NBA history has repeatedly said he can dunk and that he did it in high school and college. However, there’s no footage of Bogues ever dunking. He never dunked in the NBA.

In this article, we’ll look at the 10 tallest WNBA players ever, the tallest current WNBA players, and the average height of women in the WNBA.

Top 10 Tallest WNBA Players Ever

1. Margo Dydek – 7’2″ (218cm) – Poland

The biggest WNBA player ever, and the only player in league history to stand over seven feet tall, was Margo Dydek, who was the first overall pick in the 1998 NBA draft. She was selected by the Utah Starzz and had a long career in the WNBA with three different teams where she was a two-time All-Star and eight-time blocks leader.

Dydek also had a stellar European and International career, helping Poland to win the EuroBasket Women in 1999. Tragically, Margo Dydek died at the age of just 37 after suffering a cardiac arrest at home.

2. Han Xu – 6’11 (211cm) – China

Han Xu is the second tallest WNBA player, and often gets compared to her compatriot, NBA legend, Yao Ming. Like Ming, Xu is known for her extraordinary height and uses this weapon to her advantage on the court.

Xu was drafted by the New York Liberty in 2019 and has had a decent career so far, averaging 5.8 points and 2.4 rebounds per game. Internationally, she helped China win the silver medal in the 2022 World Cup, and gold at the 2023 Asia Cup.

3. Bernadett Hatar – 6’10” (208cm) – Hungary

Another European, Bernadett Hatar comes in at number three on our list and is the current Centre for The Connecticut Sun. Unlike Dydek, Hatar is relatively inexperienced in the WNBA and has just 13 career appearances in the league. Across her WNBA career, Bernadett Hatar has averaged 3.5 points and 2.1 rebounds per game.

4. Brittney Griner – 6’9″ (205cm) – USA

Brittney Griner is the tallest American to ever play in the WNBA and a true great of the modern era. A nine-time WNBA All-Star and 2014 WNBA champion with the Phoenix Mercury, Griner is one of the most recognizable female basketball players in the US.

Unfortunately for Griner, this isn’t solely for sporting reasons. The Houston native was at the center of an international diplomatic crisis in 2022 when she was arrested and held for several months on drug smuggling charges in Russia.

Luckily this was resolved and Griner returned to the WNBA in 2023, when she averaged 17.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.

Brittney is also one of the richest WNBA players.

5. (tie) Haixia Zheng – 6’8″ (203cm) – China

Haixia Zheng is one of the tallest players to ever play in the WNBA, and her stature made her an intimidating proposition on the court. In addition to her impressive height, Zheng weighed 250lb during her time in the WNBA, which made life even more difficult for her opponents.

She is an Olympic bronze and silver medalist with the Chinese national team. In 1997, she became the first Asian and International player to win a WNBA award, when she received the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award.

5. (tie) Maria Stepanova – 6’8″ (203cm) – Russia

Maria Stepanova was selected by the Phoenix Mercury, with the 8th overall pick of the 1998 WNBA draft. She stayed in the NBA for three years, before moving to Korea to play for the KB Stars.

Stepanova won two Olympic bronze medals while representing Russia, and was awarded the FIBA Europe Women’s Player of the Year a record three times between 2005 and 2008.

5. (tie) Liz Cambage – 6’8″ (203cm) – Australia

Liz Cambage played six seasons with three teams in the WNBA between 2011 and 2022, and was a four-time All-Star. During the 2019 playoffs, she averaged an impressive 23.6 points per game for the Las Vegas Aces, but the team fell to the Washington Mystics in the semifinals.

As well as the WNBA, Cambage has played for teams in Australia, China, and Israel. She’s also won medals at the Olympics, FIBA World Cup, and Commonwealth Games whilst representing Australia.

5. (tie) Lindsay Taylor – 6’8″ (203cm) – USA

Another well-traveled giant-of-the-game, Lindsay Taylor played two seasons in the WNBA (and missed another due to injury) and represented clubs in Turkey, Korea, China, France, Poland, and Angola across a 20-year career.

Taylor also enjoyed a stellar college career. In 2014 she was elected to the UC Santa Barbara Hall of Fame, thanks to holding records as their all-time leading point scorer, blocker, and most accurate shooter.

5. (tie) Razija Mujanovi? – 6’8″ (203cm) – Bosnia

Razija Mujanovi? is the joint fifth tallest WNBA player ever, and the last on our list who stands at 6’8″ tall. Despite having a career that spanned 27 years, she played just one season in the WNBA, where she averaged 9.1 points and 5.1 rebounds for the Detroit Shock.

Mujanovi? was primarily known as a force in the European game, where she won four EuroLeague titles, and twelve national championships with various clubs. She was elected to the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2017 and won a silver medal at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, representing Yugoslavia.

10. Katie Feenstra-Mattera – 6’7.5″ (202 cm) – USA

Katie Mattera played in the WNBA for five seasons following an outstanding college career at Liberty University that saw her nominated for the Naismith Award. She made the 2005 WNBA All-Rookie Team, but her professional career never reached the same heights as college.

After retiring as a player, she returned to Liberty as an assistant coach. She has also held the head coach position at Cornerstone University.

Who Is The Tallest WNBA Player Right Now?

Han Xu, who stands at 6’11” tall, is the tallest current WNBA player. She is 3.5 inches taller than the average NBA player’s height, and the second-tallest player in WNBA history. Xu plays as a center for the New York Liberty and is 24 years old.

The Other Tallest Current WNBA Players

As of the 2024 season, there are 10 WNBA players that are 6’6” or above. They are:

1. Han Xu: 6’11” (New York Liberty)
2. Bernadett Hatar: 6’10” (Connecticut Sun)
3. Brittney Griner: 6’9” (Phoenix Mercury)
4. Kamilla Cardoso: 6’7” (Chicago Sky)
5. Kalani Brown: 6’7” (Dallas Wings)
6. Teaira McCowan: 6’7” (Dallas Wings)
7. Elizabeth Kitley: 6’6” (Las Vegas Aces)
8. Azura Stevens: 6’6” (Los Angeles Sparks)
9. Jonquel Jones: 6’6” (New York Liberty)
10. Mercedes Russell: 6’6” (Seattle Storm)

How Tall Are WNBA Players On Average?

According to 2023 data, the average height of a WNBA player was 6’1″ but the average varies greatly depending on position. WNBA centers have an average height of 6’4″, forwards 6’2″ and guards 6’.

In contrast, the average height of an NBA player is a whopping 6’6.5″ inches.

Dallas Wings guard Crystal Dangerfield is the shortest player in the WNBA, standing at just 5’5″, which is the same height as Earl Boykins, the second shortest player in NBA history.

Does Height Really Matter?

Height is undoubtedly an advantage on the basketball court, but you have to know how to use it. As detailed above, the tallest players in WNBA history aren’t necessarily the best. Two of the best players ever, Cynthia Cooper-Dyke and Diana Taurasi, are 5’10” and 6’ respectively, which shows no matter your height, you can still get it done on the court.

Enjoyed this? Check out our WNBA vs NBA article.

Lead image credit: Lorie Shaull/Flickr, CC BY 2.0 

It’s always tough comparing eras, with rules and regulations changing throughout time. But there are a select few fighters who simply can’t be overlooked.

Here’s my take on the best boxers of all time. Let the debate commence.

10. Benny Leonard

Considered by many as the leading lightweight in history, Benny Leonard was a true in-ring genius, and certainly one of the best boxers ever.

The cerebral “Ghetto Wizard” reigned for eight years through his technical prowess and scientific approach, while overcoming esteemed foes such as Johnny Dundee, Johnny Kilbane, Lew Tendler and Freddie Welsh.

Legendary trainer and cornerman Ray Arcel named Leonard as the best fighter he ever saw pound-for-pound.

9. Bob Fitzsimmons

Boxing’s inaugural three-division world champion.

Bob Fitzsimmons was one of the most fearsome punchers ever to step in the ring.

The Cornwall-born “Freckled Wonder” stopped Ireland’s “Nonpareil” Jack Dempsey to become middleweight champion, knocked out James J. Corbett for the heavyweight crown, then bested another Irishman George Gardiner to win light-heavyweight honors.

8. Willie Pep

The ultimate master of ‘The Sweet Science’.

Willie Pep was boxing’s leading defensive wizard and also responsible for one of the greatest comebacks in sporting history.

“The Will O’ the Wisp” was a two-time featherweight champion and majestically waltzed through 1956 rounds over 241 fights in his prestigious career.

7. Ezzard Charles

One of the most technically complete fighters to ever grace the ring, Ezzard Charles won more bouts than any other heavyweight boxer in the sport’s history, cementing his place as one of the best boxers of all time.

“The Cincinnati Cobra” was arguably the most astute light-heavyweight ever to compete and rallied to successes over fellow Hall of Famers Archie Moore, Joe Louis, Jimmy Bivins, Joey Maxim and Jersey Joe Walcott in his career.

6. Muhammad Ali

The word legend gets thrown around a lot today.

But it perhaps applies most fittingly when describing the one and only Muhammad Ali.

Born Cassius Clay, the American would go on to have arguably the most significant and iconic career and life of any boxer ever.

An Olympic Gold medalist. One of the best heavyweight boxers of all time. A cultural icon. A role model.

Ali was worthy of being called “The Greatest”.

5. Roberto Duran

At the peak of his powers, and even past them, “Manos de Piedra” was as great as it gets in the squared-circle.

Roberto Duran reigned in four divisions from lightweight to middleweight in a career amazingly spanning five decades.

The Panama puncher was supremely gifted in all areas of the fight game and, with over 100 career victories – including against Ken Buchanan, Sugar Ray Leonard and Esteban de Jesus to name a few – he is without a doubt one of the greatest fighters ever.

4. Henry Armstrong

The great Henry Armstrong is the first and only fighter in history to hold three world titles in three separate divisions simultaneously.

Plus he did it at a time when there was only one ruler at each weight class.

Through featherweight, welterweight then lightweight, “Hammerin’ Hank” beat all-comers including Barney Ross, Lou Ambers and Chalky Wright.

A relentless pressure-fighter who defended his 147lbs crown 18 times and cemented his legacy as a true all-time boxing hero.

3. Sam Langford

“The Boston Terror” is unquestionably the greatest fighter to never win a world title.

But that didn’t matter.

Sam Langford’s greatness doesn’t need silverware as proof. His resume and credentials speak for themselves.

The Canadian was a genuine force of nature from lightweight all the way to heavyweight, beating the likes of Joe Gans, Jack Johnson and Joe Jeanette in a career which lasted over two decades.

2. Sugar Ray Robinson

Sugar Ray Robinson was undoubtedly the greatest prize-fighter ever caught on film. And as the inspiration for a young Cassius Clay, Robinson was as close to the perfect boxer as it gets.

He is the best welterweight of all time and the sport’s first five-time division champion for his middleweight.

With 200 professional bouts, 172 wins and 109 knockouts in a career spanning a quarter of a century, Robinson was a truly monumental fighter.

1. Harry Greb

The absence of any fight footage doesn’t in any way hinder the simply remarkable career of “The Pittsburgh Windmill”. He is undoubtedly the greatest fighter of all time.

Harry Greb’s record and resume read like a fictional novel.

It defies logic and is virtually unbelievable.

A middleweight champion with around 300 official career ring outings, he also beat top names at light-heavyweight and heavyweight. Most notably he handed Gene Tunney his only ever defeat.

Overall he conquered an amazing 18 world champions, faced 16 Hall of Famers a total of 48 times and, in 1919 alone, he reportedly went 45-0 while beating five fellow HOF inductees.

“The Human Windmill” also achieved a lot of his later career success with just one eye as he became blind from an injury.

He tragically died at just 32 following complications during routine respiratory surgery.

There have been plenty of great fighters since Greb, and there will be many more in the future, but no one will ever realistically be able to match or surpass his accomplishments.

Other all-time greats: Barney Ross, Archie Moore, Joe Gans, Sugar Ray Leonard, Joe Louis, Mickey Walker, Tony Canzoneri, Jimmy McLarnin.

Lead image credit: Wikipedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

10. Jordan Spieth – $120 Million

Jordan Spieth is the youngest name on this list.

He burst onto the scene in 2014, when he was runner-up at the Masters in his first appearance at the tournament. He won it the year after, before then winning the U.S. Open. In 2017 he won the Open Championship.

The only Major he hasn’t won is the PGA Championship.

Despite his young age, Spieth is already the 7^th highest earner in golf history, winning over $62 million in prizes.

Endorsements have contributed heavily to Spieth’s wealth. He’s worked with some of the world’s biggest brands, including Coca-Cola, Rolex, and AT&T.

Most famously, though, Speith is associated with sports brand Under Armour, the apparel he has worn since turning pro in 2012.

In 2022, Speith and Under Armour announced an extension of his existing deal, which was due to run until 2025. He will now wear the Baltiomore-based brand until at least 2029.

Amazingly, back in 2015, when Speith was chasing the Grand Slam of all four Majors in one year, over $100 million was wiped off Under Armour’s share price after he missed out in the final hole of The Open Championship. Despite this, Spieth is still one of the richest golfers of all time.

9. Fred Couples – $150 Million

Fred Couples is not only one of the world’s richest golfers, but also one of the most famous.

His first PGA Tour victory came in 1983. Since then, he has gone on to win 15 titles on the Tour, but has only ever managed to win one Major: the 1992 Masters. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2013.

Couples is only 65^th on the all-time money list, having won just under $23 million.

But since he’s the co-owner of Couples Bates Golf Design, and has had endorsement deals with many major companies, including Jaguar, Mitsubishi Electric and Bridgestone, he’s made it to number nine on our rich list.

His enormous career earnings were also boosted by video games. “Boom Boom” lent his name to two Sega-produced video games in the ‘90s:? Fred Couples Golf, and Golf Magazine: 36 Great Holes Starring Fred Couples.

8. Gary Player – $250 Million

South African Gary Player is one of only five players to have ever won all four Majors.

The Black Knight also won over 150 professional tournaments across the world, including 24 PGA Tour titles and 60 Sunshine Tour titles. He was awarded the PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012.

Over his 60-year career, he won over $14 million. He’s earned far more than that since retiring, though.

He has had sponsorship deals with companies like Callaway, SAP and Rolex, plus he owns Gary Player Design, a golf course design company.

All of Gary Player’s businesses, including Gary Player Design, Player Real Estate, The Player Foundation, Gary Player Academies, and Black Knight Enterprises, are covered under the umbrella of Black Knight International. These businesses range from live events to memorabilia.

7. Rory McIlroy – $250+ Million

Rory McIlroy turned professional in 2007 and won his first Major (the U.S. Open) in 2011.

Within three years, he had won three more Majors. The only Major to have eluded him so far is the Masters.

He is currently seen as one of the superstars of the golfing world.

McIlroy has earned over $80 million throughout his career from golf alone, putting him second on the list of all-time money winners.

In 2022, he earned an incredible $18 million for his win in the FedEx Cup alone. It was the third time he claimed that lucrative prize.

Like most of the names on this list, McIlroy makes a large part of his fortune away from the course and was second only to Tiger Woods in off-course earnings in 2023.

The Irishman signed a deal with Nike in 2017, rumored to be worth an incredible $200 million. He also founded TGL with Tiger Woods – an indoor “high-tech league” for golf, where high-profile players will compete in a team format alongside celebrities.

4. (tie) Jack Nicklaus – $400 Million

Jack Nicklaus has won an amazing 18 Majors – more than any other player.

His six Masters wins make him the most successful player in the tournament’s history. He’s also won 73 PGA Tour titles, as well as nine on the European Tour, and was awarded the PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008.

Nicklaus earned millions from golf, although his winnings are dwarfed by those paid out to modern-day players.

Business ventures have also contributed heavily to his wealth. The 80-year-old owns one of the world’s largest gold course design companies, plus he’s written many books and launched clothing and wine businesses.

Nicklaus has had a long list of lucrative brand and sponsorship deals throughout his career, and even lent his name to a video game in the ‘80s and ‘90s.

Most recently, Nicklaus has given his name and likeness to a line of soft drinks from the Arizona Beverage Company, which also produces an Arnold Palmer line.

4. (tie) Jon Rahm – $400 Million

Jon Rahm is one of the best golfers in the world, but thanks to signing his record-breaking deal with LIV Golf in 2023, he has now become one of the richest.

A double major winner, Rahmbo was an integral part of the 2023 European Ryder Cup team, but shocked the sports world in December ‘23 when he announced he was joining LIV Golf.

After saying “The (LIV) format is not really appealing to me” and “I am officially declaring my fealty to the PGA Tour” in 2022, Rahm was eventually persuaded. It turns out money does talk, and now Rahm and his family are sitting on stacks of it.

The deal guaranteed Rahm a reported $300 million upfront, but will be worth a total of $5-600 million over the next four years.

Before joining LIV, Rahm already had an eye-watering net worth of $100 million, thanks to earning over $51 million in prize money alone.

4. (tie) Greg Norman – $400 Million

Greg Norman, famously known as the “Great White Shark”, is one of the best-known Australian sports stars of all time.

Despite spending 331 weeks as world number one, he only managed to win two Majors. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2001.

Norman was the first player to earn $10 million in career earnings, however much of his money came from business ventures.

He started the Greg Norman Company in 1993, and this company now owns a range of businesses in varied industries, including real estate and golf course design.

In 2021, Norman left Greg Norman Company to become the CEO of LIV Golf Investments, the Saudi Arabian-backed start-up that has shaken up the golf world.

3. Phil Mickelson – $800-$900 Million

Phil Mickelson is one of the most successful golfers of recent times.

Referred to as “Lefty” by golf fans, he’s won six Majors, including the Masters in 2004, 2006 and 2010. He’s also won 45 times on the PGA Tour, as well as 11 times on the European Tour.

Mickelson is second to Tiger Woods when it comes to earnings, having won over $96 million in prize money.

He won a staggering $9 million in “The Match: Tiger vs. Phil”, a pay-per-view event held at the Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The reported $200 million bonus he received for joining the LIV Tour has made him the third richest golfer ever.

Although Mickleson’s current net worth hasn’t been confirmed, he is just one of a handful of athletes in the history of sport to have established pre-tax career earnings of more than $1 billion.

He also offered some insight into his personal wealth after a Twitter spat with a fan in June 2023, who commented on Mickelson’s well-documented struggles with gambling. He wrote, “Haven’t gambled in years. Almost a billionaire now. Thanks for asking.”.

2. Arnold Palmer – $1 Billion

The King, Arnold Palmer, is one of the most iconic golfers in history and is widely regarded as the first superstar of the sport.

In the 1960s, the “Big Three” of Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player helped turn the sport into what it is today, paving the way for the huge prize money and commercial deals that modern players enjoy.

Palmer won 62 PGA Tour titles with seven majors. He just missed out on completing a career grand slam, as he finished runner-up in the PGA Championship three times.

In total, he amassed just $3.6 million in prize money from the PGA Tour, but earned the majority of his fortune through sponsorships, licensing, appearances, and the Arnold Palmer Design Company.

He has continued to earn an amazing amount since he died in 2016, with Forbes estimating his estate earned $40 million in 2017 alone.

1. Tiger Woods – $1.1 Billion

There are no prizes for guessing that the number one richest golfer in the world is Tiger Woods.

Regarded by many as the greatest player ever, he’s had 110 wins in his career and has spent 683 weeks as world number one. He did have something of a fall from grace, but confirmed he was back by winning the 2019 Masters.

As you might expect, he’s raked in cash from many endorsement deals, working with some huge names like Nike, with whom he struck a deal estimated to be worth an eye-watering $105 million.

On top of endorsements, Tiger is also an accomplished businessman and CEO of TGR. TGR is an enterprise that includes companies such as a restaurant and a golf course design business.

Woods reached billionaire status in 2022, despite turning down an incredible offer to join LIV Golf, which, according to LIV CEO Greg Norma, was in the “high nine digits”.

For more eye-watering net worths, check out:

• The Richest NFL Players
• The Richest Poker Players
• The Richest Snooker Players

Keep reading to discover the other highest-paid mascots, and what it takes to make it as the person behind the suit.

The Highest-Paid NFL Mascots

Rowdy (Dallas Cowboys) – $65,000 annual salary

Being the mascot of “America’s Team” comes with lots of perks. You get to perform in front of 80,000 people at every home game, you get to take part in lots of community events, and you get paid the joint most of any mascot in the NFL.

Rowdy’s $65,000 annual salary works out to $50/hour, which can’t be beaten by any other mascot in the league.

Fun facts: Rowdy has 73K followers on Instagram and was named “Most Hated NFL Mascot” by Sports Illustrated in 2015.

Pat Patriot (New England Patriots) – $65,000 annual salary

The joint highest NFL mascot salary is Pat Patriot of the New England Patriots, who also earns $65,000 per year ($50/hour). Pat has become one of the most recognizable NFL mascots in the modern era, thanks to his appearances at eleven Super Bowls over the last 25 years.

Pat can usually be found at Gillette Stadium for Patriots home games, where he entertains the crowd, signs autographs, and poses for pictures.

Fun facts: Pat was created by cartoonist Phil Bissell in 1960 and was originally based on an American Revolutionary soldier.

Average NFL Mascot Salary

The average NFL mascot salary is $60,000 per year, or $45/hour. Only Rowdy and Pat Patriot earn more than this, and their additional salary is probably down to the scale of their respective franchises. The Cowboys and Patriots are two of the most famous teams in the league, and their mascots have been a recognizable part of the game-day experience for decades.

Here’s a list of some reported NFL mascot salaries for the 2023 season:

Extra Appearances

Like NFL players and cheerleaders, mascots are required to do lots of extra work, separate to what is seen on game day. For example, Sourdough Sam, the mascot of the San Francisco 49ers, attends youth camps and schools where he spreads messages about the importance of healthy eating and exercise.

These extra responsibilities would be part of the mascot’s contract with the franchise, and each would vary slightly. However, for additional events, there are likely bonus earnings available for mascots.

For example, it’s possible to book Sourdough Sam for private, corporate events which would cost $1,050 for just two hours, with the performer taking a healthy hourly wage for the appearance.

Most Popular NFL Mascots

Rowdy and Pat Patriot are the highest-paid mascots in the NFL, but it doesn’t mean they are the most popular. Since 2016, there has been an NFL Mascot of the Year award and Blue, the mascot of the Indianapolis Colts, has won it a record three times.

In 2023, Blue also won Social Media of the Year and Anchor in the Community, showing his presence both online and in the Indianapolis area. Blue also boasts a massive 254K followers on Instagram, which is more than any other NFL mascot.

Other NFL mascots with a big following on Instagram include Blitz the Sea Hawk (104K) mascot of the Seattle Sea Hawks, and Toro (184K), mascot of the Houston Texans. Clearly, though, online popularity, reach, and awards don’t necessarily equate to higher pay for NFL mascots. Despite having hundreds of thousands of followers collectively, Blue and Blitz both earn $15,000 less than Rowdy and Pat.

Challenges Of Being An NFL Mascot

Being an NFL mascot isn’t just fun and games, so before you consider applying for the next vacancy in the league, you might want to consider some of the downsides. Here are some of the big challenges NFL mascots have to overcome:

Extreme Weather

Across the 32 NFL teams, mascots have to deal with some extreme weather. Whether it’s running around the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami in 70-degree heat, or risking catching frostbite in -13 at Lambeau Field, dealing with extreme weather would be a genuine headache for many NFL mascots.

Hard Work

Throwing on an oversized costume and dancing in front of thousands of people might seem easy, but to be an NFL mascot, you have to be seriously committed. Mascot responsibilities don’t start and end when the game does; a lot of preparation and performances away from the stadium are required. The Colts mascot, Blue, reportedly makes up to 300 performances each year and plans all his own skits.

Delivering Every Time

Being a mascot is a performance role, and every time an NFL mascot puts on their costume, they have to give it 100%. And we’re not just talking about NFL games. The same energy and enthusiasm are needed at every school, charity, and corporate event the mascot attends.

Mascots also deal with a lot of drunk fans who may overstep the mark. Every now and then, things don’t go to plan.

Anonymity

In general, mascot identities are kept private to protect the performer and to help maintain the magic of the character. So, keeping your job a secret, especially if you’ve been doing it for several years, would be a challenge.

How Many NFL Teams Do Not Have A Mascot?

Four current NFL franchises don’t have a mascot. They are:

• Green Bay Packers
• New York Jets
• New York Giants
• Los Angeles Chargers

The exact reason for these teams deciding against having mascots varies, but often the team name, history, and branding just aren’t a good fit. For example, Green Bay’s name comes from the Acme Meat Packing Company, which produced canned meat, so it doesn’t exactly lend itself to an inspirational or cute mascot. Maybe the New York Jets could consider creating a mascot based on a fighter jet. Or maybe not.

Not having a mascot isn’t always due to a lack of trying, though. For example, in the 1980s, the Packers tried and failed to introduce “Packy Packer”, who was just a man who carried sausages (we’re not joking)! Some things are just best left alone…

Summary – NFL Mascots Pay Dwarfed By NBA

There are pros and cons to being an NFL mascot. They are paid a decent salary, and get up close and personal with the action on the field and their adoring fans. If you’re a performer, an NFL mascot gig might seem appealing, but don’t start searching for vacancies just yet.

The highest-paid NBA mascots can earn almost ten times that of their NFL colleagues, and they don’t have to deal with the weather!

For more articles on the NFL, check out The 10 Oldest NFL Teams, Top 10 Richest NFL Players Ever, and 5 Best Moments In NFL Playoff History.

10. Sofia Huerta – $1.3 million

• Total Earnings – $1.3 million
• Off-Field Earnings – $500,000
• On-Field Earnings – $800,000

The 10th best-paid female soccer player is Sofia Huerta. Born in Boise, Idaho, Huerta has Mexican heritage through her father and played five times for the Mexican Women’s National Team before changing affiliation to the United States in 2017.

Through her contracts with Seattle Reign and the US Women’s National Team, Sofia Huerta earned $800,000 on-field, and off-field, she added a further $500,000 through sponsorships and endorsements.

9. Rose Lavelle – $1.4 million

• Total Earnings – $1.4 million
• Off-Field Earnings – $600,000
• On-Field Earnings – $800,000

Next on our list is another USWNT regular and National Women’s Soccer League star, Rose Lavelle, who earned a total of $1.4 million last year.

In a career that has seen her play for seven different clubs, Lavelle has established herself as a crucial member of the US squad, appearing at two world cups and the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

Lavelle tops up her on-field earnings with several endorsements, including the beer brand FLIGHT.

8. Lindsey Horan – $1.5 million

• Total Earnings – $1.5 million
• Off-Field Earnings – $600,000
• On-Field Earnings – $900,000

Midfielder Lindsey Horan sits at number eight on our list, with an annual salary of $1.5 million. She plays club soccer for Olympique Lyon in France, the most successful team in UEFA Women’s Champions League history.

Horan has the highest reported on-field salary of any female player in the world at $900,000, and added $600,000 through off-field endorsements in 2023.

5 (tie). Sophia Smith – $2 million

• Total Earnings – $2 million
• Off-Field Earnings – $1.2 million
• On-Field Earnings – $800,000

After being drafted as the number one pick at the 2020 NWSL College Draft, Sophia Smith has become one of the superstars of the league and a regular for the USWNT.

In 2022, she won the NWSL championship with the Portland Thorns and was voted as league MVP. She backs up her on-field performance with commercial deals, too.

Her 326k followers on Instagram give her a strong social media presence, and she has endorsements with several companies including Nike and Chipotle.

5 (tie). Julie Ertz – $2 million

• Total Earnings – $2 million
• Off-Field Earnings – $1.3 million
• On-Field Earnings – $700,000

Next up is Julie Ertz, who played for the Chicago Red Stars, Angel City FC, and the United States before retiring in August 2023.

In total, the Arizona native managed 123 appearances and 20 goals for the US. She’s also won two World Cups and was named the US Soccer Female Player of the Year in 2015.

In the final year of her career, Ertz earned a salary of $700,000 a year for Angel City and had several lucrative off-field contracts that were worth $1.3 million.

5 (tie). Crystal Dunn – $2 million

• Total Earnings – $2 million
• Off-Field Earnings – $1.3 million
• On-Field Earnings – $700,000

A former winner of the Hermann Trophy in her college career, Crystal Dunn has been an ever-present in the USWNT setup for over a decade.

Now playing her club football at NJ/NY Gotham FC, during the 2023 NWSL the versatile player had an on-field salary of $700,000 and several lucrative sponsors off-field, including Mastercard and Therabody.

4. Trinity Rodman – $2.3 million

• Total Earnings – $2.3 million
• Off-Field Earnings – $1.5 million
• On-Field Earnings – $800,000

Trinity Rodman is one of the most exciting, young attacking talents in the world of women’s soccer and despite her tender age, she already has a significant amount of domestic and international experience.

She was the youngest player ever to be drafted in the NWSL at just 18, and at 21 she already has 34 appearances for the United States senior team.

Her on-field earnings are almost doubled by off-field though, and the fact she’s the daughter of NBA legend Dennis Rodman will only enhance her fame and commercial earning potential. In 2023, she had several long-term brand partnerships, most notably with Adidas.

3. Alexia Putellas – $4 million

• Total Earnings – $4 million
• Off-Field Earnings – $3.2 million
• On-Field Earnings – $800,000

Barcelona and Spain captain Alexia Putellas is the third-highest-paid female soccer player and the only non-American player on our list.

This American dominance shows the commercial power American players have in female soccer and the level of stardom achieved by Putellas.

A two-time Ballon d’Or Féminin winner, Putellas has similar on-field earnings to her American counterparts, however her off-field earnings amounted to a giant $3.2 million in 2023.

This is partly helped by her 2.8 million Instagram followers, making her one of the world’s most commercially influential female soccer players.

2. Megan Rapinoe – $7 million

• Total Earnings – $7 million
• Off-Field Earnings – $6.3 million
• On-Field Earnings – $700,000

Another player on our list who retired in 2023, Megan Rapinoe was one of the best-known and recognizable soccer players in the world.

The US international played 203 times for her country, scoring 63 goals and winning two World Cups. Her final club team was OL Reign, who she played with for 10 years.

She won both the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball at the 2019 Women’s World Cup and her on-field success was matched by huge achievements off it. In 2022, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her activism around pay equality, racial justice, and LGBT+ rights.

She also had a long list of commercial endorsements with global brands including Nike, Samsung, Google and Subway, which helped her achieve $6.3 million off-field earnings.

1. Alex Morgan – $7.1 million

• Total Earnings – $7.1 million
• Off-Field Earnings – $6.3 million
• On-Field Earnings – $800,000

The highest-paid, and most recognizable female soccer player in the world is Alex Morgan, who earned a massive $7.1 million last year alone.

A key member of the US national team for over a decade, Morgan has won the World Cup twice, being chosen as a member of the Dream Team on both occasions.

Morgan is a global star; she was the first woman to feature on the cover of the FIFA video game in 2015, alongside Lionel Messi, and was named on Time’s 100 Most Influential People list twice.

In 2023, she earned an on-pitch salary of $800,000 through contracts with San Diego Wave and the USWNT, but this was dwarfed by her off-field earnings of $6.3 million.

Throughout her career, Alex Morgan has signed a long list of commercial deals with companies including McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, and Bank of America, and appeared in several major magazines including Sports Illustrated, Elle, and Vogue.

Women’s Soccer Pay vs Men’s

While women’s soccer is growing in popularity, there is still a huge disparity between the salaries of top male and female players. For example, Cristiano Ronaldo, the highest-paid male player, earned $260 million in total in 2023, more than 37x what Alex Morgan made.

There are several reasons for this. Comparing the commercial reality of men’s and women’s club soccer, in particular, helps explain why.

Soccer is a traditionally male-dominated sport and the long-established history of the male game means fans, broadcasters, and sponsors are willing to pay much more money to access the product, and this is reflected in player salaries.

For context, the Women’s Super League has a current TV broadcast deal that is worth $9.8 million per year, whereas the Premier League’s equivalent brings in a staggering $2.1 billion – more than 214x as much.

Closing The Gap

Several steps are being taken particularly in the international game, to bring women’s pay closer to men’s. Many international soccer federations, including the US and England, now pay male and female teams the same salary.

World-leading male leagues and clubs are also providing financial support to help grow the women’s game. For example, the Premier League has agreed to an interest-free ￡20m loan to the Women’s Super League, but there is much more that can be done.

In 2018, the men’s World Cup winners, France, received prize money of $38 million, but the women’s winners earned just 7.5% of that ($4 million). The prize offered by FIFA, the international governing body of soccer, should be made equal for men and women.

International governing bodies should also try to address pay gaps between their men’s and women’s teams, following the lead of countries like England, the USA, and others.

Furthermore, businesses and broadcasters also have a major role to play in growing the women’s game. The bigger the platform female soccer players get, the more their profiles will grow. This in turn will increase the amount of eyes on female soccer, which will also increase revenue and player salaries.

For more rich lists, check out: Top 10 Richest Esports Players Ever/ The Top 10 Richest Soccer Players Ever / Who Are The 10 Richest Olympians Ever?

The Top 5 Highest Paid NBA Mascots

1. Rocky the Mountain Lion (Denver Nuggets): $625,000 annual salary

Rocky the Mountain Lion is the highest paid NBA mascot and one of the most recognizable across the league. His dancing, acrobatics, and all-round entertainment skills have become an eagerly anticipated part of any Denver Nuggets home game – and he gets paid accordingly. He’s even known for nailing some amazing trick shots, including this no-look bank while standing at the top of two ladders.

Fun facts: Rocky has been the Nuggets mascot since 1990, and has a tail that’s 3 feet long.

2. Harry the Hawk (Atlanta Hawks): $600,000 annual salary

Harry the Hawk can be found at every Atlanta Hawks home game, where he catches the eye with some incredible dance moves. He makes a reported $600,000 annually, the second highest salary for an NBA mascot, and over 10 times the average in the US.

Like all NBA mascots, Harry doesn’t just earn his money by entertaining fans on game day. He also appears at several Hawks’ community events every year, where he poses for photos and gives fans a day they’ll never forget.

Fun facts: Harry ‘hatched’ in 1986, and has 18k followers on Instagram.

3. Benny the Bull (Chicago Bulls): $400,000 annual salary

Benny the Bull is one of the most recognizable sports mascots ever. In 2013, Forbes Magazine named him ‘the most popular mascot in sports’. He’s had several viral moments that have secured his popularity, like the one shown below.

A few years ago, Benny took aim at musical royalty, when he performed Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” dance right in front of her husband, Jay Z. Jay didn’t look amused, but the rest of the audience was.

Fun facts: Benny features in the video game NBA Jam Tournament Edition as a secret character and was ejected from a game in 1974 for interfering with the on-court action.

4. Go the Gorilla (Phoenix Suns): $200,000 annual salary

A member of the Mascot Hall of Fame (yes, that’s actually a thing), Go the Gorilla is one of the most entertaining and original mascots in the NBA. Although he doesn’t earn anywhere near as much as the top 3 NBA mascots, Go still takes home an impressive $200,000 every year.

His creation was an accident when a fan ordered a singing telegram during a 1980 game, and the performer arrived in a Gorilla suit. He was asked to entertain fans by the security and was eventually invited to be the Suns official mascot. He’s enjoyed roaring success ever since.

Fun facts: Go the Gorilla graduated from “Hairy Truman” High School in “Mon-Key West”, Florida.

5. Hugo the Hornet (Charlotte Hornets): $100,000 annual salary

Hugo the Hornet is our fifth and final highest paid NBA mascot, taking home a reported annual salary of  $100,000. He’s known for his dunking ability, and he regularly performs dangerous, acrobatic dunks at the Spectrum Center during Hornets home games.

Hugo’s prowess as a mascot has been acknowledged through several awards, including being named a two-time NBA Best Mascot Award by NBA Inside Stuff and winning the NBA Mascot Slam Dunk Championship four times.

Fun facts: Hugo was born on November 4, 1988, and his full hornet costume was designed by Cheryl Henson, daughter of Jim Henson (creator of the Muppets).

What Is The Average NBA Mascot Salary?

Those are five seriously impressive paychecks, but how much do NBA mascots make a year on average? Unfortunately, they don’t earn anywhere near as much. An average NBA mascot salary is just $60,000 – 10x less than Rocky the Mountain Lion’s paycheck.

Like many other roles in the NBA, a mascot’s salary is partly decided by their skill level and reputation. Not every team has a mascot that’s considered an essential part of the game-day experience for fans, and this is reflected in their pay.

However, the highest-earning mascots listed above are seen as talented entertainers who bring a lot of value to fans and the franchise that they are a part of. This is why NBA mascot pay fluctuates so wildly.

Mascot Salaries vs WNBA Player Salaries

As we have discussed in this article, several NBA mascot salaries are way above what the average American earns.

What is perhaps even more surprising, is that the highest paid NBA mascots also earn considerably more than WNBA players.

In 2023, the top 10 highest earning WNBA players had an annual salary ranging from $212,000 to $242,000. This is around $400,000 less than Rocky the Mountain Lion earns, and over $10 million dollars less than the average NBA player salary.

This comparison highlights the difference in earning potential for male and female athletes, and even those working in non-playing roles in the two leagues. Although the NBA has much higher revenue than the WNBA, female players get paid a much smaller percentage of overall league revenue (around 20%, compared to 50%) and don’t enjoy the same perks as their male counterparts.

NBA mascot salaries highlight that there’s still a long way to go to achieve fair pay for elite female athletes.

Check out our article for more WNBA vs NBA facts.

The Role Of A Mascot

The primary role of an NBA mascot is to entertain the crowd when there is no action taking place on the court. Fans primarily flock to arenas around the US to enjoy the skills of the players, but while they’re taking a break, plenty of people turn their attention to mascots. NBA mascots usually entertain fans in the following ways:

• Dancing
• Dunking
• Interacting with fans through competitions, giveaways or photos
• Comedy skits (often using props)
• Trick shots

Mascots also boost team pride and fan morale, and encourage fans to support the team at crucial moments in games.

A mascot’s role extends beyond gameday, too. They are required to appear at charity and community events organized by their franchise. For example, Hugo the Hornet takes part in a school program in Charlotte, where he performs and educates children on topics like anti-bullying and test preparation.

The Perks Of Being An NBA Mascot

Aside from the considerable base salaries for NBA mascots, there are lots of other perks that come with the role. Firstly, if you are an entertainer, the opportunity to perform in front of 20,000 people every week is a huge draw. You also get the chance to be part of some pretty special moments, such as the one pictured below.

Mascots also have the satisfaction of being loved by fans, especially kids, and being able to make the NBA experience special for the people they interact with. This perk would be multiplied if the mascot is from the area, or was a fan of the team growing up.

Everyone wants to be on the court, but not everyone can be a player. Mascots get as close to the action as possible and contribute to the game-day experience, without needing player credentials.

NBA mascots also have the potential to earn money outside their base salary by appearing or performing at private events. For example, appearance fees for Sir CC, the mascot of the Cleveland Cavaliers, start at $300 per hour.

Summary

As we have detailed in this article, being an NBA mascot has a high earning potential. The top-performing mascots earn serious money, and enrich the experience of fans across the league. So, if you want to make it in the NBA, but don’t have what it takes as a player, you always have a backup plan!

For something similar, check out our article on NFL mascots. Or for more on the NBA, check out the NBA’s wealthiest players, the players with the most NBA rings, and average NBA player height compared to WNBA player height.

Lead image credit: Wikipedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

There’s gaming and then there’s next level gaming and, as some of the gambling universe’s most glamorous names jostle for bragging rights, it can be hard to keep up with who is offering the best selection of slot machines, restaurants and shopping malls.

So, find out which juggernauts of the gambling and gaming sphere make our list of the top 10 biggest casinos in the world:

1. WinStar World Casino, Oklahoma, USA (600,000 square feet)

WinStar World Casino is not only the largest casino in the US, but also the biggest casino in the world – in the unlikely destination Oklahoma!

With at least 600,000 square feet of gaming space, this super-size casino delivers a knockout blow to rivals with its 7,000+ gaming machines, around 100 table games, 800-capacity bingo hall and non-smoking poker room.

And that’s just for starters.

Aside from the gaming appeal, you’ll be kept on your toes with the resort’s golf course, nightclub, sports lounge, pool bar and spa. Its eight gaming plazas take their names from some of the world’s most famous cities, and this international feel is reflected in its 17 restaurants.

Adding to its pull, this Chickasaw Nation-owned establishment is punching above its location by attracting top entertainers and events, thanks to a 3,500-seater Global Event Center and 7,700-seat Colosseum — venues a small city would be proud of.

Located just a little more than 90 miles north of Dallas, the world’s biggest casino continues to grow.

2. Venetian Macau, Macau, China (546,000 square feet)

This mammoth offering from Macau, and one of the biggest casinos ever, is located directly opposite the City of Dreams — making it easy to immerse yourself in this exciting, vibrant and contemporary gambling destination.

The bright lights of the Venetian’s exterior reflecting in the water below are a sight to behold, as this premium, luxe casino and hotel complex is comprised of an impressive 39 stories and 10,500,000 square feet of space overall.

Of that, a good chunk is dedicated purely to gaming. It proudly showcases 6,000+ slot machines and 800 gaming tables, as well as four themed gambling areas.

In addition, this ginormous resort is styled after Venice’s romantic winding canals and replica landmarks to give its patrons a unique experience. It offers huge swathes of retail, convention and dining spaces, and a 15,000-capacity events area.

3. MGM Cotai, Macau, China (500,000 square feet)

This $3.4 billion dollar temple to excess opened in 2018. It hosts the world’s largest art garden with more than 2000 different species, as well as hundreds of modern art paintings and Ancient Imperial Chinese artifacts. Then, within its 500,000 square feet of casino space, you’ll find more than 170 table games and 1,500 slots.

The Sky Bar on the 35^th floor is the place to see and be seen, though only open to guests of the hotel’s unique Sky Lofts. These are part of almost 1,400 rooms in total.

You’ll find three dozen exclusive high-end retail stores and almost two dozen restaurants, bars and dining areas spread across the cavernous space.

4. Wynn Macau, Macau, China (424,000 square feet)

With a gaming area of approximately 424,000 square feet, the resort also features an art gallery, pool, spa, four fine dining restaurants and around 29 designer shops.

There are several eye-catching installations and visual art shows that make this casino resort stand out from the crowd.

These include a color-changing ‘Tree of Prosperity’, a rotating ‘Dragon of Fortune’, a mesmerizing ‘Performance Lake’ featuring a light, music and fire show, and a fluorescent ‘Moon Jelly Aquarium’.

5. City of Dreams, Macau, China (420,000 square feet)

Casino patrons flock from far and wide to experience all that this otherworldly 420,000 square foot, themed gaming space has to offer.

If the generous menu of 450 gaming tables and more than 1,514 gaming machines don’t take up all your time and attention, you’ll still have VIP areas, four hotels, four spas, 175,000 square feet of retail space and endless boutique shopping to keep you occupied.

With more than 30 restaurants and bars, art exhibits, a nightclub and a live water theatre, the City of Dreams lives up to its self-billing as a ‘leading leisure destination’.

6. Galaxy Macau, Macau, China (400,000 square feet)

In Macau, it’s very hard to impress, but Galaxy Macau does just that by combining some of the world’s most luxurious hotel brands. Within this casino resort, you’ll find the likes of the Ritz Carlton, Andaz, JW Marriott, Raffles, and three other hotels, with nearly 5,000 high-end rooms in total.

Then think of the shared casino space. Hundreds of table games (up to 500) and slots, with more than 115 dining options to choose from, situated between brilliant luxury.

Tired of all that gambling? They have more than 200 stores to meet your retail therapy requirements, and if you’re looking to relax by the pool, how about 150 yards of white sand beach around the world’s largest sky wave pool. Heck, they even have a quarter-mile-long rapid ride on top of the hotel.

7. Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, Connecticut, USA (364,00 square feet)

Built almost thirty years ago, the Mohegan Sun casinos of the Sky and of the Earth have undergone at least three major renovations. They currently sport about 6,000 slots and 350 table games across their 364,000 square feet of gaming space.

The rest of the casino continues to modernize as well, with over 60 shops, dining spots, and bars, as well as recently renovated hotel towers which have over 1,500 rooms between them.

The resort’s proximity to New York has always played a role in its success, and it offers daily helicopter transport to and from the city.

The Mohegan Tribe, which owns the entire venture, continues to innovate and grow to meet the demands of the Northeast US gambling market, as well as invest in great new amenities that appeal to the next generation. It’s currently the second biggest casino in America.

8. Foxwoods, Ledyard, Connecticut, USA (340,000 square feet)

Owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, this sprawling resort actually contains six different casinos.

With an estimated total gaming area of between 340,000 — 344,000 square feet, guests will be spoilt for choice with over 250 tables, including the usual suspects like blackjack and craps, and more than 3,400 slot machines.

As well as this, there’s a shopping center and several high-end boutiques. You can also find a huge offering of around 55 food and drink outlets, a spa, golf, and activities such as bowling and zip-lining.

9. Ponte 16, Macau, China (270,000 square feet)

Players can explore 270,000 square feet of gaming attractions at the 9th largest casino in the world.

These include 109 tables, around 307 slot machines, and two VIP halls. With plenty of variety, the resort showcases games such as fan tan, pat kao, American roulette, three card baccarat and face-up blackjack.

For the full experience, upscale travelers can make the most of a luxurious French hotel with a swimming pool, spa, and fitness center.

There’s also an Angry Birds-themed kids’ play center, foot massage center, a gallery of unique items from around the world, and a street performance area. The seven restaurants and bars will keep hunger at bay.

10. Rio Casino Resort, Klerksdorp, South Africa (266,330 square feet)

Get in on around 266,330 square feet of gaming action at Rio Casino.

Taking inspiration from the carnival atmosphere of the Brazilian city it takes its name from, there’s 24-hour slots to enjoy, with 274 gaming machines and 12 table games, plus regular poker tournaments.

There’s also a Salon Privé for high-rollers, a hotel, a kids’ arcade gaming center, a crèche, two restaurants, and a bar to complete the attractions.

Go Big Or Go Home

That’s what the movies will tell you. And it’s certainly a quote that the world’s casino bigwigs have taken to heart.

It’s all about size and thinking BIG: bigger buffets, larger hotels, more games and those star names.

It’s an exciting time for casino connoisseurs, as resorts continue to compete to provide the best all-round experience and race to become the biggest in their region, or even the world.

Watch this space…

If you enjoyed this, check out our post on the smallest casinos in the world too!

The best players can find themselves winning huge sums for lifting the trophy at one of the larger tournaments, plus they can earn some serious cash through other means, such as endorsements and commentary.

Let’s take a look at the top 10 richest snooker players in the world, taking into account their career winnings, as well as anything else they’ve managed to earn.

10. Mark Williams – ￡7.1 Million ($9 Million)

Mark Williams is a part of the famous Class of 92, which also includes John Higgins and Ronnie O’Sullivan.

He’s won 25 ranking titles and is one of three players to win the Triple Crown in one season, which he did in 2002-03. He’s won the World Championship three times, plus the Masters and UK Championship twice each.

To date, Williams has won ￡7,523,654 in prize money throughout his career.

Overall, his net worth is estimated to be approximately ￡7.1 million ($9 million). He’s still playing to a high level, so this sum will probably increase even further.

9. Willie Thorne – ￡8.1 Million ($10.3 Million)

At number 9 on our list is the late great Willie Thorne.

Willie actually only won one ranking snooker tournament with The Classic in 1985, and peaked at No. 7 in the world rankings.

He retired from snooker in 2001, but returned to the game in 2017 for the World Seniors Championship. He played until 2019, with a final match at the UK Seniors Championship, before passing away aged 66 after being placed in an induced coma.

Throughout his career, Thorne won a grand total of ￡1,182,229. His estimated net worth is ￡8.1 million ($10.3 million).

8. John Higgins – ￡8.8 Million ($11.2 Million)

Another of the great generation of players who started in the early 90s, John Higgins is regarded as one of the best players of all time.

He has 31 ranking titles, including four World Championships, three UK Championships and two Masters. “The Wizard of Wishaw” has also been world number one on many occasions.

Overall, Higgins has won ￡9,725,269 in prize money.

As with many other players on this list, Higgins is still playing and in contention to win major tournaments, so his wealth will probably only increase.

7. John Parrott – ￡9.1 Million ($11.6 Million)

John Parrott is perhaps as well-known for being a pundit and TV personality as he is for being a snooker player.

He won nine ranking tournaments throughout his career and rose to be as high as number two in the world. His biggest achievement was winning the World Championship and UK Championship in the same season.

Throughout his career, Parrott took in ￡3,160,747 in prize money, however he has earned a considerable amount more from TV appearances, as well as for being a long-time pundit and commentator.

He’s now worth about ￡9.1 million ($11.6 million).

6. Ronnie O’Sullivan – ￡11.2 Million ($14.2 Million)

Ronnie O’Sullivan is regarded by many as the greatest snooker player to have ever picked up a cue.

“The Rocket” has won a record eight Masters titles, as well as eight UK Championships, which is another record.

What’s more, he’s a seven-time World Championship winner and holds a total of 41 ranking titles altogether.

Overall, O’Sullivan has won ￡13,973,534 in prize money throughout his career, plus he’s earned a considerable sum from sponsorships.

His current net worth is estimated to be approximately ￡11.2 million ($14.2 million).

5. Cliff Thorburn – ￡12.2 Million ($15.5 Million)

Canadian Cliff Thorburn was a hugely successful player throughout the 1980s.

He only won two ranking titles in his career, however one of these was the 1980 World Championship.

Thorburn also won the Masters three times – only Stephen Hendry and Ronnie O’Sullivan have won the tournament more times.

Over the course of his career, Thorburn only managed to win approximately ￡1.4 million in prize money.

He’s earned a considerable amount since retiring, however, and his personal fortune is now estimated to be around ￡12.2 million ($15.5 million).

4. Jimmy White – ￡15.3 Million ($19.4 Million)

Jimmy White is perhaps the most popular snooker player of all time.

“The Whirlwind” won 10 ranking tournaments throughout his career, including the UK Championship. He has also won the Masters once, however, has never won the World Championship, despite reaching the final six times.

Over the course of White’s career, he won ￡4,942,404 in prize money, however his personal fortune is thought to be approximately ￡15.3 million ($19.4 million).

Much of his wealth has come from TV appearances and sponsorship details.

3. Dennis Taylor – ￡18.2 Million ($23.2 Million)

In third place on our list of the richest snooker players is Dennis Taylor, who is best known for his amazing World Championship victory in 1985, beating Steve Davis in perhaps the most exciting finale to a snooker match ever broadcast.

He also won one other ranking title, as well as the Masters in 1987.

Dennis Taylor didn’t win masses of money from snooker, however he has earned a huge amount after retiring, through commentary and appearing on many shows, including Strictly Come Dancing.

He is now thought to be worth about ￡18.2 million ($23.2 million).

2. Stephen Hendry – ￡25.5 Million ($32.4 Million)

In second place is Stephen Hendry, the man who dominated snooker throughout the 1990s.

He won six Masters titles, including five in a row, as well as seven World Championships and five UK Championships. He was ranked number one in the world for over eight years.

Throughout the course of his career, Hendry has won ￡8,804,081 in prize money.

In 2021, he made a comeback after a nine-year absence, although there’s speculation that he will retire again due to his self-proclaimed “embarrassing” performance since his return.

His overall wealth is thought to be approximately ￡25.5 million ($32.4 million).

1. Steve Davis – ￡26.5 Million ($33.7 Million)

Steve Davis, who was world number one for seven consecutive seasons during the 1980s, scoops the top spot in our list of the richest snooker players ever.

In his career he managed to win 28 ranking titles, including six World Championships and six UK Championships.

He also won the Masters on three occasions and is the only snooker player to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.

In his career, which lasted until 2016, Davis won about ￡5.5 million.

As with many of the other names on this list, he has also earned a large sum through commentary, endorsements and other avenues, taking his net worth to be around ￡26.5 million ($33.7 million).

Something similar:

• Top 10 Richest Golfers Ever
• Top 10 Highest Paid Rugby Players
• Top 10 Richest NBA Players
• Top 10 Richest Poker Players

This leaves cruise lines with every incentive to make their casino bigger and better. So, without further ado, here are the seven best cruise ship casinos out there right now.

1. Allure of the Seas: 18,000 square feet

Royal Caribbean is one of the world’s best cruise lines, with casinos operating on all seven seas. Their Oasis class ships were some of the biggest cruise ships on the ocean until the last few years. The Allure had her maiden voyage in 2010 and can comfortably handle 5,400 guests.

She has two dozen restaurants, 15 bars and lounges, and many other amenities, like rock climbing, an outdoor movie theater, minigolf, and a beautiful theater. Also, check out the zipline, the Aqua Theater, and their version of Central Park on a ship.

The casino on the Allure is currently the biggest on any cruise ship, coming in at 18,000 square feet. For comparison, a good-sized Las Vegas property might only be 100,000 square feet. However, the biggest casino in the world, the Winstar in Thackerville, Oklahoma, comes in at 600,000 square feet.

They have 27 table games, including fan favorites like blackjack, craps, roulette, and baccarat, as well as some of the carnival games like Three Card Poker, Mississippi Stud, and similar games. The slot total is 456, with all the usual hits like Buffalo, Buffalo Stampede, and 88 Fortunes.

They have a small non-smoking casino on Deck 4 with a few tables and several dozen slots if you need to be away from the smoke of the main casino. Overall, it’s the best cruise casino today.

2. Oasis of the Seas: 15,000 square feet

A fun fact: while the Oasis was built to the exact same specifications as her Sister ship, Allure of the Seas, the Oasis is 2 inches shorter in length. That being said, this Royal Caribbean flagship of the Oasis Class is a beauty. Her maiden voyage was in 2009.

Unlike her sister ship, Oasis had extensive renovations in 2019, so she has some newer amenities like an eleven-story slide and a waterpark. She also has several newer restaurant concepts that were not found on the Allure.

The Oasis lost some casino space during the remodel, but still has 15k gaming square footage, including 24 tables and 464 slot machines. The no-smoking casino has three tables and 46 slot machines to choose from. This is a good option if looking for the best slots on cruise ships.

3. Norwegian Epic: 13,000 square feet

The Epic was launched in 2010 and was planned to have two sister ships in the same Epic class, but the deal fell through, so Epic became the only Epic class ship in the Norwegian fleet. She can hold about 5,300 guests and is 19 decks tall.

There are 15 restaurants onboard, as well as a dozen bars and lounges and the usual amenities, like water slides and rock climbing walls, as well as two pool areas and the Broadway-type Theaters that Norwegian is known for.

The Norwegian Epic once had one of the largest casinos on a cruise ship anywhere. However, after her remodel in 2020, she returned with a still respectable 348 slot machines and 28 tables over about 13,000 square feet.

You can find about any table game you wish to play, as well as every hot new slot you’ve been dying to try. While some other Norwegian casinos have poor reviews for ventilation, the sheer size of the Epic casino helps with the irritating cigarette smoke.

4. Symphony of the Seas: 12,000 square feet

As one of the best cruise lines with casinos, it’s no surprise to see Royal Caribbean make the list again.

Royal Caribbean has five ships in the Oasis Class, and they span almost a decade of shipbuilding. The Symphony of the Seas was launched in 2018. While generally adhering to the Oasis model, she has upgraded staterooms and amenities that more closely match those of Oasis of the Seas after her remodel, than those of the Allure of the Seas, eight years her senior.

The casino on Symphony has also been somewhat reduced in size, down to about 12,000 square feet. But it seems similar in size to the one on Oasis and has almost the same number of tables (24) and slots (452). So we’re still happy to consider it as one of the best cruises with casinos.

5. Sun Princess: 9,000 square feet

One of the best casino cruise ships is also the newest. Princess Cruise Lines Sphere class of cruise ships kicked off their maiden voyage in late February 2024 with the Sun Princess.

She has a capacity of 4,300 guests in a double stateroom, and if the name sounds a little familiar, it’s because she is named after the iconic Princess Line boat from the television show “Love Boat.”

The Princess has state-of-the-art cabins, and the usual zip lines and rock climbing. The dining room encompasses three full stories and looks over the ship’s stern, promising grandiose views. The Piazza is a glass sphere, which inspired this class’s name. It functions as the ship’s atrium and features several cafes and bars with views along the ship’s interior from its multi-floor perch.

The casino comes in at 9,000 square feet with 17 table games and 227 slots. They’re not getting the memo about scaled-back casino space; it’s the largest they’ve ever built.

Three great additions are table games linked progressives on blackjack and various poker games. A Buffalo Zone, often found in land-based casinos, is just a dedicated space for many Buffalo slot machines with cool signage. A new high-limit slot area will feature enhanced luxury seating for those long hours at the machines.

To be in with a chance of winning an all-expenses paid trip on this cruise ship, check out this casino cruise tester competition.

6. Norwegian Escape: 8,000 square feet

The Escape is a Breakaway Plus class ship. It was launched in 2015 and can comfortably carry just over 4,000 guests. Norwegian is known for its best-in-class Broadway-quality shows and entertainment and its relaxed approach to cruising. There are no formal dinner nights here.

The Escape has over two dozen dining options and 15 bars, as well as the de rigueur Aqua Park, rope climbing, rock climbing, and mini golf. There are two pool areas and a huge spa as well as a fitness area.

The casino covers about 8,000 square feet but squeezes in 23 tables and 318 slots. They have many poker variants like Three Card Poker, Pai Gow, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em, as well as the staples of craps, blackjack, and roulette. The machines are newer and feature most of the same titles that you would find in a modern Las Vegas casino.

7. Carnival Celebration: 5,000 square feet

The Carnival Celebration is one of Carnival’s Excel Class ships. Launched in 2022, she can comfortably hold just over 5,300 guests and spends much of her time in the Caribbean on six- and eight-day cruises.

They have 24 restaurants, and if, for some inexplicable reason, you’re a huge Guy Fierro fan, they feature his Barbeque Smoke House concept, along with his Guy’s Burger Joint. There are 15 bars and lounges, none of which have any Guy-inspired cocktails that we are aware of, and the usual movie theater, climbing wall, and splash pad-type amenities.

What separates the Celebration from the competition is Bolt, its 800-foot-long, 40 mph rollercoaster on the top deck. This has upped the ante regarding onboard sports deck amenities and, at least on paper, looks a lot more entertaining than another rock-climbing wall.

While smaller than some of our other entries, it covers almost 5,000 square feet of space, has 15 tables, and has slightly more than 200 slot machines. It was voted Best Cruise Ship Casino in a reader’s choice poll in Newsweek in 2023.

FAQs About Cruise Ship Casinos

Are Cruise Ships Rigged?

As multi-billion dollar companies with millions of customers yearly, it simply doesn’t make economic sense to “rig” games.

That being said, there are no gaming commissions on the high seas that you can raise a dispute with, or that have mandated a minimum Return To Player percentage for slot machines.

Many believe that while most slots in the USA are set close to a 90% Return to Player, those in cruise ship casinos are set at closer to 80%, but there is no hard proof of that.

Do You Pay Taxes on Cruise Ship Winnings?

If you are a US Citizen and you win a slot jackpot in the waters off Mombasa or Monte Video or anywhere else in the world, the US government will want their piece of it, and you must pay federal taxes. Any jackpot over 1,200 will trigger the dreaded W2G and 24% withholding on major cruise lines. Technically, all winnings should be reported on a 1040.

If you are a UK citizen, there doesn’t seem to be the same tax burden, though please consult a tax professional should the need arise.

Do All Cruise Ships Have Casinos?

Nope. Even some of the major companies, like Norwegian, have boats that lack casinos, though usually with good reasons. For instance, their Pride Of America never leaves Hawaiian waters, so they would never be in a position to open the casino. Check the casino status before you book, though the vast majority will have them due to their significant revenue contribution.

Are Cruise Ship Casinos Regulated?

Most would be regulated by the country they are registered in, such as the Bahamas. Many have signed agreements and regulations with the CLIA (the Cruise Line International Association) – an industry trade group that provides some rules and oversight – but market forces do most regulation.

10. Kevin Durant – $300 million net worth

One of the NBA’s most lethal scorers, Kevin Durant is also among the league’s best paid athletes. Insider reported that Durant has earned over $300 million, making him the third highest paid NBA player of all time. 

Now playing for the Phoenix Suns, Durant is searching for his next NBA championship since leaving the Golden State Warriors in 2019. The intervening years had been difficult with Durant’s old team, the Brooklyn Nets, who struggled to make an impact during the playoffs

Off the court, Durant’s success has been more consistent. Each year he earns millions through investments with his company, 35 Ventures. He’s also secured endorsement deals with Coinbase, NBA Top Shot and Weedmaps.

Durant is also a Nike sponsored athlete. Interestingly, his contract with the shoe company includes a $50 million kicker that will be gifted to him when he retires. 

9. Grant Hill – $300 million net worth

Earning over $100 million during his basketball career set Grant Hill up for success when he retired in 2013. Taking advice from his ex-NFL playing father, Hill made sure to not squander his earnings and turned his fortune into a real estate empire. 

Today, his company, Hill Ventures, has developed over $200 million worth of projects. 

Outside of real estate, Hill is a co-owner of NBA franchise The Atlanta Hawks. He also owns a large portfolio of art works created by Black artists. 

Hill even organized a three year, seven city tour of his personal art collection in the hope it would inspire other Black Americans. 

After being admitted to the Hall of Fame in 2018, Hill signed a lifetime deal with shoe brand Fila to recreate his line of shoes that were first released in the 1990s.

8. Hakeem Olajuwon – $300 million net worth

Another ex-NBA star that has turned to property is center, Hakeem Olajuwon. During his career, Olajuwon won two NBA Championships with the Houston Rockets. He was also the first non-American to win the MVP award.

During the final years of his career, Olajuwon began to set aside money for real estate, an important step as his faith forbids him from borrowing money via loans.

Today his portfolio is large and varied. A fact he partially attributes to the home court advantage he has when closing deals in Houston.

7. Shaquille O’Neal – $400 million net worth

Shaq is known for his incredible size, strength, and athleticism on the court, but has also built just as large a reputation off it. This is thanks to his personality, humor, and business knowledge. 

Earning nearly $300 million during your playing career is a great way to start any retirement, but Shaq has not rested on his laurels. Instead, he has built himself into a brand, starring regularly on TNT’s coverage of the NBA as well as featuring on other TV programs, and hosting a podcast. 

Shaq also invests heavily. He has owned shares in both Google and Apple. Throughout his business career he also owned 155 Five Guys franchises. 

6. Vinnie Johnson – $500 million net worth

Unlike the other players named on this list so far, Vinnie Johnson was not a generational talent. Although he did play a key role in the Detroit Pistons back-to-back championships in 1988-89, 1989-1990. 

Nicknamed “The Microwave” for his ability to heat up an offense, Johnson’s best moment came in 1990 when he hit the championship winning shot.

However, Vinnie spent most of his career coming off the bench and only amassed career earnings of approximately $6 million.

With this money, Johnson launched an automobile supply company called Piston Automotive which eventually formed part of Johnson’s larger empire, Piston Group. 

The company supplies car parts to leading manufacturers and has long outgrown its home in Detroit. It can now be found throughout the Midwest. 

The company’s annual revenue has been recorded at an incredible $2.9 billion.

5. Kobe Bryant – $600 million net worth

At the time of his death in January 2020, Kobe Bryant was worth an estimated $600 million. 

During an incredible career with the Los Angeles Lakers, Bryant won five NBA championship rings and earned $680 million through both his salary and endorsements. 

Joining the NBA straight from high school, Bryant wasted no time making money. His first sneaker deal was a six-year contract with Adidas worth $48 million dollars. 

Of course, Bryant will always be remembered as a Nike athlete and his signature Kobe trainers are some of the most popular in the NBA.

Bryant also formed Granity Studios; a multimedia content company that won an Academy Award for an animated short film titled “Dear Basketball”. 

The Bryant empire continues to thrive despite Kobe’s untimely death. The family and Nike re-signed in 2022, meaning Bryant’s popular range of shoes will continue to be available to hoopers all around the world. 

4. Ulysses “Junior” Bridgeman – $600 million net worth

Junior Bridgeman’s highest salary for a season in the NBA was only $350,000. The total earnings of his playing career amounted to just over $4 million. Yet, he is one of the richest NBA players of all time. 

Bridgeman built his incredible fortune through buying Wendy’s franchises after learning how to run the restaurants during his off seasons. 

When he sold his restaurant empire in 2016, it included approximately 250 Wendy’s franchises and 120 Chilli’s restaurants. 

Bridgeman sold his empire to become a bottler for the Coca-Cola Company. His new company, Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Co. operates 17 distribution centers and employs nearly 2,500 staff members. 

Bridgeman also owns Ebony and Jet, two magazine brands which he purchased together for $14 million. 

3. LeBron James – $1 billion net worth

LeBron James, the NBA’s highest ever scorer, comes in at second on our list. But he is actually the richest active NBA player.

James is a towering figure in the world of sport and is one of the most famous athletes ever. Now with the Los Angeles Lakers, James has brought championships to every team he’s played for. His legacy is unrivaled in the modern game. 

Like Kobe Bryant, James joined the NBA straight from high school. Fast forward to 2022, when James signed a $97.1 million, two year contract extension with the Lakers. This made James the highest paid player in NBA history.

This has done little to diminish his earning potential off the court. Instead, James has flourished, making millions through off court business ventures and endorsements . 

Thanks to his salary, endorsements and business moves, James is the first active NBA player to be a billionaire. An achievement that is down to him taking equity in companies as opposed to cash. 

To cap it all off, James is one of only three athletes to have a lifetime Nike deal. He signed the deal in 2015 and receives $32 million from the brand annually. 

2. Magic Johnson – $1.2 billion net worth

One of the most famous NBA stars of all time, Magic Johnson’s salary earned a modest $39 million during his playing career. This was partly because the era he played in didn’t pay as much as the modern day. Another reason was the 25-year, $25 million contract he signed with the Lakers in 1984.

Despite this, Johnson has managed to build a huge fortune.

Unsurprisingly, Johnson’s business empire has been focused on sport. He used to own 4% of the Los Angeles Lakers and still owns stakes in the LA Dodgers, LA Sparks, and Los Angeles FC. 

Magic Johnson Enterprises, his investment firm, is estimated to have holdings worth $1 billion. 

However, Johnson hasn’t always made the right business move. In 1979, a small shoe brand called Nike approached him with a sponsorship opportunity. Instead of money they were offering to pay him in stocks. Johnson turned them down and stuck with Converse, losing out on millions of dollars in the long run. 

1. Michael Jordan – $3 billion net worth

Of course, it’s Michael Jordan, the six-time NBA champion, that tops our list of the richest NBA players of all time. One of the most marketed athletes ever, Jordan was the global face of the NBA from 1984 to his final retirement in 2003. 

Jordan’s total salary from his NBA career was around $90 million. But it was through Nike’s Jordan brand that he made his fortune. 

This is because Jordan takes 5% out of every Jordan Brand item sold. Marca reported that Nike sells $15 million worth of Jordan Brand items every day. So, it’s not hard to see how Jordan has reached a net worth of $3 billion.  

This isn’t to say MJ doesn’t have other sources of income. 

Jordan took over the NBA franchise The Charlotte Hornets in 2010, when they were valued at $175 million. In 2022, the franchise was valued a whopping $1.7 billion. In August 2023, Jordan sold his majority stake in the Hornets, retaining a minority share.

Jordan also owns a NASCAR team, 23XI Racing along with three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin. To cap it all off, he is an investor and advisor for sportsbook DraftKings.

It’s nice to see that with all of that money, he does a lot of good:

Enjoyed this? Check out some of our other NBA articles, such as the he average height of an NBA player, and the NBA players with the largest hands. Or, check out our analysis on WNBA player salaries.

Lead image credit: Kip-koech/Flickr, CC BY 2.0

These are the voices that take us through riveting high stakes, heart-breaking losses, and triumphant wins, all the while providing helpful advice and analysis. So without future ado, let’s salute 10 of the best in the business.

#1 – Norman Chad

Commentated On: World Series of Poker (WSOP)

“Someone needs to tell this guy he’s going home – he’s drawing dead!”

No-one perhaps embodies the World Series of Poker more than commentator Norman Chad, who has been commentating on many of ESPN’s poker broadcasts, including the WSOP, since 2003.

In fact, no-one could deliver the lines, “he’s been dealt Queen-Jack!” with such enthusiasm for thousands of hands ad infinitum and still make it sound interesting. But, with over-excited co-anchor Lon McEachern in tow, Chad is rightly considered one of poker’s best commentators.

While not all viewers may warm to Norman’s references to his many marriages, no one can fault his no-nonsense approach to the game and dislike of egos.

Norman Chad isn’t your guy if you want a detailed, step-by-step poker hand breakdown with tips on what a player should do in a particular situation. He’s also prone to a little quip (“Bet sizing is a key component of Texas Hold’em, but so is shirt-sizing”), and some may fault him for this light and funny approach to poker.

However, he’s one of few personalities with the power and charisma to make the game entertaining, even to someone who’s never played a single hand of Hold’em in their life. This is what makes him our favorite of the World Series of Poker commentators.

#2 – Mike Sexton

Commentated On: World Poker Tour (WPT)

“OMG! I cannot believe he just tried that!”

The dulcet tones of Mike Sexton flowed through 13 seasons of the World Poker Tour, ever since the first televised tour event aired in 2003.

With his trusty steed (former tennis pro Vince Van Patten) by his side and armed with a wardrobe of badly-fitting shirts, Sexton (and his Florida drawl) is rightly considered one of the best World Poker Tour commentators of all time.

Sexton had the rare advantage of actually being a decent player himself. He had a successful run of results in the WSOP, even before he started in front of the camera. Mike’s career tournament cashes total $6,708,146, including a WPT Montreal Main Event win in 2016.

Sadly, Sexton passed away in 2020, but his influence on the game lives on.

#3 – Jesse May

Commentated On: Late Night Poker, Poker Million, Irish Poker Open, Poker Nations Cup

The original “Voice of Poker”, Jesse May was many Brits’ primary school teacher in the late 90s and early 00s as he took a whole new generation through the bewildering world of Texas Hold’em in the iconic ‘Late Night Poker’ show.

Always assisted by the laconic tones of Nic Szeremeta, Jesse’s commentary was notable for its frequent bouts of chuckles and incredulous cries of “WHATTTT?!” as one young upstart dared to raise it up pre-flop with K-2 offsuit.

The comment itself is much funnier if you know May’s background story and how he got involved with poker commentary in the first place. Initially, “Late Night Poker” had no plans to have a commentator, but it turned out that players, although they were all “characters,” were terrified of being on camera, and there wasn’t much banter going on at all (save for late Devilfish, of course).

Jesse busted out of the tournament early on, making a play with 9-3 offsuit, so he really didn’t have much going on. He volunteered to commentate on the rest of the action, secretly hoping he would get a chance to explain his move at some point. From there, stars simply lined up for the man who would become the “Voice of Poker.”

In 2012, Jesse was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the European Poker Awards for services to the game. What a legend.

#4 – James Hartigan

Commentated On: EPT, PCA, PokerStars Shark Cage

The British journalist and broadcaster from south London started out with the BBC and commercial radio before being given his big break in gambling with the cable-based The Poker Channel (the starting out point for many British media starlets).

Currently, James can be seen fronting up the TV commentary for PokerStars’ European Poker Tour and PCA coverage on UK television.

Hartigan has formed a dynamic duo with Joe Stapleton. Joe happily takes on the role of a “clown” while James is the serious one that tries to tame and control young Stape’s enthusiasm. It can feel awkward at times, but that’s precisely what show producers are aiming for, and once you get used to it, it adds to the whole viewing experience.

The pair’s terrific chemistry won them the ‘Best Podcast Award for Poker in the Ears’ in 2022, while Hartigan won the ‘Best Broadcaster’ award at the 4th Global Poker Awards in 2023.

#5 – Gabe Kaplan

Commentated On: Poker After Dark, High Stakes Poker

Not many people combine sitcom acting, poker playing and commentating, but then, not all people are Gabe Kaplan. Now retired, he was perhaps most famous for his stint analyzing and commentating on High Stakes Poker. Kaplan’s dry and down-to-earth demeanor was a stark contrast to the mayhem going on at the table as Negreanu, Hansen et al proceeded to knock seven shades of bankroll out of each other.

It’s fair to say Gabe was instrumental to High Stakes Poker’s huge success. While fans enjoyed watching the game’s best duke it out on the green felt, it was Kaplan’s commentary that helped people understand what was going on, and his funny remarks helped pass the time when someone would go into a long tank facing a river bet.

When Gabe and HSP parted ways, the show just wasn’t the same anymore. Kaplan wasn’t an outsider, and he personally knew many of the best poker players appearing on the show, which probably helped a lot.

“It’s funny – once someone gets a $500 tip, the cocktail waitresses [sitting in the High Stakes Poker studio] start to multiply.”

Saying it how it is….

#6 – A.J. Benza

Commentated on: High Stakes Poker

While Gabe was the star in the commentary booth of High Stakes Poker, A.J. Benza was there to keep him company throughout the first five seasons of the show. Although Benza didn’t really know much about poker at all when the show first kicked off, he and Kaplan made an interesting duo.

A.J. was happy to take the role of an “armchair quarterback” (as he called himself in an interview describing his experience with HSP), who asked questions and let Gabe take things from there.

The chemistry between the two was good, and poker fans warmed up to A.J. co-commentating. In fact, when he was let go at the end of Season 5 and replaced by Kara Scott, fans from all over the world urged the GSN to reconsider their decision and bring Benza back.

A.J. wasn’t thrilled about the decision, either, but he always emphasized he was very fortunate to have an opportunity to work alongside Kaplan and help make HSP the success it had become.

Then in 2020, PokerGO relaunched High Stakes Poker with Kaplan and Benza in the commentary booth once more.  

#7 – Ali Nejad

Commentated on: Poker After Dark, National Heads Up Championship

To the poker community at large, Ali Nejad is best-known for his commentary on NBC’s Poker After Dark, although he did coverage for the National Heads Up Championship as well.

Unlike many more outspoken commentators out there, Ali had a different style, mostly calling out the action and throwing in an occasional pun. He largely let the chips and the players do the talking and kept to trying to explain things where necessary.

This approach divided the fan base. To some, it seemed like just wasn’t doing much at all, save for calling out the action. Others were happy with Nejad’s style as he wasn’t spoiling the actual play or trying too hard to add commentary where it wasn’t necessary.

#8 – Lex Veldhuis

Commentated on: Triton Poker Series

Lex isn’t in the same boat as many of the others covered in this article as he’s primarily a player – and a pretty good one, having won over $700,000 over the years. However, Veldhuis decided to take on a more active role as a poker commentator as well, covering certain events and high stakes cash game sessions taking place during various Triton Poker Series stops.

Lex may not be the showman that has an endless supply of jokes, and he doesn’t approach poker in the funny and relaxed way that some other commentators do, but that doesn’t take away anything from his commentary.

Instead of trying to make it fun for all, Veldhuis is more focused on the strategic aspect of the game, so he’ll offer his insights into hands, providing useful analysis and explanations for certain plays.

He may not make you laugh all the time, but he can definitely help you learn about the game along the way.

#9 – Tony Dunst

Commentated on: World Poker Tour

With over $4.2 million in lifetime tournament cashes, Tony Dunst is an excellent poker player in his own right. He merged his passion for the game with his desire to spread his knowledge with the rest of the world, working as a WPT commentator.

Dunst was primarily in charge of the “Raw Deal” segment of the show. During every WPT episode, producers would select one or two exciting hands to break it down play by play, and Dunst was the man doing the breakdown.

When Mike Sexton announced his retirement from WPT commentary, Dunst was promoted into the role.

Dunst is quite popular with the fans. His unique style of analysis with just the right dose of humor and expert opinion added some flavor to the WPT coverage.

#10 – David Tuchman

Commentated on: Live at the Bike, Full Tilt Million Dollar Cash Game, World Series of Poker, PokerStars Highlights Show, 888 Live

David Tuchman is one of the best-known voices in poker. Having started his commentating career in shows like Full Tilt Million Dollar Cash Game, he joined the World Series of Poker team in 2011, making his claim to poker fame.

Tuchman has also regularly appeared as the voice behind PokerStars Highlight shows, calling out the action for Sunday Million final tables as well as many other critical online events.

David Tuckman has also been involved with 888 Poker, commenting on their events and live streams. All in all, his name belongs to this list of the best poker commentators, and poker fans around the world will likely be listening to Tuckman’s voice for many years to come.

For similar articles, check out the Top 10 Biggest Poker Scandals Of All Time and The Most Memorable Moments In Poker History.

1. Michel Platini
2. Alfredo Di Stefano
3. Zinedine Zidane
4. Franz Beckenbauer
5. Johan Cruyff
6. Ronaldo Nazario
7. Cristiano Ronaldo
8. Diego Maradona
9. Pele
10. Lionel Messi

10. Michel Platini

Number ten on our list of the best soccer players of all time is French midfield master, Michel Platini. He was an icon of football in the 70s and 80s, especially on the European stage, ultimately becoming the 6th president of UEFA from 2007 to 2015. His crowning glory came in leading France to victory in the 1984 European Championship and being named player of the tournament.

• National team: France
• Best World Cup performance: Semi-finalist (1986)
• Club teams: Nancy, Saint-étienne, Juventus
• Position: Attacking midfielder
• Total number of games: 653
• Total number of goals: 353
• Major honors (team): European Championship (1984), Serie A (1983–84, 1985–86), European Cup (1984–85), Coppa Italia (1982–83), Cup Winners’ Cup (1983–84), Ligue 1 (1980–81), Coupe de France (1977–78).
• Major honors (individual): Ballon d’Or: (1983, 1984, 1985), European Championship Player of the Tournament (1984).
• Peak years: Late 1970s to mid-1980s

9. Alfredo Di Stefano

An Argentinian and Spanish soccer legend, Alfredo Di Stefano is most known for being part of the dominant Real Madrid side that won the first five European Cups between 1955 and 1960. His versatility meant he could operate as either a striker or attacking midfielder, and his game-to-goal ratio (0.72) is up there with the very best in history.

• National team: Argentina, Spain
• Best World Cup performance: Did not play in a World Cup
• Club teams: River Plate, Millionarios, Real Madrid, Espanyol
• Position: Forward/Attacking midfielder
• Total number of games: 706
• Total number of goals: 509
• Major honors (team): Argentine Primera División (1945, 1947), Campeonato Profesional (1949, 1951, 1952), La Liga (1953–54, 1954–55, 1956–57, 1957–58, 1960–61, 1961–62, 1962–63, 1963–64), Copa del Rey (1961–62), European Cup (1955–56, 1956–57, 1957–58, 1958–59, 1959–60).
• Major honors (individual): Ballon d’Or (1957, 1959)
• Peak years: Late 1940s to early 1960s

8. Zinedine Zidane

Zinedine Zidane was a mercurial talent that sometimes springs to mind for the wrong reasons (we’re looking at you, Marco Materazzi). But “Zizou” was undoubtedly the best player in the world for some years and the crucial part of the dominant French team of the late 90s and early 00s.

With the build and presence of a midfield enforcer, he also had the elegance, ball control, vision, and technique that has rarely been seen elsewhere on a football pitch.

• National team: France
• Best World Cup performance: Winner (1998)
• Club teams: AS Cannes, Girondins de Bordeaux, Juventus, Real Madrid
• Position: Attacking midfielder
• Total number of games: 803
• Total number of goals: 156
• Major honors (team): Serie A (1996–97, 1997–98), La Liga (2002–03) Champions League (2001–02), World Cup (1998), European Championship (2000).
• Major honors (individual): Ballon d’Or (1998), FIFA World Player of the Year (1998, 2000, 2003), French Division 1 Player of the Year (1995–96), Serie A Footballer of the Year (2000–01), European Championship Player of the Tournament (2000).
• Peak years: Late 1990s to early 2000s

7. Franz Beckenbauer

“Der Kaiser” was a German icon and the only player on our list to play in a primarily defensive position. Despite being deployed as a center-back or sweeper, Beckenbauer’s technical ability and leadership made him the essential cog in the dominant Bayern and West Germany teams of the mid-70s. The latter being widely regarded as one of the best soccer teams of all time.

His game-to-goal ratio of 0.13 is also outstanding for a defender and highlights his ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch.

• National team: West Germany
• Best World Cup performance: Winner (1974)
• Club teams: Bayern Munich, New York Cosmos, Hamburger SV
• Position: Sweeper/Center-back
• Total number of games: 857
• Total number of goals: 112
• Major honors (team): Bundesliga (1968–69, 1971–72, 1972–73, 1973–74, 1981–82), DFB-Pokal (1965–66, 1966–67, 1968–69, 1970–71), European Cup (1973–74, 1974–75, 1975–76), European Cup Winners’ Cup (1966–67), North American Soccer League (1977, 1978, 1980), World Cup (1974), European Championship (1972).
• Major honors (individual):  Ballon d’Or (1972, 1976), Footballer of the Year (Germany) (1966, 1968, 1974, 1976).
• Peak years: Late 1960s to mid-1970s

6. Johan Cruyff

Johan Cruyff arguably left a bigger legacy on soccer in his time as a coach than a player. That, and the work he did helping to establish Barcelona’s La Masia youth academy, which developed the talents of Pep Guardiola, Lionel Messi, and many others.

However, as a player, Cruyff’s dribbling and creativity were unrivaled in an era of superstars. He was the Ballon d’Or winner three times in four seasons. Though he was cruelly denied the biggest prize in world football when West Germany (led by a certain Franz Beckenbauer) won the World Cup in 1974. Despite this, he still goes down in history as one of the best soccer players of all time.

• National team: Netherlands
• Best World Cup performance: Runner-up (1974)
• Club teams: Ajax, Barcelona, Los Angeles Aztecs, Washington Diplomats, Levante,       Feyenoord
• Position: Forward/Attacking midfielder
• Total number of games: 761
• Total number of goals: 433
• Major honors (team): Eredivisie (1965–66, 1966–67, 1967–68, 1969–70, 1971–72, 1972–73, 1981–82, 1982–83, 1983–84), KNVB Cup (1966–67, 1969–70, 1970–71, 1971–72, 1982–83, 1983–84), European Cup (1970–71, 1971–72, 1972–73), La Liga (1973–74), Copa del Rey (1977–78).
• Major honors (individual): Ballon d’Or (1971, 1973, 1974), Dutch Footballer of the Year (1968, 1972,1984).

5. Ronaldo Nazario

The first of two Ronaldos on our list (spoiler alert), Ronaldo Nazario is considered by many to be the most complete striker in the history of soccer. He is a double World Cup and Ballon d’Or winner, and in his prime, the combination of power, speed, technical skill, and finishing ability made him almost unplayable.

Despite having his career curtailed by a repetitive patellar tendon injury, Ronaldo is undoubtedly one of the best Brazilian soccer players of all time and still managed to score 414 goals in 616 games for club and country, with a game-to-goal ratio of 0.67.

• National team: Brazil
• Best World Cup performance: Winner (1994, 2002)
• Club teams: Cruzeiro, PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, AC Milan, Corinthians
• Position: Striker
• Total number of games: 616
• Total number of goals: 414
• Major honors (team): KNVB Cup (1995–96, Copa del Rey (1996–97), UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup: 1996–97, UEFA Cup (1997–98), La Liga (2002–03), Copa do Brasil (2009), World Cup  (1994, 2002), Copa América (1997, 1999).
• Major honors (individual): FIFA World Player of the Year (1996, 1997, 2002), Ballon d’Or (1997, 2002), Serie A Footballer of the Year (1998), UEFA Club Footballer of the Year (1997–98), FIFA World Cup All-Star Team (1998, 2002).
• Peak years: Late 1990s to early 2000s

4. Cristiano Ronaldo

A true legend of the past two decades, Cristiano Ronaldo has helped shape the vision of what a modern soccer player should be. His athleticism, professionalism, work ethic, and longevity have created a mold that many younger players will surely aspire to follow. However, his legendary goalscoring ability, especially in clutch moments, will likely never be matched.

During an era-defining rivalry with Lionel Messi’s Barca, as a Real Madrid player, the Portuguese master managed to secure four Champions League titles in five seasons. He also won five Ballon d’Or trophies and the first major trophy in Portugal’s history across an illustrious career.

• National team: Portugal
• Best World Cup performance: Semi-finalist (2006)*
• Club teams: Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Al Nassr
• Position: Forward
• Total number of games: 1,206*
• Total number of goals: 873*
• Major honors (team): Premier League (2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09), FA Cup (2003–04), Football League Cup (2005–06, 2008–09), Champions League (2007–08, 2013–14, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18), FIFA Club World Cup (2008, 2014, 2016, 2017), La Liga (2011–12, 2016–17), Copa del Rey (2010–11, 2013–14), Serie A (2018–19, 2019–20), Coppa Italia (2020–21), European Championship (2016), UEFA Nations League: (2018–19).
• Major honors (individual): Ballon d’Or (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017), FIFA World Player of the Year (2008), Premier League Player of the Season (2006–07, 2007–08), La Liga Best Player (2013–14), Serie A Footballer of the Year (2019, 2020).
• Peak years: Late 2000s to late 2010s

*To date

3. Diego Maradona

If you look up the phrase “tortured genius”, Diego Maradona’s name will surely be included in the description. His outstanding dribbling, technical skill, and mental resilience were made all the more fascinating by his challenges off the pitch, and his willingness to do whatever it took to win, including embracing the “hand of god”. Sorry, England fans.

Maradona never won the Ballon d’Or because, for the majority of his career, only European players were eligible. Still, he was named FIFA Player of the Century in 2000, an award he shared with the next player on our list.

• National team: Argentina
• Best World Cup performance: Winner (1986)
• Club team(s): Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli, Sevilla, Newell’s Old Boys
• Position: Forward/Attacking midfielder
• Total number of games: 680
• Total number of goals: 345
• Major honors (team): Argentine Primera División (1981), Copa del Rey (1982–83), Serie A (1986–87, 1989–90), Coppa Italia (1986–87), UEFA Cup (1988–89), World Cup (1986).
• Major honors (individual): FIFA Player of the Century (2000), FIFA Goal of the Century (2002).
• Peak years: Late 1970s to mid-1980s

2. Pele

The joint-best player of the 20th century comes in at number two on our list. Pele pips Maradona to the position based on his superior goalscoring record, and because he is the only player in history to have lifted the World Cup on three occasions.

Despite having never played for a European club team, Pele’s exploits on the international stage are even more incredible when you consider the brutal treatment he received from opposition defenders.

Like Maradona, other teams often decided the best way to stop Pele was to kick him, and the rules back then resembled something closer to modern kickboxing than soccer. Even with this treatment, Pele had a career goal-to-game ratio of 0.91 and inspired Brazil to three World Cup trophies in four tournaments.

• National team: Brazil
• Best World Cup performance: Winner (1958, 1962, and 1970)
• Club teams: Santos, New York Cosmos
• Position: Forward/Striker
• Total number of games: 858
• Total number of goals: 789
• Major honors (team): Campeonato Brasileiro Série A (1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1968), Copa Libertadores (1962, 1963), North American Soccer League, Soccer Bowl (1977), World Cup (1958, 1962, 1970).
• Major honors (individual): FIFA Player of the Century (2000).
• Peak years: Late 1950s to early 1970s

1. Lionel Messi

If this list had been written before December 2022, there would have been an argument that Lionel Messi could not take the number one spot. A World Cup win had evaded Messi for many years, and surely the true GOAT must have won the ultimate prize in soccer at least once. Well, the greatest player of all time settled the debate once and for all when he lead his team to a win in Qatar in 2022.

Amongst his many achievements, Leo has won the most major team trophies of any player in history (44), the most Ballon d’Ors (8), the most Best FIFA Men’s Player awards (3), and is the only player in history to score 40+ goals in 12 consecutive seasons. And of course, he’s topped our list of the best soccer players of all time!

All hail the GOAT, Lionel Andrés Messi.

• National team: Argentina
• Best World Cup performance: Winner (2022)
• Club teams: Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami
• Position: Forward/Attacking Midfielder
• Total number of games: 1079*
• Total number of goals: 832*
• Major honors (team): La Liga (2004–05, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2017–18, 2018–19), Copa del Rey (2008–09, 2011–12, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2020–21), Champions League (2005–06, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2014–15), FIFA Club World Cup (2009, 2011, 2015), Ligue 1 (2021–22, 2022–23), World Cup (2022), Copa América (2021).
• Major honors (individual): Ballon d’Or/FIFA Ballon d’Or (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023), Copa América Best Player (2015, 2021), La Liga Best Player (2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2014–15), Argentine Footballer of the Year (2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)
• Peak years: Late 2000s to 2010s

*To date

Best Soccer Player FAQs

Who are the best soccer players ever?

The top 10 best soccer players of all time are (in descending order): Michel Platini, Alfredo Di Stefano, Zinedine Zidane, Franz Beckenbauer, Johan Cruyff, Ronaldo Nazario, Cristiano Ronaldo, Diego Maradona, Pele, and Lionel Messi. This is based on their achievements, skill level, goal-scoring records, and longevity in soccer.

Who are the best soccer players right now?

According to the voting in the last edition of the Ballon d’Or in 2023, the top ten best players in soccer right now are (in descending order): Luka Modri?, Bernardo Silva, Victor Osimhen, Julián álvarez, Vinícius Júnior, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Lionel Messi.

Is David Beckham one of the best soccer players ever?

For several years David Beckham was considered one of the best players in the world. He was runner-up in the Ballon d’Or in 1999, and twice runner-up for FIFA World Player of the Year in 1999 and 2001. He is regarded as one of the best English soccer players ever, and is also one of the richest soccer players.

However, David Beckham isn’t one of the best soccer players of all time. To be considered as such, a player usually has to have won one or more Ballon d’Or trophies, and the World Cup. Beckham achieved neither.

What country has the best soccer players?

The best soccer players in the world can come from any country. For example, in the 2023 Ballon d’Or rankings, the top 10 players were each from a different country and the top 20 included players from Norway, Nigeria, Morocco, Georgia, and Egypt.

However, when looking historically at the best soccer players of all time, both Argentina (Messi and Maradona) and Brazil (Pele and Ronaldo) have two players in the top five, so they have arguably produced the best talent ever seen on a soccer pitch.

Who are the best US soccer players?

Some of the best American soccer players at the moment are Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund), Weston McKennie (Juventus), and Folarin Balogun (Monaco). Each of these USMNT stars plays in one of the big five European leagues, challenging for the biggest titles domestically and in Europe.

Historically, some of the best American soccer players were Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, Tim Howard, and Brad Friedel.

Lead image credit: Football Pictures/Flickr, PDM 1.0

These juicy extra features can help you become an instant millionaire, so let’s check out some of the best slot machines with bonus games, both online and at land-based casinos.

Best Online Slots With Bonus Games

Starburst

A timeless classic that’s super easy to play and great for both big and small bankrolls.

As far as slot games go, it’s quite basic. However, it offers high payouts and the opportunity to win big with the Starburst Expanding Wilds.

When the Starburst Wild appears on the reels (it can appear on reels 2, 3 and 4), it helps to create a winning combo by replacing other symbols. Any Starburst Wilds will also expand to cover the whole reel. You then get a respin with the Wild reel/s.

If you are lucky enough to land five of the Wilds, you’ll walk away with the juicy jackpot!

Starburst has an RTP of 96.09% and a medium variance.

• Starburst full review
• Play Starburst for free

Book of Dead

This Egyptian-themed slot is best for casual players, as the maximum betting amount is lower compared to other games.

That said, you can still win up to 250,000 coins in Book of Dead thanks to its rewarding free spins bonus game.

Landing 3 or more Book scatter symbols will unlock the bonus and take you to the exciting Sacred Chamber bonus round with 10 free spins. It’s possible to re-trigger the free spins infinitely, plus, alongside the unlimited spin, one random feature will also be an expanding symbol to boost payouts.

With a high RTP of 96.21%, it’s worth checking out.

• Book of Dead full review
• Play Book of Dead for free

Immortal Romance

This vampire-themed 243 ways slot game from Microgaming has plenty of ways to win and some incredible bonus action to sink your teeth into.

It has a four-level bonus round – the Chamber of Spins – that unlocks as you play.

• Your first bonus is 15 free spins that multiplies winnings by 5x.
• Once your Chamber of Spins meter reaches five, you’ll unlock 15 free spins and the Bat feature.
• At 10, you’ll activate 20 free spins with a Cascading Reels feature.
• After the 15th trigger, you unlock 25 free spins with a Wild Vine feature.

Alongside the generous 96.85% RTP, the variance is extremely high. You will have regular small wins but need the bonus games for bigger payouts.

Overall, expect tons of free spins and wilds features, with the chance to win its mega 3,645,000-coin jackpot.

• Immortal Romance full review
• Play Immortal Romance for free

Bigger Bass Bonanza

This slot is a follow-up game to Big Bass Bonanza. It’s pretty similar to the original, give or take a few extras, like the expanded reel set and earning potential.

You’ll find a solid free spins feature with rewarding wilds, plus a fish scatter worth 4,000x your bet.

This free spins bonus is the center of the game and the path to bigger wins. You receive 10, 15, or 20 free spins on 3, 4, or 5 scatter symbols. During free spins, wild symbols help to stack wins, and the angler character collects the wilds. Every 4^th wild that lands will deliver 10 more free spins, with multipliers of 2x, 3x, or 10x.

It has a high RTP of 96.71% and high volatility.

• Play Bigger Bass Bonanza for free

Fruit Party

Although Fruit Party looks pretty plain and basic, it offers some nice features and a great jackpot prize of 5,000x your bet.

You can get free spins with no limit on how many times they can be retriggered, as well as the Random Multiplier feature, which can show up at any point.

The base game’s Random Multiplier feature offers 2x boosts, which also appear during the Free Spins round. In this bonus game, you get 10 free spins that enable stacking multipliers. Here, you can build random multipliers up to 256x your stake.

Fruity Party has a RTP of 96.47% and medium variance.

• Play Fruit Party for free

Wheel of Fortune

A back-to-basics video slot that has become a cult classic, Wheel of Fortune delivers big wins on a Tripler Big Spin feature.

Yes, the game borrows the name from the iconic game show, but actually has little resemblance to it. Featuring 5 reels and up to 720 paylines, Wheel of Fortune has a higher variance and slightly above-average RTP of 96.1%.

There are several bonus games to sink your teeth into, including Wild Bonus and the Mini Wheel. You can also unlock the Wheel of Fortune Bonus for 5 symbols that could land 10,000 coin wins.

The Triple Extreme Spin Bonus allows you to choose a random envelope, which then provides a multiplier on spins. These multipliers can lead to the top payout of 5,000,000 coins.

• Wheel of Fortune full review
• Play Wheel of Fortune for free

Divine Fortune

Divine Fortune is a popular progressive jackpot game from NetEnt. The local progressive jackpot opens by getting three gold coins and has an average payout of around $115,000.

There is a standard RTP of 96.59%, although the jackpot is 4.07%, so the RTP without bonus is 92.52%. Even in the non-jackpot game, big wins can happen thanks to four different bonus rounds.

Falling Wilds Respins can happen when a wild hits the reels. It will shift one position and provide a Respin. Overlay Wilds can land on top of a wild and expand across the whole reel. The Divine Fortune free spins round delivers up to 12 free spins, and the Falling Wilds Respins and Overlay Wilds are available during free spins.

• Play Divine Fortune for free

Best Land-Based Slots With Bonus Games

Many of the slot titles below are also available to play online.

Whether you prefer to play from the comfort of your own home, on the go, or in your local casino, there’s an option here for you!

Cleopatra

This Egyptian-themed slot machine has stood the test of time – and for good reason.

Players can trigger a free spins bonus round where 15 free spins are up for grabs with a 3x multiplier.

During this bonus round, you can trigger more free spins, up to a maximum of 180.

It’s one of the more simplistic bonus features around but the payouts make it worthwhile.

There have been a number of follow-ups to the game, including Cleopatra Plus, Cleopatra Mega Jackpots and Cleopatra Gold.

Whether it’s the classic or a newer rendition, there’s going to be a version you’ll love.

• Cleopatra full review
• Play Cleopatra for free

Zeus

Another classic favorite, this Greek mythology-themed slot offers a 5-reel, 30-payline game where you can win up to 100 free spins as a bonus.

The potential wins from those free spins have helped propel the slot into slots immortality.

Follow-up releases of Zeus II, Zeus III, and Zeus: God of Thunder have been equally well received by slots players.

10, 25, or 100 free spins are available for 3, 4, or 5 scatter symbols, respectively, and you can re-trigger unlimited times.

• Zeus full review
• Play Zeus for free

Buffalo

The legendary Buffalo slot from Aristocrat is a superbly volatile game with 1,024 paylines.

This means you can win money really quickly and those wins are easy to come by, but your bank balance can also plummet quickly too – so be careful.

The bonus round in this game is where you can really make your money. You get free spins, which might sound standard, however, they have a twist.

During the Free Spins bonus, you get up to 20 spins with wild symbols up to 3x. A wild symbol helps to potentially stack multipliers up to 27x, and you can also re-trigger the free spins.

Similarly to Cleopatra, there are also some newer versions of the game that offer exciting twists on the original.

• Buffalo full review
• Play Buffalo for free

Book of Ra

This 5-reel, 10-payline slot has proved particularly popular in Europe, with Novomatic really pushing it in a number of countries in that region.

The jackpot is great on this game, though with just 10 paylines, you will need to rely on Lady Luck to help you win.

The bonus round is packed with expanding symbols, which is ideal for bringing in extra wins.

10 free spins are available, with up to 5,000x your bet up for grabs if the whole game grid has the expanding symbol.

Wins are not frequent due to the extreme volatility and 95.1% RTP, but when they do land, the payouts can be big.

• Book of Ra full review
• Play Book of Ra for free

Rainbow Riches

Initially, players were critical that Rainbow Riches didn’t offer a free spins bonus round.

However, when it soon became obvious how incredible the Pots of Gold Bonus, Road to Riches Bonus, and Wishing Well Bonus were, it was clear the lack of free spins didn’t matter.

And the jackpot is insane!

It’s no surprise that this game spawned several sequels online including Rainbow Riches: Reels of Gold and Rainbow Riches: Pick ‘n’ Mix.

Rainbow Riches is a medium volatility game with an RTP of 95.1%.

• Rainbow Riches full review
• Play Rainbow Riches for free

Bier Haus

The graphics and animations might be a little dated, but Bier Haus continues to be a hugely popular title among slots players.

The Oktoberfest-themed title has a great RTP of 96.28%, which is above average for land-based slots.

The free spins feature is its biggest feature, which doesn’t sound as impressive as other games on this list, but will be huge if you land it. 

You can get up to a maximum of 80 free spins.  There are also Persisting Wilds (sticky wilds) that lock a position for the whole bonus round.

• Bier Haus full review
• Play Bier Haus for free

88 Fortunes

The free spins bonus round and the chance to hit four progressive jackpots mean you’ve got a high win potential in this game, however the game is very volatile.

Fu-Bat is the jackpot feature where you try to match Baby symbols for 1 or 4 jackpots.

Keep your eyes peeled for the Gong Scatters, as if you land three on adjacent reels you’ll trigger the bonus game with 10 free spins. The features also replaces low-value symbols with high-value symbols.

88 Fortunes has an RTP of 96% for the non-jackpot game.

• 88 Fortunes full review
• Play 88 Fortunes for free

Try Before You Buy

If you want to get a feel for any of these games before you play them at the casino or online, we suggest trying out the free version first.

This way you can get a sense of their volatility, how they work and whether you think it’s worth your while before risking any real money.

1. Remember: It’s Paid Entertainment

Gambling is a fun form of entertainment, but it’s important to think of it in the same way you might buy a movie ticket or a fair ride. It’s exciting during the experience, and if you happen to win something extra, that’s great. But the point is to enjoy the core time and experience.

2. Set a Money Limit

It can be hard to keep track of money in the heat of the moment. That’s why it’s important to set a gambling budget, one that still gives you plenty of cash for your normal expenses, and stick to it. If you go through all the money, it’s time to stop.

3. Set a Time Limit

Whether you’re winning or losing, time seems to run at a different pace when you’re gambling. Make sure that you set a time limit for your gambling, making time for other exciting or important activities.

4. Don’t Chase Losses

Some days you’re up and some days you’re down. As long as you stay within your gambling budget, it should still be fine. It’s important you avoid gambling more in the hope of making back lost money. This is called chasing losses and can lead to problem gambling.

5. Avoid Becoming Too Superstitious

Prefer a lucky table, or keep playing the same game where you won big? No problem! But remember that gambling is all about luck and chance, and no amount of superstition will change the outcomes. Also, being lucky or unlucky in gambling does not relate to your overall luck as a human being!

6. Never Fall for the Gambler’s Fallacy

Gambler’s fallacy is the belief that if an event has happened more frequently than expected, such as a dice roll showing the same number multiple times in a row, it is less likely to happen again in the future, or vice versa. This is an incorrect belief.

The probability of hitting red 2 times in a row might be way higher than 8 times in a row, but that doesn’t mean that just because the roulette wheel has shown red 5 times, it has to be black the next spin. Each outcome in any game of chance is independent of what happened before it. Don’t assume that results will change because of how the game has gone so far.

7. Learn the Rules and Odds of the Games

While blackjack and craps might have some of the best odds in a casino, they still have certain bets with comparatively bad odds. On the flipside, overall odds are worse for slots and keno, but people can still win big and have tons of fun. What’s important is to learn the rules and understand the odds of the games you enjoy. Some games are more entertaining than others for certain people, no matter the odds.

8. Don’t Play with Money You Don’t Have

Whether it’s using a credit card or borrowing from friends and family, never play with money you don’t have. It’s meant to be a fun pastime, so if you can’t afford it, it’s best not to gamble at all.

9. Avoid Gambling Under the Influence

Gambling is often paired with a fun atmosphere, complete with all the usual party essentials. But whether you’re under the influence of alcohol, or a high roller friend on a winning streak, avoid gambling while intoxicated. Your decisions won’t be as good, and you might play beyond your money or time limits.

10. Gamble During the Good Times

Gambling should be fun and exciting, best enjoyed with friends. If it becomes an escape during depression or hard times, it’s more likely to become a problem. So, enjoy gambling during the good times, but don’t fall back on it to solve your issues when times are tough.

When gambling stops being fun and is no longer within your control, it’s time to start taking the steps to stop.

How to Stop Gambling

1. Admit you have a problem

The first step to overcoming your addiction is acknowledging that you have a problem, which isn’t an easy thing to do. You will feel emotionally confused: the rational part of your personality will be telling you to stop because you know it’s destroying your life, while the other side of you will be craving the highs of gambling.

It’s time to seek out help and there are multiple ways you can do this.

2. Speak to someone you trust and join a support group

It is important that you confide in someone who you feel comfortable talking to and who will be able to offer you emotional support. Together you can create a plan of action. Whether you want to combat your addiction without professional help or you’d prefer to see a trained specialist, they will act as your guide throughout.

Many people find it helpful to speak to others in an online gambling addiction forum or read each other’s stories to help stay motivated. It is hugely comforting to know that you’re not alone.

3. Block your access to gambling

Delete any gambling apps, block any gambling websites, and leave any tip forums that you think could tempt you to relapse. You can use a self-exclusion tool like GAMSTOP to automatically block you out of hundreds of gambling and betting sites.

You can also limit your access to gambling by avoiding land-based casinos full stop, as well as avoid hanging around with any friends or family who enjoy gambling recreationally.

4. Take control of your finances

Ask your supportive friend or family member if they can manage your finances for you, at least for a month or two while you deal with your addiction. This does not mean asking them to pay off your debts – it means giving them control of your money. They can manage your bank account and credit cards while you seek out debt management help.

5. Keep yourself busy

Like any addiction, withdrawal is the hardest part. To overcome it you need to keep busy. We suggest picking up a new hobby, like a physical activity that can give you a rush – rock climbing is a great option. Many people also find taking up yoga and meditation can help with the feelings of guilt and anxiety that often come hand-in-hand with a gambling problem.

Visit our gambling addiction help page, which has been verified by two addiction specialists, for more information and a comprehensive list of resources.

Lead image credit: Getty Images

But it’s not just their height that’s above average. In this article, we’re going to look at the players with the biggest hands in the NBA.

10. Wilt Chamberlain: 9.5″ x 11.5″

• Hand size: 9.5 inches (hand length) and 11.5 inches (hand span)
• Height: 7’1″
• Wingspan: 7’8″

Wilt Chamberlain is a true NBA legend, and his athleticism and physical stature were a huge part of his dominance over league rivals in the 1960s. He was 7’1″ and had a giant hand span of 11.5 inches, which helped him score the record number of points in a single NBA game (100).

9. Kawhi Leonard: 9.75″ x 11.25″

• Hand size: 9.75 inches (hand length) and 11.25 inches (hand span)
• Height: 6’7″
• Wingspan: 7’3″

The first active NBA player on our list, Kawhi Leonard, is known as one of the greatest defensive and clutch performers in modern NBA history. A double NBA Champion and Finals MVP, Kawhi Leonard’s hand length of 9.75 inches undoubtedly gave him an advantage over many of his rivals.

8. Michael Jordan: 9.75″ x 11.38″

• Hand size: 9.75 inches (hand length) and 11.375 inches (hand span)
• Height: 6’6″
• Wingspan: 6’11″

It’s not exactly a shock to see His Airness on an all-time NBA list. However, given his average height by NBA standards, it’s incredible to think he has a hand span that’s nearly a foot long, making him number eight on our list. His legacy and impact on basketball is unmatched, but many people don’t know the impact Michael Jordan’s hand size had on his ability.

7. Julius Erving: 9.5″ x 11.75″

• Hand size: 9.5 inches (hand length) and 11.75 inches (hand span)
• Height: 6’7″
• Wingspan: 6’11″

Just like Kawhi Leonard and Michael Jordan, Julius Erving is another entry on our list that has humungous hands relative to his height. Standing at a modest 6’7″, Dr. J has a hand span of 11.75 inches, which allowed him to wow fans with incredible athleticism and dunking ability.

6. Noah Vonleh: 9.75″ x 11.75″

• Hand size: 9.75 inches (hand length) and 11.75 inches (hand span)
• Height: 6’10″
• Wingspan: 7’4″

Noah Vonleh played in eight NBA seasons for eight different teams. He averaged less than 5 points per game during his NBA career, so will probably be most remembered for his giant 11.75 inch hand span. Vonleh is still an active professional and now plays for the Shanghai Sharks in the CBA.

5. Connie Hawkins: 10.5″ x 11″

• Hand size: 10.5 inches (hand length) and 11 inches (hand span)
• Height: 6’8″
• Wingspan: 7’1″

After overcoming a ban early in his basketball career due to his alleged involvement in a college basketball point-shaving scheme, Connie Hawkins went on to become a four-time NBA All-Star between 1970 and 1973. He had the second largest hand length of any NBA player in history (10.5 inches).

4. Gregory Smith: 9.8″ x 12″

• Hand size: 9.8 inches (hand length) and 12 inches (hand span)
• Height: 6’10
• Wingspan: 7’3″

Gregory Smith is the first name on our list to have a foot-long hand span, which helped him forge a successful career as a professional basketball player, where he spent five years in the NBA. After leaving the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2016, Smith played for teams worldwide, most recently for Mineros de Zacatecas in the Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional.

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo: 9.85″ x 12″

• Hand size: 9.85 inches (hand length) and 12 inches (hand span)
• Height: 6’11″
• Wingspan: 7’3″

Giannis the “Greek Freak” Antetokounmpo got his nickname for good reason. Giannis’s hand size and incredible stature have helped him become one of the superstars of the NBA since being drafted in 2013. A two-time MVP, Giannis has relied on his incredible athleticism and all-round skills to turn the Milwaukee Bucks into a consistent Championship threat.

2. Shaquille O’Neal: 10.25″ x 12″

• Shaq hand size: 10.25 inches (hand length) and 12 inches (hand span)
• Height: 7’1″
• Wingspan: 7’7″

When you think NBA big man, you probably think Shaq. A giant in every sense, Shaq’s physical presence and athletic ability made him one of the greatest centers to ever play the game. Shaq’s hand size comes in at a whopping 10.25 inches in length with a 12 inch span.

During his glittering career, he got those massive hands on trophies for an incredible four NBA championships, three finals MVPs, and one league MVP.

1. Boban Marjanovic: 10.75″ x 12″

• Hand size: 10.75 inches (hand length) and 12 inches (hand span)
• Height: 7’4″
• Wingspan

Serbian Center Boban Marjanovic isn’t exactly a house hold name, but he does have the biggest hands of any NBA player in history. Despite having the biggest hands in the NBA and a height of 7’4″, he’s not even close to being the tallest player in NBA history (7’7″).

Boban Marjanovic’s hands have helped him average 5.6 points and 3.7 rebounds per regular season game over a nine season career. Will there ever be a player with bigger mitts than the Serbian in the NBA? Only time will tell.

How Is Hand Size Measured?

A quick note on how hand size is measured for basketball players.

Scouts for each of the NBA franchises want to know the hand sizes of potential players, as it’s easier to control and manipulate a basketball if you can grip it more fully. There are two measurements taken for prospective NBA players hands during the league draft combine. They are:

1. Hand length: This is the distance from the tip of the middle finger to the base of the palm, where it meets the wrist.
2. Hand span: This is the distance from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the pinky finger, with the hand outstretched.

FAQs About The Biggest Hands In The NBA

Who has bigger hands: Kawhi or Michael Jordan?

Michael Jordan has slightly bigger hands than Kawhi Leonard. They both have a hand length of 9.75 inches, however Jordan has a hand width of 11.375 inches, compared to Kawhi’s 11.25.

How big are LeBron James’ hands?

By regular standards, LeBron James has giant hands, but in terms of the NBA, they’re fairly average. LeBron’s hands are 9.25 inches long, but his handspan is just 9.0 inches. This is relatively small compared to Kawhi Leonard’s 11.25 inch handspan.

How big are Chris Paul’s hands?

12-time NBA All Star and current Golden State Warriors guard, Chris Paul has a reported hand length of 7 inches, and handspan of 9 inches. This hand size is small for an NBA player but matches his height of 6ft 0in.

How big are Michael Jordan’s hands?

Michael Jordan’s hands are?9.75 inches long, with a span of 11.375 inches. This allowed him to control the ball and make life difficult for his opponents on both offense and defense. He also has wingspan of 6’11″.

What is Yao Ming’s hand size?

Former Houston Rockets star Yao Ming has an estimated hand size of 10 inches long and 11 inches wide. He also has a remarkable wingspan of 7ft 5inches to go with his 7ft 6inch height.

Can Kevin Durant palm a ball?

Apparently not. Durant once told reporters that although he stands at 6ft 11inches tall, his hands aren’t big enough to palm a regulation sized, fully-pumped up NBA ball.

A Final Word

If you’ve ever visited the NBA store in New York, you will have seen the incredible hand prints of famous players and had the chance to compare your hands to theirs. This probably made you feel pretty small, and maybe our list did too, but don’t worry, you won’t have to go onto the court with them anytime soon!

Whether you’re a high-roller who wants to splurge their winnings on a wellness experience, need to cure your hangover and rejuvenate after a night (or two) of too much fun, or simply want to pair your casino-hopping with some hard-earned rest and relaxation, there’s a spa for you in Sin City.

We’ve narrowed down the very best spas in Las Vegas, so let’s get into it…

1. The Spa & Salon at Aria

For a five-star spa experience, head to The Spa & Salon at Aria.

What makes this chic facility standout is its private suites. For the full VIP effect, or just a little extra privacy between treatments, reserve an exclusive room for up to four people, where you’ll indulge with a lounge area and hot tub.

The spa also features beautiful wet areas, a Shio Salt Room, and Ganbanyoku beds (Japanese heated stone beds for the uninitiated). You can also unwind in the therapy pool — an infinity pool with a co-ed balcony and chaise lounges.

Treatments include a changing ‘specials’ menu that features massages, scrubs, facials, and hair masks, as well as manicures in the salon. The classic package usually includes three hours of treatments, access to a hydrotherapy tub, food and drinks, and a spa host.

Just be aware that there’s a 20 percent service charge on treatments.

2. The Spa at Encore

The Spa at Encore delivers style in spades with its grand decor and 61,000 sq ft of pure relaxation space — where you’ll find a sauna, steam room, whirlpool, plunge pools and a couples suite.

Awarded five stars by the Forbes Travel Guide, it boasts a truly extensive menu featuring tempting options such as a Moroccan Mud Wrap, Citrus Soufflé Body and Facial Treatment and a Chinese-inspired ‘Good Luck Ritual’.

In terms of price, classic message therapies start at $120, while specialty massages start at $200. All treatments are cheaper Monday-Thursday than at weekends or on holidays. You’ll find this at most spas in Las Vegas.

3. Waldorf Astoria Spa Las Vegas

Was a spa at the Waldorf ever going to be anything but decadent?

Named ‘Nevada’s Best Hotel Spa’ by the World Spa Awards in 2019, it has everything you’ll need to rest mind, body and soul.

Stretching across 27,000 sq ft, it provides 16 treatment rooms, a beauty salon and an idyllic eighth-floor pool deck.

Hit that hangover hard with everything from tailored multi-hour treatment packages, through to couples’ massages and individual body scrubs, wraps and facials. You can even get your hair cut.

Prices for massages start at $200, body treatments start at $150, and facials start at $205. You can enjoy the couples experience from $200.

4. Saffron Day Spa

For those that aren’t celebrating a big win and want to be a little more wallet-friendly, there are plenty of more affordable spas in Las Vegas to choose from.

Perfect for massage purists and no-frills seekers, the highly-rated Saffron Day Spa has an array of packages up for grabs — including a ‘Spa Sampler’ which allows you to select four treatments from an extensive list, all for $125.

For even greater value, time your trip to coincide with Happy Hour Spa Days on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, when you can choose any three treatments from a menu of eight options, for just $60.

A combination of massages, foot treatments, hand rescue, facials and waxing could be just the ticket if you enjoyed yourself a little too much at a real happy hour the day before. One of the best day spas in Las Vegas for sure!

5. The Spa at Wynn

Another luxe, five-star option, The Spa at Wynn has had a makeover and is now a feast for the eyes as well as a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle.

Handily located within Wynn Las Vegas, you can head straight there following a day or night at the roulette wheel.

Designed to evoke the ‘serenity of nightfall’, the gorgeous decor features dark purples, blues, candles, cozy fires, koi carp and Japanese cherry blossom.

You’ll enjoy use of a sauna, plunge pools and a sunlit atrium — but it’s the treatments that truly catch the eye, including a ‘Four Hands Massage’ that utilizes two synchronized therapists, as well as a ‘Forest of Dreams Foot Ritual’ and ‘Fire and Ice Stone Massage’.

6. Spa at Flamingo Las Vegas

If you need to rest your weary feet after an all-nighter, the Spa at Flamingo may be just the tonic.

You can also take your pick of spa packages, signature services and a host of special treatments, such as reiki.

You’ll pay $129 for a 50-minute Swedish massage, while massage enhancements, including aromatherapy and scalp treatments, are $15-$80 a pop. There’s plenty more to choose from, and it’s worth keeping an eye out for seasonal deals specials, too.

But a day pass to simply use the spa facilities, encompassing three pools, sauna, steam room, and relaxation lounge with heathy snacks, costs $45.

And yes, you may come across flamingo-themed decor.

7. Sahra Spa, Salon & Hammam

Billing itself as an ‘oasis’ that’s inspired by the desert, Sahra is a Las Vegas wellness retreat that focuses on the peaceful and natural side of Nevada. It’s what makes it one of the best spas in Las Vegas Nevada.

Walls represent canyons, silver ceilings recall moonlit nights, and long hallways lead guests to dramatic features including a monsoon cave, serenity lounge, steam room and a Hammam room with a heated slab.

Massages start at $180 and can be enhanced with adds-ons from $20. For instance, you may choose to elevate your massage with a CBD-infused oil and targeted pain cream application for $30.

If that’s not for you, you can wash away the excesses of your vacation with a cleansing soak, bathing ritual or Hammam experience, instead.

For a day pass alone, hotel guests can expect to pay $75 during the week and $100 at the weekend, while non-guests must reserve a treatment for facility access.

8. Bellagio Spa & Salon

If you’re staying at the Bellagio, you’ll already know all about the world-class on-site spa: Bellagio Spa & Salon. It has remained one of the top spas in Las Vegas for some time now.

Inspired by the seasons and offering a specialist barber and makeup artist, it has something for everyone.

Indeed, the spa has a truly international feel thanks to wellness treatments that will whisk you around the world — with rituals from India, Japan, China and more.

Hotel guests pay $100 for access to the facility’s steam room, sauna, plunge pool and whirlpool. Massages, body treatments and facials all start at $180, increasing to $195 on the weekend.

9. Boracay Massage

The place to go if you’ve tied yourself up in knots with all-day and all-night parties, and been sat at one-too-many slot machines.

Services at the well-reviewed Boracay Massage spa include deep tissue, Swedish, sports, couples, and hot lava stone massages.

Located just 10 minutes away from the Strip, Boracay is well situated for when you need to find a sanctuary.

Pampering packages feature various combinations of a Swedish massage, a scrub and either Shiatsu, aromatherapy or hot stone therapy.

Starting at $179 for 90 minutes, they provide value in Vegas and, if you happen to be travelling as a twosome, you can capitalize on a wide selection of special couples’ deals, too, making it one of the more affordable spas in Las Vegas.

1. MSG Sphere

The hottest new concert venue in the US, and maybe even the world, is the kaleidoscopic 2.3 billion-dollar fever dream that is the MSG sphere. There are many great vantage points to see its ever-changing surface, but the best is in the Encore parking garage, directly adjacent to the Encore Casino.

The view from the garage’s top floor is widely believed to be the best in Las Vegas. This is one of the best things to do in Vegas at night for free. Though it’s definitely still visible during the day.

2. Lake of Dreams at Wynn Las Vegas

As long as we’re out and about on the famous Las Vegas Blvd at night, let’s check out the Lake of Dreams show at the Wynn Las Vegas. Best viewed from one of their bars or restaurants, you can still see it for free near the hotel lobby.

A 9-story waterfall, some seriously oversized puppets, and dancing water and lights make this an unforgettable show. You can catch it after dark every half hour until 11:30 pm.

3. The Venetian Hotel

Head south on Las Vegas Blvd, duck into the Venetian, and see their take on Venice’s Grand Canal. You’ll need tickets for the gondola ride, but you can get great photos for free and listen to the Gondoliers singing as they row. You can also wander through the Grand Canal Shoppes.

One of our favorite free attractions, Streetmosphere at the Venetian, was cancelled at the end of 2023. We’re hoping they are planning to put something new in its place. It was located near the end of the Grand Canal Shoppes near the entrance.

4. The Mirage Volcano Show

Time is quickly running out on this must-see Las Vegas experience. Hard Rock International, the new owners of the Mirage, plan to turn the beloved volcano into a guitar-shaped hotel.

We expect it to remain open through the first part of 2024. So run, don’t walk to see this hot attraction in front of the Mirage on the Strip. Exploding nightly from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

As one of the best free attractions in Vegas for the last 30 years, she will be missed.

5. Flamingo Wildlife Habitat

Thousands of people walking on Las Vegas Blvd don’t realize that a four-acre lush tropical paradise is hidden in the Flamingo at the heart of the Strip. And they certainly don’t realize it’s free to enter.

Bubbly streams, cascading waterfalls, and tropical plants are filled with a wide variety of birds, including flamingos and herons. There are also catfish, turtles, brightly colored koi and other tropical fish in the water features.

It’s cool, relaxing, and miles away from the hubbub of the Strip, yet just a few feet inside the Flamingo’s front doors. It’s arguably one of the coolest things to do in Vegas for free.

If you get there early (they open at 7:00 am), you will very likely have this secluded oasis to yourself. Closing time is at 8:00 pm. During the early afternoon, you can meet with staff who can answer questions or tell you about the animals.

6. Bellagio Fountains

The fountains in front of the Bellagio are a must-see Las Vegas attraction, with 1,200 jets and almost 5,000 lights spread over 8 acres of some of the most expensive real estate in the world. The best view is from nearby rooms that are fortunate to overlook the display, but you can witness it for free right along the Las Vegas Boulevard sidewalk.

Another great vantage is just outside the hotel lobby, looking towards the Paris Casino, as you can still hear the accompanying music. A common mistake is to get there too early. The show doesn’t start until 3:00 pm during the week.

7. Botanical Gardens and Bellagio Conservatory

Just across the intersection of Las Vegas Blvd from the Flamingo, we can find the Bellagio Botanical Gardens. Free to wander through, this 14,000-square-foot attraction is genuinely stunning. The gardeners and staff conjure up creatures and people 30 feet high using plants, trees, and other techniques.

As the year progresses, so do the Conservatory themes, moving through spring, summer, and then holiday presentations. And the thing is, it’s not just a sensation for the eyes, but the nose as well. Those flowers smell amazing. It’s one of the best things to do in Las Vegas for free.

This free attraction is open 24/7. It is just to the right of the main entrance. The botanical gardens are open to all ages.

8. The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace

If you fancy a little window shopping, or maybe you’re just really keen on buying a purse for 30k, the Caesar’s Palace shops will appeal to you. Just across Flamingo Road from the Bellagio, this is probably one of the most famous luxury malls in the world.

The Roman-themed Forum shops are no longer the highest-grossing mall per square foot, but that doesn’t mean you can’t while away a few hours perusing Versace, Vuitton, Armani, Dior and Gucci. Or perhaps the stones at De Beers or Tiffany might interest you.

While not free, the Forum shops also contain a dozen restaurants. If all these high-end designers have you craving Italian, you can’t go wrong at Carmine’s or even RPM Italian with its handmade pastas.

9. Eiffel Tower Replica at Paris Casino

A bit further south down the Las Vegas Strip, we come across the Paris hotel. Now, Paris wouldn’t be complete without a faux 46-story Eiffel Tower. While this is only half-scale to the original, it’s still pretty impressive, especially with the light show they put on at night from dusk ’til midnight.

While the light show and getting your picture taken in front of the Eiffel Tower are free, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention that the ride to the top of the viewing platform is one of the best buys in Las Vegas. It’ll cost you $23 for kids and $28 for adults.

And hey, if you don’t tell anyone you’re in Vegas and they just assume you’ve taken a trip to France…well, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

10. The Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood

Still headed south down Las Vegas Blvd, we come to Planet Hollywood. Planet Hollywood is known for its Miracle Mile Shops where you can do some more window shopping. Despite the name, it isn’t just 150 storefronts selling everything under the sun. Well, it’s mostly that. But it also boasts over a dozen different theatres, tons of restaurants, and other tourist attractions.

11. New York New York Casino

Another few hundred yards south down the Las Vegas Strip sits the New York New York Hotel and Casino. This is the perfect spot for a photo op of its 47-story Empire State Building, or its half-size Statue of Liberty. Unlike the Eiffel Tower, we won’t confuse anyone with this one, as the Big Apple Roller Coaster cuts right through her.

12. Excalibur and Luxor

Just another 100 yards south on the Las Vegas strip, we come to the dual properties of Excalibur and Luxor. Many of the free experiences here have been lost over the years, but they’re still worth a quick walk past. I mean, it’s not every day you see a 28-story castle with 5,000 rooms, or a 30-story pyramid capped with the brightest man-made light in the world.

13. The Pinball Hall of Fame Museum

Now, if you would like to take a cab or bus another mile south on Las Vegas Blvd, in the 4900 block, you will find a free museum dedicated to Pinball machines. Thousands of them, dating back 60 years in some cases. While it is free to enter and look around, you may want to bring some quarters, as not only can you look at the antique games, but in almost all circumstances, you can still play them. It’s one of the best arcades in Las Vegas.

14. Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign

Just another block south on Las Vegas Blvd, you’ll find the world-famous Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign. Welcoming visitors from Southern California for 65 years, this iconic piece of old Las Vegas has probably been photographed millions of times. Nowadays, you can cross the median safely, and there is parking just for sign visitors. Though that wasn’t the case for the first fifty years the sign stood!

15. The One and Only Las Vegas Strip

While the old saying about the journey being the destination may seem a little trite, just wandering up and down the Las Vegas Strip is truly an attraction in its own right. You get the best people watching in the world, with people from every walk of life and from all over the world, mixed with scenery straight out of some crazed dream. With Venice and Paris mixed with Volcanos, Pyramids and the Statue of Liberty, it truly is a wonder.

Steve Wynn used to say the action is the attraction, and if that’s true, a trip down Las Vegas Blvd at night might be the ultimate free attraction.

16. Free Circus Acts at Circus Circus

Miles north of the Las Vegas Welcome sign, on our way back to downtown Las Vegas along Las Vegas Blvd, sits Circus Circus. This is Las Vegas’s tribute to quintessential American entertainment – the Big Top.

We’re talking trapeze artists, silk cord dancers, jugglers, contortionists, ladder men, and sadly, clowns. Clowns aside, this is a fantastic show, even more so because it’s still free and open to children of all ages.

17. The Fremont Street Experience

Also dubbed the Viva Vision light show, they’ve taken five blocks of downtown Las Vegas and turned it into the world’s biggest block party. It’s the world’s largest video screen, with a ceiling that’s 90 feet up and covered in LED lights. At last count, nearly 50 million of them.

Three free stages will have musical acts almost every night of the year, weather permitting, and while not at all free, you can zipline down the entire length of it. No cars are allowed on this part of Fremont Street so that pedestrians can wander in and out of the various casinos, restaurants, and other shops along this downtown Las Vegas hotspot.

18. Downtown Container Park

As the name suggests, this downtown Las Vegas entertainment and shopping area is built entirely from shipping containers and metal cubes. Also located a bit further along Fremont Street, this complex offers shopping, free entertainment, restaurants, live music and even an art installation of a fire-breathing mantis. Because of the size limitations of the chosen building materials, most shops and entertainment venues are markedly small. There’s also a popular playground for children.

The stores generally open around 11:30 am and close around 9:00 pm. The restaurants and other entertainment are open until 11:00 pm during the week and 1:00 am on the weekends.

19. The Mermaid Show at Silverton

While more than five miles away from downtown Las Vegas and Fremont Street, the aquarium and mermaids at Silverton really shouldn’t be missed. Consistently voted one of the top free things to do in Las Vegas, this 117,000-gallon aquarium has over 150 species of fish and more than 5,000 fish in total.

The mermaids do 15-minute shows underwater using hidden breathing tubes and are quite the sight, moving with their tails through all of the tropical fish. There are several smaller aquariums on the property as well, holding freshwater fish like catfish, trout and crappie.

Conclusion

We hope you get out and see some of the fantastic free things you can do in Las Vegas, as this list barely scratched the surface. This town has so much more to offer than slot machines and overpriced buffets. Get out there and see some of them! The list of things to do for free in Las Vegas Nevada is as long as you choose to make it.

FAQs About Free Things in Vegas

How can I get free money to play in Las Vegas?

Most Las Vegas casinos, especially those along Fremont Street, are known for giving free play to new players who sign up for their Players Club Cards. While not quite cash, it can be converted into cash after you’ve played for a bit.

If you already belong to, say, BetMGM’s player club, check your offers. You may have free play or other comps available once the app realizes you’re in Las Vegas.

Another great trick is playing free apps like MYVEGAS, which has free play as one of the awards you can choose. Of course, you’ll need to start playing long ahead of your trip.

How can I get free stuff at the casinos?

Your best bet to get free swag is via a Players Club or the complimentary fun books handed out along the strip. You’ll often need to play some small amount before being awarded a free t-shirt or the like. Other times you can get them just for signing up or showing a coupon from one of the fun books.

Are drinks free in Las Vegas?

This is a common misconception; drinks are never free in Las Vegas. They are complimentary. This means that the house will get you a drink for no charge as long as you’ve been gambling for a while. But how long is “a while?”

Sometimes, it just means putting some cash into a slot and waiting for wait staff to come by. Increasingly, though, it means playing until the slot lets the server know you’ve played enough to warrant a complimentary drink.

For more ideas of things to do in Vegas, check out our articles on the best Las Vegas shows, fun things to do in Vegas with kids, the best Vegas spas, and cheap things to do in Vegas.

My Recommended Political Bet

• Nikki Haley to win New Hampshire Primary @ 8/5

1. Bet On The Presidential Nominee For Each Party

The political betting action begins with the primaries, which determine the presidential nominees for each party. Odds will be available on the primaries for all 50 states and later for how each votes in the presidential election. Some firms will also offer odds on who finishes second, or the winning margin.

Here are my insights for Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.

Iowa

The action begins with the Iowa Republican Caucus.

• Trump is an overwhelming favorite to win Iowa, rated almost certain to win the popular vote at 1-100. BetMGM offer a more competitive market involving the race without him.
• Ron DeSantis is favorite at 1.57…
• …compared to Nikki Haley at 2.5.

If the Iowa results go as expected, it will strengthen Trump’s dominant position at the head of the odds list for Republican Nominee. The highest odds available with Sportsbooks is 1-7 with Bet365, but if you can access an exchange the political betting odds are more generous. For example, 2-11 with Betfair or buying at 82c via PredictIt.

New Hampshire

States do not behave uniformly, and the second leg of the schedule could be the one which sets the race on fire. The New Hampshire Republican Primary is on January 23rd.

New Hampshire has a much higher share of Independent voters than Iowa, and Trump’s polling performance here is notably inferior. While he still leads the polls, the margin has shrunk markedly, with Haley emerging as the main challenger. A recent survey had her within 4%, and Trump on just 37%.

Since then, Chris Christie (polling around 12%) has withdrawn, and almost all of his supporters are expected to transfer to Haley.

BetMGM‘s odds about Haley have collapsed from 5.0 to just 2.6 in recent days, compared to 1.45 for Trump. She remains my preferred bets at these odds. Primary voters famously decide and swing late.

If Trump isn’t getting close to 50%, despite his massive, unique advantage in name recognition and being a former President, I’m skeptical he’ll win. I’d expect anti-Trump voters to unite around the only candidate running him close.

New Hampshire’s primary attracts vast numbers of Independent voters (perhaps more than half the total turnout). These are the types I believe can swing it for Haley.

Whether a Haley win in New Hampshire transforms the wider race is doubtful, because Trump remains will probably dominate the Southern states. Notably, he enjoys a big poll lead in the third race, South Carolina, despite Haley being the former Governor there. Betfair are first up with political betting odds, rating Trump a 1.08 chance to win the popular vote.

South Carolina

In a change from previous cycles, the Democratic Primary officially starts later, in South Carolina, on February 3rd. The party’s decision to usurp New Hampshire did not play well in that state, who chose to keep their primary on the same day as the Republican race. It is unsanctioned by the party and Joe Biden’s name will not be on the ballot. Party activists are organizing a write-in campaign for him.

While Biden is expected to win in the absence of a serious challenger (his opponents are led by little-known Congressman Dean Phillips, Oprah Winfrey’s former spiritual advisor Marianne Williamson and TYT host Cenk Uygur), how this pans out is unclear. Were Biden to fail to win, or reach 50%, via these write-ins, it could spark very serious doubts about his candidacy.

Despite the absence of a strong challenger, Biden is available at bigger odds to win his party’s nomination than Trump. Bet365 offer odds of 1.25.

His closest rivals in this year’s political betting are not currently in the race – Gavin Newsom, Kamala Harris and Michelle Obama. All have strongly endorsed Biden. Bettors supporting them are hoping that, at a later stage, Biden will withdraw due to retirement, ill health or another factor such as impeachment.

2. Bet On The Likelihood Of A Biden v Trump Rematch

A Biden v Trump rematch is very likely. The Betfair odds about this are 1.47.

Yet in both cases, critical known unknowns remain. In Biden’s case, polls show 40% of those who voted for him in 2020 don’t want him to run again, amongst 60% of the population.

Trump’s stranglehold on the nomination could plausibly be threatened by his legal peril. The timeline of his court cases remains unclear but, were he convicted before the nomination is determined, that might alter the calculations of Republican primary voters. Polls indicate a conviction would badly damage his chances at the general election. There is also the ongoing question of whether he could be removed from state ballots via the 14th amendment. Whilst unlikely, in theory the Republican Party could choose to ditch him at their convention in July.

There has never been a campaign anything like it and we take such short political betting odds at our peril. However, assuming we do ultimately see a rematch of 2020, the current odds imply Trump starts as favorite. He’s available at 2.3 with BetMGM, compared to 3.25 about Biden.

3. Bet On The Republican Vice Presidential Nominee

Another competitive market to consider is Republican Vice Presidential Nominee. Whereas Kamala Harris is assumed certain to be Biden’s running mate and trading at the same as his main nomination odds, this is wide-open. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is the early favorite at 5.0, ahead of Vivek Ramaswamy at 7.5 and Elise Stefanik at 8.0.

4. Bet On Congress

There is also Congress to consider. Control of both the US Senate and House of Representatives will be on the November ballot and betting will become widely available on both, along with all the key states and congressional districts.

5. Bet On Individual Races

In the nearer term, there is a special election in New York’s third district, following the expulsion of Republican George Santos. Betfair have just opened their market and others will follow. This should be a close contest.

6. Bet On When The UK General Election Will Happen

Regarding the UK election, we still don’t know the date or even party leaders for sure. Rishi Sunak is the third Conservative Prime Minister since the last election and, given abysmal approval ratings, his future is far from secure.

A general election in the UK will almost certainly take place in 2024. The latest possible date is January 25th 2025, but that is extremely unlikely for logistical reasons.

The latest Betfair political betting odds rate October-December as 4-9 favorite to be the election date, ahead of April-June at 5.7 and July-September at 7.8.

7. Bet On Who Will Be Conservative Party Leader

Sunak is rated a 1.2 chance to be Conservative leader at the election.

The recent and long-term history of the Conservative Party suggests the latter is a risky short-odds bet. They are famous for removing unpopular leaders and have the mechanism to do so, via a vote of confidence.

Prior to Christmas 2023, with the party bitterly divided over it’s immigration policy, the odds about Sunak exiting early and/or facing a confidence vote spiked. This could well happen again within the next few weeks when Parliament considers the legislation.

8. Bet On The UK’s By-Elections

Before the general election, we will also have at least one and perhaps three by-elections to bet on. These are, like US special elections, local contests in particular districts where the representative has stood down. Again, these have the potential to destabilize Sunak.

The Conservatives have fared terribly in these and the very early betting for Wellingborough has them as big outsiders. However upsets do happen in these affairs – they won a similar race in Uxbridge last year at odds of 8.0.

9. Bet On The UK General Election

Regarding the main event, Labour are strong favorites to regain power.

Labour are rated 1-10 chances at best to win Most Seats at the general election with Bet365 and 1.25 to win an Overall Majority. On current polling, they should achieve both with ease but we are still very early in the process. Recent elections saw dramatic changes during the final months and the Conservatives can hope for a repeat.

10. Bet On How Many Seats Each Party Will Win

At a general election, there are also hundreds of interesting side markets, such as each party’s seat total. For example, Betfair offer “How many seats will the Conservatives lose”. Here the favorite is 201 seats or more at 2.7.

By seats, we mean ‘constituencies’. There are 650 of them, each returning a Member of Parliament (MP), who takes up a seat. In due course, sportsbooks and exchanges will offer odds on which party will win each of those 650 constituencies. Hundreds of markets among thousands in what promises to be an unforgettable year. Truly, a betting bonanza!

FAQs About Political Betting

My Recommended Political Bet

• Nikki Haley to win New Hampshire Primary @ 8/5

For more on the 2024 presidential election, read my article on election betting odds.

So, who’s the best soccer team in the world? Let’s settle the debate once and for all…

10. Hungary (1952 – 1958)

Honors 

• Olympic Games Gold medal (1): 1952
• Central European International Cup (1): 1953
• World Cup Finalist (1): 1954

Notable Players

• Ferenc Puskás, Nándor Hidegkuti, József Bozsik, and Gyula Grosics.

From 1952 to 1958, Hungary’s “Golden Team” left an indelible mark on soccer while winning the Olympic Games, Central European International Cup, and finishing as runners-up in the 1954 World Cup.

Led on the pitch by legendary players Ferenc Puskás and Nándor Hidegkuti, their coach Gusztáv Sebes revolutionized tactics at the time. He moved away from the traditional WM formation, which had been around for 30 years at that point, and instead opted for a 3–2–3–2.

Sebes also encouraged his players to be versatile and wanted them to be comfortable in any soccer position. This was a precursor to “Total Football” which wasn’t implemented properly until the 1970s. Their achievements on the pitch, but also their tactical influence on the game, is the reason why they made the list. The name Puskás lives on in FIFA’s Puskás Award, given for the “most beautiful” goal of the calendar year.

9. Santos (1955 – 1968)

Honors 

• Intercontinental Cup (2): 1962, 1963
• Intercontinental Supercup (1): 1968
• Copa Libertadores (2): 1962, 1963
• Campeonato Brasileiro Série A (6): 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1968

Notable Players

• Pele, Pepe and Coutinho

European club football is the dominant force in the modern era, but it wasn’t always so. Ever heard of a guy called Pelé?

The striker, considered by many to be the greatest to ever play the game, helped Santos dominate Brazilian and South American soccer for over a decade, claiming multiple Copa Libertadores and Brazilian Série A titles in the process.

Santos was the fertile ground where Pelé honed his incredible skill, flair, and ability to win despite being virtually assaulted by opponents every time he stepped onto the pitch. Santos was the first club to show the world how soccer could be played with imagination, fun, and Brazilian samba spirit. This is their lasting legacy and earns them a place as one of the best soccer teams in history.

8. West Germany (1972 – 1974)

Honors 

• World Cup (1): 1974
• European Championship (1): 1972

Notable Players

• Gerd Müller, Franz Beckenbauer, and Paul Breitner

The first international team on our list, West Germany, was a powerhouse of world and European football in the early 70s. Led by the “Kaizer” Franz Beckenbauer, they claimed back-to-back major tournament wins with Euro 1972 and the 1974 World Cup.

Although the German team had experienced success on the international stage before, the legacy of the 72-74 team is their resilience, grit, and will to win. German teams always seem to keep a cool head in the big moments (especially penalties), and that all started with this team.

7. Liverpool (1976 – 1984)

Honors

• English First Division (7): 1975–76, 1976–77, 1978–79, 1979–80, 1981–82, 1982–83, 1983–84
• Football League Cup (4): 1980–81, 1981–82, 1982–83, 1983–84
• European Cup (4): 1976–77, 1977–78, 1980–81, 1983–84
• UEFA Cup (1): 1975–76
• UEFA Super Cup (1): 1977

Notable Players

• Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Souness, and Alan Hansen

Liverpool’s trophy cabinet for the eight years from 1976 to 1984 is way bigger than most professional clubs could hope to achieve in their entire history. Bob Paisley’s side was synonymous with winning and had a core group of Scottish players that helped lead the team to glory.

They won a staggering seven league titles in eight seasons, as well as four domestic cups and four European cups, culminating in a treble in 1984. Paisley is remembered as one of the greatest managers in the history of soccer, and was the only manager to win three European Cups until Carlo Ancelotti in 2014.

6. Manchester United (1992 – 2000)

Honors

• English Premier League (6): 1992–93, 1993–94, 1995–96, 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–2000
• FA Cup (3): 1993–94, 1995–96, 1998–99
• Football League Cup (1): 1991–92
• Champions League (1): 1998–99

Notable Players

• Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Roy Keane, Eric Cantona and Peter Schmeichel

From one great English football dynasty to another. Spearheaded by the class of ‘92, which included club legends like Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and David Beckham, Manchester United dominated English football in the first era of the Premier League.

Although they didn’t have the same level of European dominance as Liverpool, United captured the hearts of fans around the world with their exciting, never-say-die brand of soccer. This resilience was on display in the 1999 Champions League final, where injury-time goals from Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskj?r helped United claim the Champions League, and complete a historic treble.

5. Real Madrid (1955 – 1960)

Honors

• La Liga (3): 1954–55, 1956–57, 1957–58
• European Cup (5): 1955–56, 1956–57, 1957–58, 1958–59, 1959–60
• Latin Cup (2): 1955, 1957

Notable Players

Di Stefano, Raymond Kopa, Ferenc Puskás, and Paco Gento

The Real Madrid team of the mid-1950s was one of the first teams to realize the potential of signing the best soccer players from around the world, instead of relying on local, homegrown talent. This birthed the idea of “Galacticos” and is now second nature. All of the biggest clubs in the world have a team sheet full of international stars.

This side also goes down in soccer folklore thanks to winning the first five European Cups, from 1955 to 1960. Fans will always remember the dynamic, attacking soccer that was played by the world’s best players, including Di Stefano and Puskás. Today, Real Madrid remains one of the best soccer teams in the world, and is in fact the world’s richest soccer club.

4. AC Milan (1988 – 1994)

Honors

• Serie A (4): 1987–88, 1991–92, 1992–93, 1993–94
• Supercoppa Italiana (4): 1988, 1992, 1993, 1994
• European Cup (3): 1988–89, 1989–90, 1993–94
• European Super Cup (3): 1989, 1990, 1994
• Intercontinental Cup (2):1989, 1990

Notable Players

Ruud Gullit, Marco van Basten, Paolo Maldini, and Franco Baresi

AC Milan was the dominant force domestically, and on the European and international stage in the late 80s and early 90s, when Italian soccer ruled the roost. They boasted a combination of outstanding Dutch attacking talent in Gullit and van Basten, to complement two of the greatest defenders of all time in Italian internationals Maldini and Baresi.

This combination made them almost unbeatable, as they claimed four scudettos and three European cups in six seasons. They also recorded a 58-match unbeaten run in Serie A, which helped them claim three titles in a row, and cement their place as one of the best soccer teams of all time.

3. Spain (2008 – 2012)

Honors

• World Cup (1): 2010
• European Championship (2) 2008, 2012

Notable Players

Andrés Iniesta, Xavi, and Carles Puyol

The last international team on this list, West Germany, won two major tournaments in a row. This outstanding Spain team went one better and won back-to-back Euros and a World Cup in just four years, confirming their place as one of the best soccer teams of all time.

Spain boasted an incredible roster of talent that was used to winning at club level, but they put classico rivalry aside to also become an unstoppable force at international tournaments.

After edging incredibly close finals in 2008 and 2010, the supremely confident Spanish side destroyed Italy 4-0 in the final of Euro 2012, becoming the only international team in history to win three tournaments in a row.

2. Brazil (1958 – 1970)

Honors

• World Cup (3): 1958, 1962, 1970

Notable Players

Garrincha, Pelé, Carlos Alberto Torres, and Jairzinho

While the 1970 World Cup-winning Brazil team is often regarded as the best international team in history, it’s important to remember that they also won two out of three editions of the tournament before that.

Inspired by the iconic Pelé, this generation of Brazil players thrilled fans and played a brand of soccer that had never been seen before. In an era where regular tackles would be seen as a physical assault by today’s standards (something which Pelé paid the price for), the cream rose to the top.

Brazil showed the world that you could win by playing an exciting, flair-based style of attacking soccer. In 1970, the team conceded in all but one game, but every player was comfortable on the ball, and willing to attack, including holding midfielder Clodoaldo, who dazzled fans in the final when he dribbled past four Italian players in his own half.

Their legacy lives on even today, and every time a Brazil team takes to the World Cup stage, there is huge expectation. Fans want to be entertained, and in an era where soccer was often very negative, and always aggressive, Brazil was a breath of fresh air.

1. Barcelona (2008 – 2012)

Honours

• La Liga (4): 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13
• Copa del Rey (2):  2008–09, 2011–12
• Supercopa de Espa?a (3): 2009, 2010, 2011
• Champions League (2): 2008–09, 2010–11
• UEFA Super Cup (2): 2009, 2011
• FIFA Club World Cup (2): 2009, 2011

Notable Players

Lionel Messi, Andrés Iniesta, Xavi, and Dani Alves

Not only did Barcelona collect 15 trophies in four years, they managed to win all six that were available to them in the 2008-2009 season, becoming the first team in history to do so. Led by club legend Pep Guardiola, Barcelona extended the club ethos of bringing young, homegrown players through their world-famous “La Masia” youth academy. They played a possession-based, technical style of soccer known as “tiki-taka”, in which every player was confident and comfortable on the ball.

Barca’s academy produced all-time greats like Iniesta, Messi (one of the richest soccer players in the world, as it happens), and Xavi, and combined their talents with international stars like Theirry Henry and Dani Alves to form the most impressive club side ever fielded, and undoubtedly the best soccer team in the world at the time.

Pep Guardiola’s influence on soccer and the impact his Barcelona team had between 2008 and 2012 can’t be understated. In the highest levels of European and International soccer, it’s now almost impossible to find a highly regarded team or coach that doesn’t want to build from the back, control possession, and dominate the opposition in the way this legendary Catalan side did. That is why we believe this Barcelona side is the best soccer team in the world.

FAQs About The Greatest Soccer Teams

What is the best soccer team in the world?

The best soccer team in world history is arguably the FC Barcelona team managed by Pep Guardiola between 2008 and 2012. In the 2008/2009 season, the team won six trophies, becoming the first team in history to do so. They also had all-time great players in their team, like Lionel Messi and Andrés Iniesta, and arguably the most influential coach of all time.

Which country is number one in soccer?

Argentina is currently ranked as the number one international soccer team by FIFA. In terms of club teams, Man City currently have the highest UEFA club coefficients due to the treble they achieved in the 2022/2023 season.

Which countries have the best soccer teams?

In terms of club soccer, the best teams are mostly from Europe. In the last 11 editions of the FIFA Club World Cup, European teams have won every title. England has several strong clubs, however, thanks to Real Madrid and Barcelona, Spain has enjoyed the most success in Europe and Internationally over the past decade.

What’s the best soccer team in America?

The team with the biggest name and most wins in US soccer is LA Galaxy. The Galaxy has nine total MLS Cup appearances and five wins. We should also mention Columbus Crew, who won the MLS Cup in both 2020 and 2023.

What’s the best soccer team in Mexico?

América is the current champion of the Mexican Primera División and historically the most successful team in the country. They have more league (14) and Copa México (6) titles than any other club.

Which team is better: Real Madrid or Barcelona?

If you compare Real Madrid and Barcelona purely on titles won, Real come out on top. They have 35 La Liga titles to Barca’s 27, and 14 European Cup/Champions League to Barcelona’s 5, however, Barca does have 11 more Copa Del Rey titles than Madrid. Both are certainly among the best soccer teams in the world.

The top players think nothing of dropping tens of thousands, or even more, in a playing session, knowing that they could easily win it back when they next sit down at the poker table.

But which professional poker players have the largest bank balances, taking into account winnings, endorsements, movie appearances, plus other income streams?

Take a look below to find out…

10. Antonio Esfandiari – $27 Million

At number 10 on this list of the richest poker players is Antonio Esfandiari, one of the best-known players on the poker circuit.

The former magician managed to win three World Series of Poker bracelets throughout his career, plus he’s won three WPT titles, with the first coming in 2004 at the L.A. Poker Classic.

Esfandiari’s biggest ever win came in 2012, when he won the “Big One for One Drop” tournament at the WSOP. This saw him win a massive $18,346,673 – at the time, the largest ever live poker prize.

At one point, he had earned more via tournament winnings than anyone else, until his title was taken by Daniel Negreanu.

Antonio Esfandiari net worth: $27 Million

9. Tony G – $36 Million

Tony G – real name Antanas Guoga – is one of the loudest, most outspoken poker players around.

He’s also a politician in the European Parliament, as well as a successful businessman. He’s never won a WSOP bracelet, however he has finished in the money 15 times.

During his poker career, Tony G has won several six-figure prizes. Most of his wealth comes from his business activities though.

He is the chief executive officer of Cypherpunk Holdings, an investment company listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange.

Tony G net worth: $36 Million

8. Justin Bonomo – $57 Million

Next up, we come to Justin Bonomo, who has found huge success in both live and online tournaments.

He’s a three-time WSOP bracelet winner and has cashed 55 times at the event. He has also won many large online events, including the Super High Roller Bowl Online in 2020.

Bonomo’s biggest ever win came when he won the “Big One for One Drop” tournament in 2018, which added $10 million to his bank account and made him the number one all-time live tournament money winner at the time.

Justin Bonomo net worth: $57 Million

7. Bryn Kenney – $57 Million

Bryn Kenney is an American player and perhaps one of the lesser known names on this list.

He has only won one WSOP bracelet, however he has finished in the money 32 times. He is number one on the list of the players with the highest tournament earnings ever, with winnings of over $55 million.

Kenney is perhaps best-known for winning the highest prize ever awarded at a poker tournament. He won over $20.5 million at the 2019 Triton Million charity event in London.

He actually came second, however he made a deal with eventual winner Aaron Zang when he was the chip leader, allowing him to win the larger prize.

Bryn Kenney net worth: $57 Million

6. Daniel Negreanu – $70 Million

Daniel Negreanu is the most famous poker player of all time. His personality has made him a huge hit with fans, and his skill has ensured he’s one of the richest poker players around.

“Kid Poker” has six WSOP bracelets and is the only player to be named WSOP Player of the Year twice. He’s also a member of the Poker Hall of Fame.

Overall, Negreanu has won nearly $42 million in tournament prize money and has earned a considerable sum from sponsorship deals, with the biggest seeing him become the face of PokerStars.

Negreanu and PokerStars parted ways in 2019 though and he’s now an ambassador for GGPoker, which leaves many wondering which is the best poker room of the two. Check out our PS v GGPoker review to find out!

Daniel Negreanu net worth: $70 Million

5. Doyle Brunson – $75 Million

Doyle Brunson is known as one of the greatest names in poker history.

Throughout his career, he won 10 WSOP bracelets and won the Main Event twice, in 1976 and 1977.

The retiree also regularly played cash games at Bobby’s Room at the Bellagio, including a limit mixed poker game with $4,000/$8,000 blinds.

Overall, Brunson has earned over $6.1 million from live tournament winnings. How much he earned while playing high stakes cash games is unknown.

He’s also earned money from various other sources, including his book Super System, which is regarded as one of the best poker strategy books ever written.

Doyle Brunson net worth: $75 Million

4. Chris Ferguson – $80 Million

It would be fair to say that Chris Ferguson is not the most popular man in poker.

He was accused of being one of the people behind a massive Ponzi scheme at Full Tilt Poker, which stole around $444 million from players.

Even though he later came out with an apology, it was considered too little, too late by many.

Despite his shady behavior he is still a great player, having won the WSOP Main Event in 2000 in which he scooped a $1.5 million prize.

Overall, he has earned nearly $7 million throughout his career in live tournament winnings, with a large percentage of this figure coming from his 168 money finishes at the WSOP. ??

Chris Ferguson net worth: $80 Million

3. Sam Farha – $100 Million

Most players will recognize Sam Farha as the man who lost to Chris Moneymaker in the 2003 Main Event. 

The Lebanese poker player has bagged three WSOP bracelets over the years and although he does play tournaments, he’s better known as a high-stakes Omaha cash game player.

Farha’s biggest tournament win, aside from his prize for finishing second at the WSOP Main Event, is $488,241, which he won when finishing first at the 2010 WSOP $10,000 Omaha Hi-Low Split-8 or Better Championship.

His wealth also comes from several business interests, TV and movie appearances, and writing books.

Sam Farha net worth: $100 Million

2. Phil Ivey – $125 Million

Many consider Phil Ivey to be one of the greatest poker players of all time. The American has managed to win 10 WSOP bracelets – only Phil Hellmuth has more.

He has also appeared at the final table of the Main Event, finishing 7^th in 2009. He has won one WPT title, plus has reached nine final tables.

Ivey has won numerous large prizes at tournaments, including AU$4 million for coming first at the 2014 Aussie Millions LK Boutique AU$250,000 Challenge.

Ivey is also a successful online player, plus he’s a superb high-stakes cash game player, once winning $16 million in three days playing against Texan billionaire Andy Beal.

Phil Ivey net worth: $125 Million

1. Dan Bilzerian – $200 Million

Bilzerian is a huge Instagram star and claims that most of his fortune has come from poker winnings, won playing ultra-high-stakes poker games.

Many are dubious of this claim though, as he received an unknown sum of money from a trust fund, plus has many business ventures, as well as a highly lucrative social media presence.

Bilzerian has made some big claims about his poker playing abilities, including that he made $50 million from poker in 2014 alone.

He has never won a major tournament, instead claiming that his money comes from cash games only. The social media sensation has also been arrested on various occasions.

Regardless of how he got his money though, he’s still the richest poker player in the world by far.

Dan Bilzerian net worth: $200 Million

If you are interested in playing poker, check out our online poker guide, or our top poker freerolls.

These athletes not only played well, but changed how the point guard position – and NBA basketball – is played forever.

10. Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook has not had the greatest time recently, but his stint at the Los Angeles Lakers was just a blip in an excellent career. 

Westbrook burst onto the scene in 2008 after being selected fourth overall by the Seattle Supersonics. 

It only took until March of his rookie season for Westbrook to log his first NBA triple-double. A triple-double is when a player achieves a double-digit total in three of five statistical categories (assists, blocks, points, rebounds, and steals) over the course of a single game.

Soon, securing triple-doubles became Westbrook’s specialty. 

In the 2016-17 season, Westbrook set a new NBA record for the number of triple-doubles in a season. Westbrook’s 42 triple-doubles passed Oscar Robertson’s 1961-62 season record of 41.

Westbrook also averaged a triple-double on the season, becoming only the second player in NBA history to achieve the feat. 

Unsurprisingly, Westbrook won the MVP in 2017. He then went on to average a triple-double over the next three seasons. This makes him the only athlete to have averaged a triple-double for multiple seasons, and worthy of being considered one of the best point guards of all time.

9. Walt Frazier

Walt Frazier is best known for the 10-year stint he spent playing for the New York Knicks from 1967-77. During this time, Frazier was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team for seven consecutive years.

Frazier’s offense was just as strong as his defense. In only Frazier’s third season he led the Knicks to their first NBA championship scoring 36 points and making 19 assists in a crucial Game 7 victory. 

Frazier and the Knicks would win another NBA Championship in 1973. He is certainly one of the best Knicks point guards in history, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987.

Even Frazier’s post-playing career has been legendary. 

For over 20 years he has sat alongside Mike Breen, calling Knicks games for MSG Networks. In 2022, Frazier was celebrated by the Hall of Fame again, when he was awarded the Curt Gowdy Award for outstanding broadcasting contributions to basketball. 

8. Jason Kidd

Jason Kidd was known as the ultimate floor general. During his long career, he controlled the flow of the game masterfully, reading defenses in seconds before playing the appropriate offense. 

When playing for the Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns early in his career, Kidd relied on his speed to get the job done, slinging beautiful passes while sprinting down the court. 

This athleticism and skill saw him rack up the second largest assists total of all-time with 12,091. He also achieved an impressive 107 triple-doubles.

As his athleticism began to fade, Kidd completely recreated his game, transforming his awkward jump shot into a smooth, reliable weapon. He was rewarded for his hard work in 2011 when he won his only NBA Championship at 38 years old. 

7. Steve Nash

Canadian-born Steve Nash was an eight-time NBA All-Star and the league’s MVP twice. While known for his passing and shooting, Nash’s most lasting impact on the NBA was how he revolutionized the game of basketball itself.

While playing for the Phoenix Suns, Nash became the key part of the 7 second or less offense, an offensive scheme that drastically sped up the league. 

This transformed the game from the slow, systematic format popular in the 1990s, into a rip-roaring fast-paced game that prioritized the 3-point shot.

Nash’s skills were essential to this offense as he had to react to a team’s coverage, improvise, and set up a shot for his team in under seven seconds. 

Nash is also known as one of the most efficient shooters of all-time. His career average free throw percentage of 90.4% is the highest ever. He also registered four 50-40-90 seasons. 

This is when a player has a 50% field goal percentage, 40% 3-point percentage and 90% free throw percentage on the season. This is a feat that has only been achieved on 10 occasions, and a stat that cements his title as one of the best point guards of all time.

6. Isiah Thomas 

Although he is only around 6ft tall, Isiah Thomas was the point guard of the most feared team in NBA history, the Detroit Piston Bad Boys. Thomas didn’t let his lack of size impact his game and was never one to shy away from conflict. 

It was this attitude that allowed him to transform the Detroit Pistons from one of the NBA’s worst teams into two-time NBA Champions. 

Thomas’ greatest moment came in Game 6 of the 1987-88 NBA Finals when he severely sprained his ankle in the third quarter. Playing on one leg, he went on to score 25 points in that quarter – an NBA record that rightfully helps position him as one of the best point guards of all time. 

Although the Pistons came up short in that series, they went on to win back-to-back Championships in 1989 and 1990. Thomas led the team on both occasions and was named Finals MVP in 1990. 

Despite only playing 13 seasons, Thomas became the Piston’s all-time leader in points, assists, steals and games played.

5. John Stockton

If you had to design the ideal point guard, you’d probably end up with someone like John Stockton. 

To begin with, Stockton saw the game better than anybody else. Over his 19 seasons in the NBA, he used his vision to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. In a single season he once totaled 1,164 assists. 

His career assist total of 15,806 is the highest ever.

Stockton’s own shooting was effective and reliable. He had a career shooting percentage of 51.5% and he was known for scoring under pressure, like when he drained a three to send the Utah Jazz to the NBA Finals (above).

On the defensive end, Stockton was a menace: he has the most steals of any NBA player with 3,265. 

Although he never won an NBA Championship, Stockton is rightly seen as one of the best NBA point guards the world has ever seen. 

4. Chris Paul

You don’t get a nickname like the Point God without dominating the NBA for years. That’s exactly what Chris Paul has done since entering the league in 2005. 

Like John Stockton, Paul has brilliant vision unique to the best point guards. This has allowed him to make 11,501 assists.

His defense on the perimeter is aggressive, proactive and disruptive. Thanks to this, he has 2,544 steals in his career so far. 

Scoring wise, Paul is no slouch either. He uses his exceptional handles to create space, meaning he can score from anywhere on the court. This includes sinking buckets from the notoriously difficult mid-range. 

While his skills are exemplary, Paul’s greatest asset is his ability to improve the play of those around him. This has seen him compete for the NBA Championship with multiple franchises. Although the Larry O’Brien Trophy has always slipped through his fingers, he was certainly one of the best point guards in the NBA.

3. Oscar Robertson

Oscar Robertson was a groundbreaking NBA player that dominated the league during the league’s star-studded ‘60s era. 

Unlike other point guards before him, Robertson was not happy with just facilitating others’ scoring.

Instead, he used his 6ft 5, 210-pound frame to create scoring opportunities of his own. As a result, Robertson redefined what the point guard position could be, and cemented his position as one of the best point guards of all time. This would provide inspiration to the next generation of players, including Magic Johnson.

Statistically, Robertson’s best season came in 1961-62, his second year in the league. 

During this season, Robertson averaged 30.8 points per game, 11.4 assists per game and 12.5 rebounds per game, making him the first player to ever average a triple-double on the season.

The next person to average a triple-double on the season was Russell Westbrook over 50 years later.

Unlike Westbrook, however, Robertson is an NBA champion. He lifted the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy in 1971 with the Milwaukee Bucks, the pinnacle of an incredible career.

2. Steph Curry

Steph Curry is the best point guard in the NBA who is currently playing. 

To put it simply, Curry is the best 3-point shooter the NBA has ever seen, and he has the stats to prove it. He once scored 402 3-pointers in a single season. That’s an average of 4.9 over 82 games.

Curry is also the all-time NBA leader when it comes to 3-pointers made. He has made 3,390 3-pointers in the 882 NBA games he’s played. Ray Allen, who comes in second of all-time, racked up 2,973 in 1,300 games.

Curry’s exceptional 3-point shooting has led the Golden State Warriors to four NBA Championships. He has also been named the league’s MVP twice, and the Finals MVP once. 

From high school to college, NBA and elsewhere, it hasn’t taken long for players all over the country to adopt Curry’s style of play. 

As NBA coach Doc Rivers said: “What he’s doing is revolutionary. Only the greats can do that, leave their mark like that. Actually, the great-greats. They change the game.”

1. Magic Johnson

At the top of our list is the most iconic point guard of all-time, Magic Johnson. Johnson is 6 ft 9 which made him the tallest point guard in NBA history when he entered the league in 1979. The average point guard height is 6’2.5″.

Johnson didn’t just rely on his height to dominate the league. Instead, he controlled games with excellent dribbling, shooting, and above all else, passing. 

His incredible ability to find an open teammate is demonstrated by his career assist total of 10,141. But even this impressive number fails to capture the beauty of his trademark no-look pass.

During his 13 year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, Johnson won five NBA Championships, was named the league MVP three times and the Finals MVP three times. 

The first of his NBA rings and Finals MVP awards came in Johnson’s rookie year. He was only 20 years old; a fitting start to what would be a magical career, and see him become the third wealthiest NBA player.

Your Most Frequently Asked Questions

Lead image: Keith Allison/Wikimedia Commons

Many of them have been winners, some of them have even been called legends. But, only a few can claim to be among the best poker players of all time. Here’s our take on the top 10 poker players in the world. Check out our article on the richest poker players to see how it compares.

1. Daniel Negreanu 

In our eyes, the best poker player is Hall of Famer Daniel Negreanu, who has had an incredibly successful and well-rounded poker career. 

Negreanu’s career got off to an excellent start; his first cash at the WSOP was a $169,460 win in the $2,000 Pot Limit Hold’em event in 1998. At the time, this made him the youngest WSOP bracelet winner in history.

Over the years, the Canadian has added five more WSOP wins to his collection. In the process, he became the first player to make a final table at each of the three WSOP bracelet-awarding locations and the first to win at each.

Negreanu is also the only player to ever be named WSOP Player of the Year twice. He won the award in both 2004 and 2013.

Add to this two WPT championships, a WPT Player of the Year award, and over $51 million in winnings, and it’s not hard to see why many people see Negreanu as the greatest poker player of all time.

• Hendon Mob Popularity Ranking: 1st
• Global Poker Index Ranking: 47th

2. Phil Ivey

Phil Ivey is poker’s most iconic player; a phenomenal pro who has dominated the felt for years. 

At 38, he was the youngest player to ever win 10 WSOP titles. He also marked up a WPT win in February 2008, beating the likes of Phil Hellmuth at the LA Poker Classic.

One of Ivey’s most famous wins came off tour when he took on banker Andy Beal in a high stakes match. It is reported that Ivey took Beal for $16.6 million over three days. 

Ivey was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2017 and continues to feature in the world’s biggest poker games to this day.

• Hendon Mob Popularity Ranking: 2nd
• Global Poker Index Ranking: 245th

3. Phil Hellmuth

Phil Hellmuth, otherwise known as the Poker Brat, has a reputation for causing a scene whenever he plays. Luckily for him, he backs his talk up with amazing performances.

The majority of these have come on the WSOP circuit where Hellmuth holds the record for most wins. He currently owns an incredible 17 WSOP gold bracelets; that’s seven more than any other poker player has ever achieved.

Hellmuth’s very first WSOP win was in the 1989 Main Event. He was only 24 years old. 

Hellmuth won his bracelets at frightening speed. In 1993, he was only the second player in history to win three bracelets at a single series. Amazingly, Hellmuth won his over three consecutive days. 

With around $30 million in winnings and an induction into the Hall of Fame, Hellmuth doesn’t need to prove anything to anybody, but that doesn’t mean he won’t keep on playing, winning, and trash talking for a long time to come.?

• Hendon Mob Popularity Ranking: 5th
• Global Poker Index Ranking: 568th

4. Justin Bonomo

Over his incredible career, Justin Bonomo has won over $63 million; an astronomical amount that makes him the second highest poker earner of all-time.

Bonomo’s best year came in 2018 when he won $25 million. This included a $4.8 million win in the Super High Roller Bowl in China. He took another $5 million after winning the $300,000 buy-in Super High Roller Bowl. 

Bonomo then beat the best in the $10,000 Heads-Up Championship. The winnings from this tournament meant he had collected $14.5 million in just six months. 

He capped the year by winning $10 million at the $1 million buy-in Big One for One Drop, the biggest win of his career to date.

As a regular on the high roller circuit, Bonomo boasts event wins at Triton High Roller Series, PokerStars Caribbean Adventure and Super High Roller Bowls in both China and Las Vegas. 

Outside of the high roller circuit, Bonomo has three WSOP gold bracelets.?

• Hendon Mob Popularity Ranking: 4th
• Global Poker Index Ranking: 72nd

5. Bryn Kenney

If you define the best poker player in the world as the person who wins the most money, the best poker player right now would be Bryn Kenney. Kenney has earned over $65 million so far – the most of any poker player. 

Most of Kenney’s prize money has come from the high roller circuit. 

His first seven-figure prize came from winning the 2016 PCA $100K Super High Roller for $1,687,800. He won it in style too, beating World Series of Poker Main Event champion Joe McKeehen heads up.

In total, Kenney has won seven+ figures eight times on tour. The biggest of these was a $20,537,187 cash after finishing second to Aaron Zhang in the Triton Million for Charity Event.

As the cherry on top of the cake, Kenney also has a gold bracelet which he won in the 2014 WSOP $1,500 Six-Handed 10-Game Mix.

If that’s not a career to be envious of, we don’t know what is.?

• Hendon Mob Popularity Ranking: 6th
• Global Poker Index Ranking: 696th

6. Johnny Chan

Johnny Chan, the man who beat Erik Seidel in his first major tournament, is another poker playing legend. 

Chan’s career hit the big time when he won his first WSOP event in 1985. He followed this up with back-to-back WSOP Main Event wins in 1987-88. This made him the first foreign national to win a WSOP Main Event. 

As the first man to win 10 WSOP gold bracelets, Chan was a role model for many young poker players. His legendary status was confirmed when he played himself in the hit 1998 poker film “Rounders”, featuring a star-studded cast, including Matt Damon.

Although he has less than $9 million in career winnings, Chan is one of the best poker players of all time and was rightly inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2002.?

• Hendon Mob Popularity Ranking: 107th
• Global Poker Index Ranking: 22,761st

7. Doyle Brunson

In poker, it’s easy to define success by how much money a player wins. But greatness is not just about winnings, it’s also about influence and how players have changed the sport they compete in.

No poker player has influenced the game more than the ‘Godfather of Poker,’ Doyle Brunson. In his decades-long career he won 10 WSOP bracelets including back-to-back WSOP Main Event wins in 1976-77. Over this time, he netted more than $6 million in live earnings.

However, Brunson’s greatest achievement in poker didn’t come on the felt, but on the page. 

He wrote a book on poker strategy called “Super System” that was published in 1979.

This was one of the first books to examine poker strategy and is often called ‘the bible of poker.’ 

Many players, both professional and amateur, cite the book as a huge inspiration. 

Brunson was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 1988 – a fitting tribute to a legend of the game.?Brunson passed away in 2023 aged 89, and will always be remembered as one of the greatest poker players ever.

• Hendon Mob Popularity Ranking: 57th

8. Erik Seidel

Known as the last active player of poker’s older generation, Erik Seidel is a Hall of Famer whose incredible career has spanned several decades. 

Seidel’s career began with a bang when he was runner up in his first major poker tournament, the 1988 World Series of Poker Main Event tournament. The man he faced in the final? None other than poker legend Johnny Chan.

Seidel quickly got over this loss and went on to secure one WPT win and nine WSOP wins during his career. 

He has been at the top for so long that his most recent gold bracelet, won in 2021, came 29 years after his first.?

• Hendon Mob Popularity Ranking: 7th
• Global Poker Index Ranking: 42nd

9. Stephen Chidwick 

Stephen Chidwick is one of the highest earners poker has ever seen, netting over $50 million during his career so far. This lands Chidwick fourth in the all-time poker earnings list. 

In 2019, Chidwick took the most important win of his career when he won the WSOP $25,000 Pot-Limit Omaha High Roller. This is the one and only gold bracelet Chidwick has won in his career. 

Chidwick is currently fifth on the Global Poker Index Ranking. As a former GPI World Number One, he’ll be hoping to climb back up to the top spot soon.?

• Hendon Mob Popularity Ranking: 9th
• Global Poker Index Ranking: 9th

10. Dan Smith

Dan Smith is an American former chess player whose skills on the black-and-white board earned him a scholarship to The University of Maryland. Surprisingly, Smith gave up the game after his first year at college to concentrate on his other love: poker. 

Smith’s decision was a good one. In the years since leaving college, he has earned nearly $50 million from poker.

Aside from money, Smith has won his fair share of accolades including the GPI’s Player of the Year award in 2012.

He also clocked up 19 recorded tournament wins between 2013-2022. This period included his only WPT win; the 2013 $10,300 Five Diamond World Poker Classic Main Event. 

In 2022, he finally got his hands on a coveted gold bracelet by winning the WSOP $25,000 Heads Up No-Limit Hold’em Championship.?

• Hendon Mob Popularity Ranking: 17th
• Global Poker Index Ranking: 349th

So there you have it. The best poker players of all time.

After something a little spicier? Discover the biggest poker scandals.

In this article, we look at who has the most NBA rings in the sport’s history. We’ve also included a list of every single player who’s won more than two rings at the end, so let’s get right into it!

1. Bill Russell (11 NBA Rings)

With 11 rings, Bill Russell holds the outright record for the most NBA rings owned by a single player. He is one of the most iconic players from the 50s and 60s, helping the Boston Celtics dominate the league for a decade and a half. Incredibly, Russell played just 13 seasons in the NBA and won the championship in 85% of them.

He is not only the man who won the most rings in the NBA, he redefined how influential a center position could be, and was a huge presence on the court, particularly on defense. Russell was a five-time NBA Most Valuable Player, two-time inductee into the Basketball Hall of Fame (as a player and a coach), and was even awarded the 2010 Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama.

He passed away in 2022 at the age of 88. His record will undoubtedly remain untouched for the rest of history.

2. Sam Jones (10 NBA Rings)

The Celtics dynasty of the 50s and 60s is arguably the greatest in American sports history. The run of eight consecutive championships, recorded between 1959 and 1966, is the longest in US professional sports. So, it’s no surprise that a lot of Bill Russell’s teammates also feature towards the top of this list.

Sam Jones was the yin to Bill Russell’s yang. Russell would intimidate opponents in the paint and block anything that came near to him, where Jones was an athletic shooting guard, known for his ability to knock down clutch baskets.

His 10 NBA rings came in just 12 seasons, and he was a five-time NBA All-Star. He died in 2021, aged 88.

3. Tom Heinsohn, K. C. Jones, Satch Sanders, John Havlicek (8 NBA Rings)

Four players share the record for the third most rings in NBA history. Tom Heinsohn, K. C. Jones, Satch Sanders, and John Havlicek all earned eight rings, and, unsurprisingly, were all members of the Celtics dynasty that starred alongside Bill Russell and Sam Jones.

Heinsohn and Jones have the highest championship-winning percentage (89%), as they both played in just 9 seasons. Satch Sanders (62%) and John Havlicek (50%) had a much more modest win percentage, as both played into the 70s when the Celtics’ domination had waned slightly.

Tom Heinsohn is probably the most well-known of this fab four, as he went on to coach the Celtics’ for 9 years, and then had a 30-year career in commentary. He was either a player, coach, or commentator for each of the Celtics’ 17 championship wins and was aptly known as “Mr. Celtic”.

4. Jim Loscutoff, Frank Ramsey and Robert Horry (7 NBA Rings)

Jim Loscutoff and Frank Ramsey were (you guessed it) also members of the Celtics dynasty.

Both won their seven rings between 1957 and 1964, but flew somewhat under the radar compared to some of their teammates on this list. Loscutoff is the only member of the Celtics dynasty in this article who has not been inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Robert Horry is the most decorated NBA Champion from the modern era, thanks to his championship wins with the Houston Rockets (2), the Los Angeles Lakers (3), and the San Antonio Spurs (2).

Although Horry was never a prolific scorer, (he averaged 7 points per game throughout his career) and often started games on the bench, he was known for performing in the big moments, especially in the playoffs.

He hit game-winning shots in the 2002 Western Conference Finals, 2003 Western Conference Finals, and the 2005 NBA Finals. In the latter, he scored 21 points in the fourth quarter and overtime with the performance garnering comparisons to Michael Jordan’s playoff heroics in 1998.

5. Bob Cousy, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen (6 NBA Rings)

Bob Cousy was another Celtics legend who won six NBA Championships with the franchise between 1957 and 1963. He was drafted to the Celtics six years before Bill Russell joined the team.

He is regarded by some as the first great point guard in the history of the NBA, was the league MVP in 1957, a 13-time All-Star, and an eight-time NBA Assist leader.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is another legend associated with a great dynasty, but this time, it’s not the Celtics. After starting his career at the Milwaukee Bucks, where he would win one championship in 1971, he joined the Celtics’ greatest rivals, the LA Lakers, in 1975. Throughout the 1980s, Abdul-Jabbar went on to inspire the Lakers to win five NBA Championships.

One of the most decorated basketball players of all time, Abdul-Jabbar was the NBA career scoring record holder for nearly 40 years, a six-time NBA MVP, 19-time All-Star, Rookie of the Year, two-time scoring champion, four-time blocks leader, and one-time rebounding leader.

Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan are two legends of the modern NBA that scarcely need an introduction. They formed an incredible on-court chemistry that resulted in two three-peats for the Chicago Bulls from 1991-1993 and 1996-1998.

Both players made each other better and were a dominant force on both ends of the floor. When not playing together, Jordan averaged 7.5 points less, and Pippen 2 points less per game. Both Pippen and Jordan have been inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame and share 21 NBA All-Star appearances between them.

Despite their obvious connection on the court in the 90s, their relationship seems to have soured in recent years. According to Pippen, Michael didn’t properly acknowledge the role of his teammates and the importance they played in the Last Dance documentary released in 2020. However, their legacy and impact on the sport can never be altered, and they rightfully take their place among the most decorated players in the history of the NBA.

List Of NBA Players With The Most Rings

You may have noticed some of the sport’s most famous players are absent from the above list. Where does Lebron rank? What about Dennis Rodman? How many rings did Kobe win?

Well, they only just missed out on the top spots. Kobe Bryant and Dennis Rodman won five each, while Lebron James comes in just below with four NBA championships under his belt.

Check out the full list below of players who have won more than two rings so far. We start with the NBA players with the most rings.

FAQs About NBA Rings

Enjoyed this? Check out our articles on the average height of NBA players and players with the biggest hands in the NBA.

Lead image: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff/Flickr, CC BY-ND 2.0

However, one of the strangest periods in Jordan’s career was when he ditched basketball ahead of the 1993–94 NBA season and tried his hand at baseball. He then returned to basketball in 1995 to win more NBA rings for the Bulls.

This choice perplexed basketball fans around the globe, but baseball fans, particularly those who collected baseball cards, rejoiced.

In this article, we’ll look at the top 10 most valuable Michael Jordan baseball cards from his stint in Minor League Baseball.

10. 1994 Upper Deck – Next Generation Electric Diamond – Parallel – #8

$898

The card coming in at number 10 on our list of the most valuable Michael Jordan baseball cards ever is a 1994 Upper Deck Next Generation Electric Diamond Parallel #8.

A PSA 10 of this card sold for $898 in May 2020, with PSA 8 currently available on eBay for $250.

9. 1994 Upper Deck – Next Generation Electric Diamond – Base – #8

$898.88

Number nine on our list is actually the same card as number 10, but the base version rather than parallel.

A PSA 9 of this card has an average sale price of $81.57, but the record price for a PSA 10 was $898.88 in April 2021.

8. 1994 Upper Deck – #19

$932.28

The average sale price for a PSA 10 of this 1994 Upper Deck #19 is $668.94, which wouldn’t have been close to this top 10 list of rare Michael Jordan baseball cards.

But, in May 2021, a single card of this type was sold for a whopping $932.28.

7. 1991 Ballstreet Hand Cut – #19

$999.99

The first Ballstreet card on this list is rare, and there has been just one recorded sale of a PSA 10 online, which went for a staggering buy-it-now price of $999.99.

You can pick up an ungraded version on eBay for just $14.99.

6. 1995 Collector’s Choice Special Edition – Gold Signature – #238

$1,125

This special edition version of the 1995 Collector’s Choice set featured cards with blue, silver, and gold borders.

The silver and gold versions also have Jordan’s facsimile signature, with the gold version naturally being the most valuable.

The record sale price for a PSA 10 of this card was $1,125 in April 2021.

5. 1994 Collector’s Choice – Gold Signature – #661

$1,878

This Collector’s Choice Michael Jordan baseball card was part of a “Rookie Class” which featured other big names, including Manny Ramirez and Carlos Delgado.

This card had parallel versions that came with Jordan’s facsimile autograph in either gold or silver, and the gold version PSA 10 fetched a massive $1,878 at auction.

4. 1994 Collector’s Choice – Gold Signature – #23

$2,005

Gold signature baseball cards are a hit with collectors, especially for baseball (or basketball) royalty.

The third card on our list to feature the golden MJ signature, this 1994 Collector’s Choice with Jordan’s famous #23 sold for a record $2,005 at auction in 2021.

3. 1994 Upper Deck SP – Holoview Red – #16

$6,400

The 1994 SP Holoview Red is number three on our list and sees a huge jump in price from number four.

It’s also the first Michael Jordan White Sox card on this list to be sold for north of $5,000.

A PSA 9 of this card recently sold for just $454.88, but the record paid for a PSA 10 is a massive $6,400.

2. 1990 SCD Baseball Pocket Price Guides – Hand Cut – #51

$16,993

Number two on our list also sees a massive jump in price, with the highest recorded sale price for a PSA 10 of this card clocking in at nearly $17,000.

Interestingly, this card is the first on our list to record Jordan as a basketball player, which he still was in 1990.

SCD decided to include MJ because, during the NBA off-season of 1989, he joined the White Sox for batting practice.

He impressed, performing well at the plate, and he joined early 90s MLB stars like Cal Ripken Jr. and Darryl Strawberry in the Pocket Price Guide.

1. 1991 Upper Deck – #SP1

$18,988

The number one most valuable Michael Jordan baseball card ever is another that predates his pro baseball days.

This 1991 card by Upper Deck featured a photo of “His Airness” taking some batting practice ahead of the “Windy City Classic” charity game between the Cubs and White Sox in 1990.

On average, a PSA 10 of this card sells for $650.75. So, why did someone pay nearly $19,000 for one?

Well, the record price for any Michael Jordan baseball card was paid for a rare black label pristine 10 version of this card, so it goes without saying it’s one of the rarest Michael Jordan baseball cards in the world.

Lead Image: Twitter/NinesPsa

The best players in the world command huge wages and running a soccer club is big business.

Clubs can make astronomical figures from TV revenues, sponsorship deals, player sales, merchandise, and matchday sales. But which club has the most money?

Keep reading to find out the top 10 richest soccer clubs in the world.

10. Tottenham Hotspur (England) – $2.35B

Club Facts

Stadium: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London

Nickname: Spurs

Captain: Harry Kane

Head coach: Antonio Conte

Tottenham Hotspur have become a major force in European soccer over the past decade. They boast one of the finest stadiums in the world, a roster of top international talent and an appearance in the champions league final as recently as 2019.

It wasn’t always sunshine and roses for Spurs, though, as the club suffered a major trophy drought from 1991 to 2008. Now though, the club are firmly amongst the world elite and squeak into our list at no.10.

9. Juventus (Italy) – $2.45B

Club Facts

Stadium: Juventus Stadium, Turin

Nickname: La Vecchia Signora (The Old Lady)

Captain: Leonardo Bonucci

Head coach: Massimiliano Allegri

Juventus, arguably Italy’s most famous football club, are the only side from Serie A to make it into the top 10 richest clubs in the world.

Their famous black and white striped kit is world-famous, and the club holds serious clout in the boardroom, as well as on the pitch.

8. Chelsea (England) – $3.1B

Club Facts

Stadium: Stamford Bridge, London

Nickname: The Blues

Captain: César Azpilicueta

Head coach: Graham Potter

The second London-based club on this list, Chelsea became big hitters in the world of soccer finance after Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich purchased the club in 2003.

Before Abramovic was forced to sell the club following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Chelsea enjoyed a period of success never seen before in club history and are one of soccer’s major global brands.

7. Paris Saint-Germain (France) – $3.2B

Club Facts

Stadium: Parc des Princes, Paris

Nickname: Les Parisiens (The Parisians)

Captain: Marquinhos

Head coach: Christophe Galtier

Qatar Sports Investments (owned by the state of Qatar) purchased Paris Saint-Germain in 2011 when the club was valued at just €100m and instantly turned it into one of the wealthiest in the world.

The Parisians now boast the most star-studded attacking lineup in all of world football, with superstars Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Neymar all on their books.

Wages for that sort of talent don’t come cheap. PSG are good for it, though.

6. Manchester City (England) – $4.25B

Club Facts

Stadium: Etihad Stadium, Manchester

Nickname: The Citizens

Captain: ?lkay Gündo?an

Head coach: Pep Guardiola

Like PSG, Man City take their position as one of the world’s wealthiest clubs thanks to investment from the Middle East.

The club was purchased by Sheikh Mansour, the deputy prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, and a member of Abu Dhabi’s ruling family.

The club has one of the highest wage bills in world football, with stars like Jack Grealish, Kevin de Bruyne, and Erling Harland each taking home multi-million pay packets each year.

Money talks, though, and City have paid back their wealthy owners on the pitch. They’ve won 6 Premier League trophies and counting since Sheik Mansour’s arrival in 2008.

5. Bayern Munich (Germany) – $4.275B

Club Facts

Stadium: Allianz Arena, Munich

Nickname: Die Bayern (The Bavarians)

Captain: Manuel Neuer

Head coach: Julian Nagelsmann

Bayern Munich, serial winners domestically and in Europe, are the only German team to make this list.

A notoriously well-run club on and off the pitch, they have reaped the financial rewards and currently have a valuation north of $4 billion.

They have consistently sat in the top five of the Forbes list of richest soccer clubs, and that doesn’t look like changing any time soon.

4. Liverpool (England) – $4.45B

Club Facts

Stadium: Anfield, Liverpool

Nickname: The Reds

Captain: Jordan Henderson

Head coach: Jürgen Klopp

Liverpool fans, look away now… The Reds come in at number four on our list, beaten by bitter rivals, Man United. But don’t despair for too long.

Liverpool FC has reestablished itself in the top five of richest soccer clubs in the world, doing so for the first time since 2009.

Winning the Premier League and Champions League under Jürgen Klopp has translated into financial success too, with the club being just one of a handful with a valuation over $4 billion.

3. Manchester United (England) – $4.6B

Club Facts

Stadium: Old Trafford, Manchester

Nickname: The Red Devils

Captain: Harry Maguire

Head coach: Erik ten Hag

English soccer clubs make up 50% of the list, but none can match the wealth and status of Manchester United.

One of the most recognizable teams in world football, the club has had unparalleled success in the English game since soccer became a giant corporate enterprise in the 90s.

The club have the highest wage bill in the Premier League and have invested billions of dollars to try and recapture former glory.

But, success has remained elusive, and the club have not won the Premier League since 2013.

2. Barcelona (Spain) – $5B

Club Facts

Stadium: Camp Nou, Barcelona

Nickname: La Blaugrana (The red and blue)

Captain: Sergio Busquets

Head coach: Xavi

Rivalries don’t come any bigger than Barca vs. Real, but unfortunately for Barcelona, they are beaten to no.1 by their Madrid rivals. Though Barca fans will be pleased to see that they topped our list of the best soccer teams of all time instead.

The fact that the Catalan club sits so high on this list is a testament to their brand power and global appeal.

The club’s day-to-day financial situation and debt sheet are enough to make your eyes water, but the Barca brand is strong, and the club still has a staggering $5 billion valuation.

1. Real Madrid (Spain) – $5.1B

Club Facts

Stadium: Santiago Bernabéum, Madrid

Nickname: Los Blancos (The Whites)

Captain: Karim Benzema

Head coach: Carlo Ancelotti

Fittingly, the most successful club in European competitions sits atop the list of richest soccer clubs in the world.

Real Madrid’s famous all-white kit is revered and respected around the world, and the club has won an unmatched 14 Champions League titles.

Star soccer players, world-class managers, one of the most famous stadiums in the world, and unrivaled success separated the Real Madrid brand from any of its soccer rivals.

?Hala Madrid!

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? Top 10 Richest Gamblers In The World

This mentality has trickled down into Sin City’s food culture where buffets, the ultimate in excess, have traditionally reigned supreme. 

Unfortunately, the Coronavirus pandemic has seen many of the city’s famous buffets like Aria Buffet, The Flamingo’s Paradise Garden Buffet, and Le Village Buffet, close.

To make matters worse the famous Las Vegas buffet pass, known as the Buffet of Buffets, is no longer operational. 

This means visiting more than a couple of Las Vegas buffets could become quite expensive. 

With that in mind, our advice is to pick your buffet carefully.

Luckily, Sin City still has a number of excellent buffets that you can sink your teeth into.

Here is everything you need to know about our favorites. 

Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace

Where: Caesars Palace Las Vegas Hotel and Casino, 3570 Las Vegas Boulevard South.

Cost: Brunch is $64.99 (for adults) and $32.50 (for children aged 4-10); Snow Crab Brunch is $79.99/$39.99; Dinner is $79.99/$39.99; All you can drink is $19.99.

What’s unique? After a $2.4 million makeover Las Vegas’s biggest buffet is back and looking better than ever.

With nine kitchens and 15 changing daily specials, no two meals are ever the same at Bacchanal buffet.

There has been a real effort to bring different cuisines into Bacchanal and the results are an amazing array of options including Chinese dim sum and Laotian cuisine. 

Some highlights include fantastic carving stations with options including smoked brisket and prime rib. While at breakfast time you can help yourself to a number of freshly squeezed juices. 

Try the: Red velvet pancakes; Chipotle bourbon BBQ oysters; Snow crab legs (Snow Crab Brunch only).

Style of space: Designed and updated by Tetsuo Aoyagi, Bacchanal buffet is a glass and stone wonder. The gorgeous space feels less like a buffet and more like an upscale restaurant with plenty of light and space. 

Hours: 3:30pm – 10:00pm (Monday – Thursday); 9:00am – 10:00pm (Friday – Saturday).

A.Y.C.E Buffet

Where: Palms Casino Resort, 4321 West Flamingo Road.

Cost: Breakfast is $24.99 (for adults) and $12.99 (for children aged 3-11); Brunch is $32.99/$19.99; Dinner is $36.99/$21.99; Lobster Dinner is $64.99/$54.99; Crab Feast Dinner is $58.99/$48.99; Prime Rib Dinner is $42.99/$29.99.

What’s unique? A.Y.C.E is known for having the best seafood of any buffet in Las Vegas.

The Palms has doubled down on this reputation by hosting a hugely popular all you can eat lobster dinner on Wednesday nights. People also visit A.Y.C.E for weekend champagne brunches as well.

Excellent service is all but guaranteed with servers going above and beyond to make sure your meal is as enjoyable as possible. 

Be aware that Wednesday’s lobster dinner is extremely popular. Get down to the buffet well before A.Y.C.E opens to register for a table. You don’t have to wait in line all day; they will text you when you need to join.

Try the: Lobster dinner; Crab legs; Prime rib; Gelato.

Style of space: A homely design with clear signage. The tables and seating are well-spaced, making for a comfortable experience.

Hours: 8:00am – 11:00am, 4:00pm – 9:00pm (Monday, Tuesday & Thursday); 8:00am – 11:00am, 2:00pm – 9:00pm (Wednesday); 8:00am – 11:00am, 4:00pm – 10:00pm (Friday); 

9:00am – 4:00pm, 5:00pm – 10:00pm (Saturday); 9:00am – 4:00pm, 5:00pm – 9:00pm (Sunday).

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The Buffet at Bellagio

Where: The Bellagio Hotel and Casino, 3600 Las Vegas Boulevard South.

Cost: Brunch is $44.99 (for adults Monday-Thursday), $49.99 (Friday-Sunday); Dinner is $66.99; Children aged 5 and under eat free of charge; Children aged 6-11 eat for 50% off adult price; Beverage package is $24.99.

What’s unique? The Buffet at Bellagio is one of a few high-end buffets in Las Vegas. It is known for its live action cooking stations and a 600-seater dining hall.

As it only serves dinner three times a week, The Buffet at Bellagio is mainly seen as a brunch destination.

During brunch hours you can design your own omelets, help yourself to piles of crustaceans, and enjoy Asian specialties such as Hong Kong Barbecue buns. 

Try the: Eggs Benedict; Mini gyro; Rotisserie Chicken; Shrimp shumai.

Style of space: Not as grand as you might expect given it is in the Bellagio. The buffet and dining area is still a comfortable, clean space.

Hours: 8:00am – 3:00pm (Monday – Thursday); 8:00am – 3:00pm, 5:00pm – 9:00pm (Friday – Sunday).

The Buffet at Wynn Las Vegas?

Where: Wynn Las Vegas, 3131 Las Vegas Boulevard South.

Cost: Brunch is $46.99 (for adults); Dinner is $65.99; Gourmet Brunch is $50.99; Gourmet Dinner is $70.99; Children aged 3-9 eat for half price. 

What’s unique? It’s incredibly luxurious. Both the room itself, with 16 live cooking stations (including a pan roast station), and the food are of the utmost quality.

Many dishes are cooked fresh to order and the range of dishes is truly staggering. In other words, The Buffet at Wynn Las Vegas is the ultimate buffet dining experience.

Try the: Thai chicken wings; Unagi sushi; Truffle mushroom pizza; Key lime tart.

Style of space: The Buffet at Wynn Las Vegas is one of the grandest buffet dining rooms in the city – and probably the world.

White tiled floors and colorful drapes mix with palm trees and columns to create an exquisite atmosphere. 

Hours: 8:00am – 9:00pm (Daily).

Garden Buffet at South Point

Where: South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa, 9777 Las Vegas Boulevard South.

Cost: Breakfast is $14.95 (for adults); Lunch is $18.95; Prime Rib and Champagne Brunch is $26.95; Prime Rib Dinner is $26.95; Seafood Night is $44.95; Children three and under eat free; Children aged between four and eight eat half price; Club members get a $3 discount on all meals. 

What’s unique? As an off-Strip location Garden Buffet at South Point is a lot cheaper than some of the other buffets on this list.

While it might lack the grandness of some other Las Vegas buffets, Garden Buffet still boasts six live cooking stations, opportunities to create custom dishes at a Mongolian grill, and even bottomless Bloody Marys included with breakfast. 

Try the: Osso Buco; Shrimp ceviche; Apple strudel.

Style of space: Garden Buffet is a simple space with bright murals and carpets.

The tables are very well spaced, and the room is pleasantly lit. It won’t take your breath away but it’ll definitely do the job.

Hours: 7:00am – 10:00am, 11:00am – 3:00pm, 4:00pm – 9:00pm (Monday – Friday); 8:00am – 3:00pm, 4:00pm – 9:00pm (Saturday – Sunday). 

Wicked Spoon

Where: The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, South Las Vegas Boulevard 3708.

Cost: Breakfast is $38 (for adults) and $19 (for children aged 5-10); Brunch is $49/$24; Lunch is $45/$22.50; Children under four eat for free; Bottomless Beverage package is $24; Specialty Bottomless Beverage package is $40.

What’s unique? Wicked Spoon has become famous for elevating buffet dining.

Instead of food being available in massive dishes, each item is available on a small, single serving plate, improving both hygiene and presentation.

As one of the best buffets in Las Vegas, Wicked Spoon prides itself on its ever changing menu and deluxe dishes. This is the closest you can get to a fine dining buffet. 

Try the: Bone marrow; Shrimp and grits with bacon; Squid ink pasta.

Style of space: Wicked Spoon has a modern, suave style that is expected of premium hotel casinos like The Cosmopolitan.

Beautiful light fittings, artworks, and room design all combine to make the view inside almost as enjoyable as the food itself. 

Hours: 8:00am – 3:00pm (Monday to Friday); 9:00am – 4:00pm (Saturday – Sunday); Please note that Wicked Spoon is not currently open for dinner.

The Buffet at Excalibur?

Where: Excalibur Hotel and Casino, 3850 Las Vegas Boulevard South.

Cost: Weekday brunch is $28.99 (for adults) and $16.99 (for children aged 5-11); Weekend brunch is $31.99/$17.99. The Drinks Package is $14.99.

What’s unique? The Buffet at Excalibur is seen by many as the best buffet available in Las Vegas at this budget-friendly price point.

The buffet is packed full of traditional staples including pizza but where the buffet really excels is on the drinks front.

Drinks packages are cheap, and the cocktails are known to be some of the strongest on the Strip. 

Try the: Biscuits and gravy; Bread and butter pudding; Margaritas.

Style of space: A lot like the food, the design of The Buffet at Excalibur is nice but not incredible. Pretty light fixtures illuminate a simple space complete with both chairs and leather seating booths. 

Hours: 8:00am – 3:00pm (Monday – Sunday).

The Buffet at Luxor

Where: Luxor Hotel and Casino, 3900 Las Vegas Boulevard South.

Cost: Weekday brunch is $28.99 (for adults) and $16.99 (for children aged 5-11); Weekend brunch is $31.99/$17.99; Children under four eat for free; Bottomless Drinks package is $14.99.

What’s unique? The Buffet at Luxor does not serve the best food on the Strip. Like a lot of other MGM-owned casinos, the buffet serves simple classics which are better suited to people looking to fill up than enjoy an amazing culinary experience.

That being said, it offers great value and there are some nice touches including a homemade pizza station and a 30-foot salad bar.

The buffet is also known for having brilliant service with staff members being polite, competent, and eager to assist.

Try the: Pizza; Chorizo scrambled eggs; French toast.

Style of space: Like the rest of Luxor, the buffet has an Ancient Egyptian theme. Sarcophaguses, columns, and dark, dramatic lighting all create an atmosphere that children will absolutely adore, making this the place to go for families with young kids. 

Hours: 8:00am – 3:00pm (Monday – Sunday).

? What’s With All The Deaths At Luxor Las Vegas?

Garden Court at Main Street Station

Where: Main Street Station Casino Brewery Hotel, 200 North Main Street.

Cost: Brunch is $23.99 (for adults, Monday – Friday); Brunch is $26.99 (Saturday – Sunday); Dinner is $32.99; Children aged 4-10 eat for half price; Children 3 and under eat for free; Loyalty club members with emerald status or above get $3-$4 off per meal. 

What’s unique? Just away from Fremont Street, Garden Court is more laid back than the buffet options found on the Strip.

This makes for a much more relaxing dining experience with smaller queues and better service. The food itself is relatively simple but executed to a very high level.

Try the: Hawaiian stew; Portuguese sausage; Coconut banana cream pie.

Style of space: Thanks to its Victorian decor,Garden Court is one of the most beautiful buffet dining rooms in Las Vegas.

It has incredibly high ceilings complete with illuminated metal arches. Exposed brick walls and a tree that sits near the center of the dining hall complete this stunning room. 

Hours: 8:00am – 2:00pm (Sunday – Thursday); 8:00am – 2:00pm, 4:00pm – 9:00pm (Friday – Saturday).

Market Place Buffet

Where: Rampart Casino at the Resort at Summerlin, 221 North Rampart Boulevard.

Cost: Lunch is $19.99 (for adults) and $12.99 (for children); Prime Rib Dinner is $30.99; Aloha Night Dinner is $30.99; Deli Night Dinner is $26.99; Weekend Champagne Brunch is $31.99; All You Can Drink Beer and Wine is $7.99; All dinners and brunches are $17.99 for children aged 12 or under. Those with members and players cards will receive a small discount. 

What’s unique? Market Place is the only buffet in Northwest Las Vegas.

It is known for its cheap prices and an abundance of themed nights including Aloha Night Dinner on Saturdays and Deli Night Dinner on Mondays.

Market Place is quieter than the Strip-based buffets but note that you can still expect to wait in line a while during peak times. 

Try the: Matzo Ball Soup; Lechón; Cannoli.

Style of space: White walls and wooden floors give the Market Place buffet a clean modern feel. Furniture is basic but the overall feeling is of a functional, well-designed room. 

Hours: 11:00am – 2:00pm, 4:00pm – 8:00pm (Monday, Thursday & Friday); 9:00am – 2:00pm, 4:00pm – 8:00pm (Saturday – Sunday).

Lead image: Julian Paefgen/Unsplash

An adult’s playground it may be, but you’re just as likely to see a family walking down the Strip as you are a bachelor party.

Since the coronavirus pandemic Las Vegas has become very family friendly.

A recent survey by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) revealed that while only 5% of visitors brought their children with them to Vegas in 2019, a whopping 21% did in 2021.

If you are among those planning a trip to Las Vegas with kids, rest assured there are a lot of fun things to do.

Below we have listed our 10 favorites, five of which are completely free!

5 FREE Things To Do In Las Vegas

Watch the acts at The Midway, Circus Circus 

Many visit The Midway at Circus Circus to play some of the 200+ arcade games on offer (which is in fact what makes it one of the best arcades in Vegas).

But instead of paying to play, why don’t you enter the world’s largest permanent circus for free and watch some amazing shows?

Sitting in the center of The Midway is the Circus Stage which hosts performances from a number of acts including high flying trapeze artists, clowns, and much more. 

During the weekends, new acts come onto the stage every half hour and every single act is free to watch no matter the time or day. 

Acts start at 1:30p.m. Monday – Thursday and 11:30 a.m. Friday – Sunday.

Hershey’s Chocolate World

If any of you has a sweet tooth, then Hershey’s Chocolate World in the New York-New York Hotel and Casino is a must-visit destination.

Here, guests can customize their own chocolate bars, shop for some quirky chocolate gifts, and even star in their very own Reese’s peanut butter cup TV ad!

The store also stocks some exclusive chocolate flavors for those with adventurous tastes. 

If you don’t fancy eating chocolate, wandering around is still going to take your breath away as you’ll be able to feast your eyes upon an 800-lb chocolate carving of the Statue of Liberty. 

Fountains of Bellagio

One of the most famous sights in Las Vegas, the fountains outside the Bellagio Resort and Casino are an iconic attraction.

Watching the fountains dance in time to music is an awe-inspiring sight that the whole family is bound to love. 

In the evening, the show becomes even more dramatic with bright lights illuminating the beautiful jets of water.

Performances start from 3pm Monday – Friday and midday on Saturday and Sunday; the details of the shows can be found on their schedule.

The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort 

Las Vegas can get very hot. Luckily there are plenty of fun ways for everyone to cool down.

One of the best ways is to step inside The Venetian, as a short walk through the resort will lead you all the way to Venice!

A shopping mall with a difference, Grand Canal Shoppes is styled like Venice with a canal running down its middle.

Children are sure to love the iconic scenery and the sound of singing gondoliers as they travel down the canal. 

The shops are fantastic and there are plenty of restaurants nearby if anyone gets hungry. 

Watch the Mirage volcano erupt (while it’s still here!)

They say nothing lasts forever, and in Las Vegas this is doubly true. 

When it was announced that a guitar shaped tower block was going to take the place of the Mirage’s volcano there was an outcry.

Fortunately, Hard Rock Resorts have agreed for the volcano to stay open into 2023. 

At the moment, it erupts on the hour every hour from 7pm – 11pm every night.

Watch as fire and lava burst into the night sky, accompanied with a suspenseful soundtrack to complete the experience.

Click here for more free things to do in Vegas.

5 Ticketed Things To Do In Las Vegas

Discovery Children’s Museum

A great destination for families with young children, the Discovery Children’s Museum is a brilliant hands-on, interactive experience.

Kids can play on a life-size pirate ship in the Fantasy Festival area or put their scientific skills to the test in Patent Pending. 

Thanks to the Discovery Children’s Museum’s huge size, every child is bound to find something they love. There is even a special toddler section for the young ones!

Cost: Nevada residents $13:50; General admission $15.50; Children under 1 go free.

The Tank at Golden Nugget Hotel

Most Las Vegas hotels have their own pool, so why pay to visit one? The answer to that is simple, The Tank at the Golden Nugget Hotel is unlike any other pool in Las Vegas. 

Children will love it because of the signature 30ft slide which goes through the middle of a 200,000-gallon aquarium. An amazing experience that no one could ever forget. 

The pools themselves are clean and spacious and you can even peer into the aquarium while you swim.

For adults, The Tank offers a chance to relax and unwind away from the chaos of the city. 

In our mind, that’s money well spent. 

Cost: Free for Golden Nugget guests; Free for Las Vegas locals on select days; $15 per person for the day.

Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay

If The Tank doesn’t hold enough sea life for you then your only option is to visit the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay.

This beautiful aquarium is home to over 2,000 animals including giant rays and sea turtles.

Staff are extremely knowledgeable and will be able to answer any questions about the animals that you may have. Extra special experiences, like feeding stingrays or sharks, can also be purchased.

Cost: (Pre-booked tickets) Adults $29.00; Children aged 5-12 $24.00; Children 4 and under go free.

Circus Circus Adventuredome

While some attractions like the Circus Circus pool are a little dated, the iconic hotel and casino still has many features that visitors rave about. Among these is the Adventuredome.

Inside you’ll find adrenaline pumping rides like Chaos and Slingshot as well as classic attractions like bumper cars.

Kids must be over 48 inches tall to go on some of the rides, although experiences like the laser challenge and virtual reality rooms don’t have this height limit. 

While free to enter, tickets or wristbands must be bought for rides. As adults often have to accompany children, it can get quite expensive. 

Cost: Regular All-day ride pass (48 inches and taller): $60.00; Junior All-day ride pass (33 inches – 48 inches): $30.00

Tournament of Kings 

Since making its debut way back in 1990, Tournament of Kings – a show and dinner at The Excalibur – has become a Las Vegas favorite.

During the 90-minute show you can expect to see knights jousting and fighting while wizards cast frightful spells.

With 30 actors and nearly as many horses, the show is one of the most impressive in Las Vegas.

Adults as well as children will enjoy cheering for their king while a meal of Cornish Game hen and potatoes – that must be eaten without cutlery – only adds to the fun. 

Cost: Tickets around $70

Check out more cheap things to do in Vegas.

Lead image: Lyle Hastie/Unsplash

Over the years there have been some tall jockeys that have managed to find success on the track. In fact, some of the best horse jockeys ever were taller than you might think.?

But when it comes to the tallest of all time, jockeys need to be more or less six foot to break into the top 10.?

This means some very famous names from weighing rooms worldwide like Steven Arnold, Richard Hughes, Tony McCoy, Ruby Walsh, and Johnny Sellers – the tallest jockey ever to win the Kentucky Derby – didn’t make the cut.

Those that did prove the point that champion jockeys can come in all shapes and sizes. ?

10. Ryan Mania

• Country: Scotland
• Height: 5ft 11iin (1.8m)

Auroras Encore sprung a 66/1 shock in the 2013 Grand National for north of England trainer Sue Smith under tall Scottish jumps jockey Ryan Mania.

The following day 23-year-old Mania suffered a broken vertebrae in his neck after falling from Stagecoach Jasper during a race at Hexham.?

After battling back from injury, Mania began to struggle with his weight and retired from professional racing at the age of 25.?

He soon became assistant to Scottish racehorse trainer Sandy Thomson, but improvements in sports nutrition helped him manage his weight more effectively.?

Mania returned as a jockey during the fall of 2019.

In December 2022, Mania pulled off an incredible feat winning nine races in a row when his horses finished the course.?

9. Andrew McNamara

• Country: Republic of Ireland
• Height: 6ft (1.83m)

Andrew McNamara stood six feet tall in his stirrups, but still had a fabulous career as a jumps jockey.

While brother Robbie and cousin John Thomas (JT) both suffered serious injuries, he won some of Ireland’s biggest National Hunt races.

They include the Gold Cup at Leopardstown, the John Durkan and Champion Chase around Punchestown, and the 2010 Irish Grand National.

In 2015, McNamara cited both back problems and weight management issues as reasons for retiring from the saddle aged 32. He later became a trainer.

Besides winning Northern Ireland’s most prestigious horse race, the Champion Chase at Down Royal, he also enjoyed Cheltenham Festival glory in 2006.

McNamara steered Newmill to victory in the two-mile Queen Mother Champion Chase.

8. George Baker

• Country: England
• Height: 6ft (1.83m)

The son of a farrier in the equine hub that is Lambourn, George Baker grew up in one of the leading horse racing communities in England.

Baker piloted Harbour Law to a sensational success in the St Leger of 2016 when odds-on favorite Idaho unseated Ryan Moore at Doncaster.

Overall, the 2016 season proved to be very successful with Baker taking home 114 wins and ￡1.7 million in prize money.?

The following year horsemen and women flocked to the Alpine resort of St. Moritz in Switzerland to take part in a White Turf meet. Here, races are held on a frozen lake.?

During one race, Baker suffered a terrible fall and was taken to hospital with a bleed on the brain.?

Thankfully, Baker recovered although he retired from competitive racing shortly after.

7. Donnacha O’Brien

• Country: Republic of Ireland
• Height: 6ft (1.83m)

O’Brien is one of the biggest family names in horse racing thanks to numerous wins over several generations.

Donnacha O’Brien was one of the family’s famous winners, earning two Irish Flat Jockey Championships during his short-lived career in the saddle.

There were some other major highlights, including back-to-back 2000 Guineas wins on Saxon Warrior and Magna Grecia. O’Brien delivered in the 2018 Irish Derby on Latrobe as well.

He retired just a year later at the age of 21.

Like his father and elder sibling, O’Brien is now a racehorse trainer and has wasted no time in developing a reputation for handling promising young fillies.

Fancy Blue won the Prix de Diane, regarded as a French Classic, after O’Brien had only been her trainer for nine months.

6. Louise Moeller

• Country: Denmark
• Height: 6ft 1in (1.85m)

The only female among our tallest jockeys is Danish rider Louise Moeller.

Competing on the Flat, she rode stateside at Gulfstream Park in 2002. Moeller took out an amateur license the previous year and was recorded as being over six feet tall.

By 2003 and following her trip to the US, she became an apprentice before turning fully professional the following year.

Moeller enjoyed at least 70 winners from almost 500 rides and, while that puts her some way off the best female horse jockeys today, she must be regarded as a trailblazer for tall women taking part in races.

5. Bruce Hobbs

• Country: USA/England
• Height: 6ft 1.5in (1.87m)

You probably didn’t know that the tallest jockey ever to win the world’s most famous steeplechase, the Grand National, was born in Long Island.

That was Bruce Hobbs, who partnered American horse Battleship to Aintree glory in 1938 after winning the US equivalent.

Hobbs was also successful in the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow that season aboard Timber Wolf.

Although he overcame a career-threatening back injury, he retired aged 25 and began training horses like so many of the jockeys on our list.

A decorated war veteran, Hobbs served the Queen’s Own Yorkshire Dragoons during World War 2, making the rank of Captain and receiving the Military Cross.

Hobbs died in 2005 at the age of 84.?His Palace House stables in Newmarket are now the site of the British National Horse Racing Museum.

4. Stuart Brown

• Country: Australia
• Height: 6ft 2in (1.875m)

Australian national Stuart Brown may not have had huge success in the most famous horse races of Australia, but he was well known in his native New South Wales.

Brown had a racing career that spanned 20 years. During this time he clocked up more than 200 race wins and was even known to race camels on occasion.?

Like all the jockeys on our list, Brown struggled massively with managing his weight.

According to his mother, the jockey would starve and abuse his body just so he was able to race. A practice that is all too common in horse racing.

In 2015, Brown died from lung cancer at the age of 43.?

3. Jack Andrews?

• Country: England
• Height: 6ft 4in (1.93m)

The tallest professional jockey ever is 24-year-old Jack Andrews from Warwick, England.

Born and raised in a horse-mad family, Andrews was devastated when he had a growth spurt late in his teenage years. At the time he believed it was the end of his potential career as a jockey.?

However, Andrews managed to carve a career for himself, taking big wins at Cheltenham and the Tolworth Hurdles.

Andrews was also the Point-to-Point champion during the 2019/20 season.?

Having dabbled as a professional, Andrews has since returned to amateur racing.

Currently, he works at the yard run by his sister and brother-in-law and hopes to start pointing again soon with a repeat of the championship he won back in 2019/2020 being his main goal.

2. Patrick Sankey

• Country: Wales
• Height: 6ft 7in (2.01m)

Besides the professionals, there have been some exceptionally tall amateur riders. Standing at just over two meters tall, Patrick Sankey is one of them.

Even more impressive than consistently riding horses at 6ft 7in is the fact that Sankey won a Point-to-Point race at Bredwardine in May 2019.

Coming into the race 10lbs overweight did not prevent Galbally King from kicking on away from the other horses, leaving Sankey with a memory to cherish.

Sankey will probably never turn professional as a man of his size will have a clear and obvious struggle to make weight for horse racing under rules.

However, no one can ever take his pointing victory away from him.?

1. Manute Bol

• Country: Sudan/USA
• Height: 7ft 7in (2.31m)

The tallest person to ever enter a horse race was former NBA center, Manute Bol.

Bol was granted a license by the Indiana Horse Racing Commission for a charity event to raise money for the country of his birth, Sudan.

The ride took place at Hoosier Park just north of Indianapolis in the fall of 2003, although Bol reportedly didn’t race due to problems with his arthritis.?

Horse racing was just one way Bol used sports to raise money and awareness for his home country. He once signed for the Indianapolis Ice of the Central Hockey League, sitting on the bench for part of a game.?

Even more impressively, Bol also took part in a celebrity boxing match, beating ex-NFL player William “Refrigerator” Perry.?

Bol passed away in 2020 and is buried in South Sudan. He is fondly remembered as both an athlete and a political activist.?

For similar articles, check out the tallest WNBA players, average height of NBA players or 10 Things You Never Knew About Horse Jockeys.

Lead image: Twitter/si_vault

From the genre’s heyday in the 1960s and 70s to the modern feature films produced today, there have been many brilliant movies about gambling. Here, we have selected our absolute favorites.

Some of these movies use gambling as a backdrop for intense storylines and thrilling action. Others focus on the psychology and satisfaction that comes with dominating the tables.?

But what do all these movies have in common? They will keep you on the edge of your seat until the closing credits.?

1. Casino (1995)

Starring the incredible duo of Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, Casino is a classic that everyone should watch.

Like many other Martin Scorsese films, Casino is based on true events that occurred when the Mob dominated Las Vegas during the 1970s. 

? 7 Completely True Events The Movie Casino Is Based On

The film follows Sam “Ace” Rothstein (De Niro) who manages casinos for the Chicago Mob. He works alongside made-mobster Nicky Santoro (Pesci).

Together they master the cutthroat business of casino work and earn massive profits for the crime outfit, until Ace finds his attention distracted by Ginger McKenna (Sharon Stone). 

As Ace’s life begins to unravel and the Mob’s grip on Las Vegas loosens, Casino takes on a frantic energy.

This thrilling excitement is what makes Casino one of the best movies about gambling ever made.

2. The Gambler (1974)

A brilliant James Caan stars in The Gambler as English professor, Axel Freed.

Apart from a love of literature, Freed also has a debilitating gambling addiction. Faced with $44,000 worth of debt and a rich family that is ashamed of him, Freed travels to Las Vegas in the hope of winning big.?

The film was well received when it was released and has stood the test of time as a fantastic study in the damaging effects of compulsive betting. This honest, raw look at gambling has seen it become a classic.

Unfortunately, a 2014 remake starring Mark Wahlberg did not turn out so well.

3. Uncut Gems (2019)

Uncut Gems is one of the few recently made movies to feature on this list.

Despite only coming out a few years ago, Uncut Gems is already seen as one of the best movies about gambling thanks to its incredible pace and stressful soundtrack. 

Adam Sandler breaks away from his typically comedic roles to play Howard Ratner, a New York City jeweler who has an atrocious gambling habit.

A set of lucky circumstances sees Ratner develop a professional relationship with NBA star Kevin Garnett. With some insider information, Ratner sets up a bet on the NBA Championship Finals.

If this bet comes in, all of Ratner’s problems will be solved. But several loan sharks risk derailing it all.

4. California Split (1974)

California Split thrills audiences while also teaching them some important life lessons. 

Amateur gambler Bill (George Segal) becomes friends with a professional player called Charlie (Elliott Gould).

Their new friendship sees them both commit everything to a scintillating gambling trip to Reno.

The film also focuses on friendship, the psychology of gamblers, and that most important piece of gambling wisdom: When to quit.

This makes it an important watch for everyone, whether you fancy being a player at the poker table or not. 

5. The Hustler (1961)

As the only movie on this list that features pool as the main source of gambling, The Hustler is definitely a film of its time.

But just because pool hustling has fallen out of fashion in recent decades doesn’t make this film any less worthy of a place on this list.

This is because The Hustler is a story about grit and determination. What’s more, it’s backed up by brilliant performances from Paul Newman, Jackie Gleason, Piper Laurie, and George C. Scott. 

The Hustler was a huge success upon release and opinions have not changed.

In 1997, the movie was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the United States National Film Registry.

Six years later the Academy Film Archive preserved The Hustler to make sure future generations can enjoy it. 

If that’s not an indication of quality, we don’t know what is.

6. Molly’s Game (2017)

This list has been dominated by masculine films led by male stars, which unfortunately reflects the genre as a whole.

All too often women in gambling movies are limited to love interests, or that classic cliché – a prostitute with a heart of gold. 

However, this isn’t the case in Molly’s Game.

Instead, this refreshing film takes a different approach entirely, by telling the true story of Molly Bloom (Jessica Chastain), a lady who runs an underground poker empire for Hollywood’s rich and famous. 

Everything is going well until her multimillion-dollar business is put at risk when the FBI comes knocking…

7. The Cincinnati Kid (1965)

Steve McQueen plays a cocky upstart in this classic movie about poker.

His character, “The Kid,” wants to prove himself against “The Man” – the best player around. 

As the film is nearly exclusively about poker its popularity has continued to grow as the game itself goes from strength to strength. 

Tension, a classic storyline, and strong acting are only slightly affected by the near impossible poker hands that pop up during the film.

However, McQueen is electric and the penultimate scene, when the final hands are revealed, is one of the best ever filmed. 

8. Hard Eight (1996)

An excellent cast is led by Philip Baker Hall who plays Sydney, an aging, quiet gambler that takes a young homeless man, Jack, under his wing. 

After being taught the gambling ropes, Jack’s attention begins to be diverted by a cocktail waitress. A distraction that quickly transforms all the characters’ situations. 

Supporting roles from Gwyneth Paltrow, Samuel L. Jackson, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and John C. Reilly brilliantly highlight the range of strange and interesting characters that you can find in any casino.

In other words, no other gambling movie explores and portrays people who gamble quite as well as Hard Eight. 

9. Rounders (1998)

Rounders is a story of two friends: One a well-groomed law student (Matt Damon), and the other a loud ex-con (Edward Norton).

In an effort to bail Norton out of his debt the two friends go on a poker playing tear.

Many see Rounders as a classic representation of macho high stakes poker. Add to this some surprisingly feasible poker games and you have a film that most die-hard poker players will love.

But, it is the acting, which includes a brilliant supporting cast, that transforms Rounders into a film everyone can enjoy. 

10. The Card Counter (2021)

Rounding out our list is The Card Counter.

The movie was written and directed by Paul Schrader, the man who wrote iconic screenplays like Taxi Driver.

Interestingly, The Card Counter is equally gruesome and also has a theme of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Starring a restrained Oscar Isaac, The Card Counter marries both gambling and action in a film that never seems to take a breath.

Gamblers will particularly enjoy The Card Counter’s detailed recreation of the World Series of Poker tournament, and the final few scenes are sure to grab everyone’s attention. 

Each year, A-list performers put on the show of their lives to the NFL halftime crowd, bringing a bunch of memorable – and shocking – moments with them.

Global pop superstar and self-proclaimed ‘bad gal’ Rihanna has got the job for Super Bowl LVII, taking place in sunny Arizona in February 2023.

This got us thinking about some of the most iconic halftime shows over the years. One thing is for sure, they’re never dull.

Read our 10 most memorable Super Bowl halftime shows and get ready for the good, the bad, and the ugly.

10. Michael Jackson – Super Bowl XXVII

The standards are high when it comes to memorable Super Bowl halftime shows. That’s why the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, only makes it to number 10 on our list.

This performance stands out because for the first 90 seconds Jackson stood utterly still, staring out into the frenzied crowd. At first, it was cool, but after the first minute, many viewers began to wonder if this MJ was actually a waxwork after all.

Luckily, he eventually started his act and treated his adoring fans to classics including “Billie Jean” and “Black or White” before a finale of “Heal the World.”

He was joined by a choir of 3,500 children from LA – yep, this doesn’t age well…

It was certainly a memorable close to the show that took place less than a year after the 1992 LA riots.

9. Paul McCartney – Super Bowl XXXIX

Paul McCartney has done almost everything a musician could do. He had the call up for the Super Bowl back in 2005, cementing his now five-decade reign at the top.

The NFL wanted a controversy-free halftime show after the scandal in 2004 (more on this later), and Macca didn’t disappoint. He tore through the classics “Drive My Car,” “Get Back,” and “Live and Let Die” before closing with “Hey Jude.”

This Beatle took the crowd along for an epic show, and one we’ll never forget.

8. Madonna – Super Bowl XLVI

Unsurprisingly, this list is full of huge names, and Madonna can hang with the best of them.

The Queen of Pop has had many memorable TV moments over the years, including kissing Britney Spears at the 2003 VMAs and falling on stage at the 2015 Brit awards.

Still, it was actually one of her guests that caused a big stir at the Super Bowl in 2012.

Madonna was joined on stage by Nicki Minaj, LMFAO, Cee Lo Green and M.I.A., with the latter causing controversy for sticking her middle finger up to the camera during the song ??“Give Me All Your Luvin’.”

Despite M.I.A. grabbing a lot of the headlines and making the performance particularly memorable, Madonna still broke viewing figures as the most-viewed Super Bowl halftime show at that point.

7. Aerosmith, Britney Spears, ‘NSync, Nelly, and Mary J. Blige – Super Bowl XXXV

If you didn’t see this halftime show, you could be forgiven for thinking there was a typo here.

Yes, Aerosmith, Britney, ‘NSync, Mary J. Blige, and Nelly (just for good measure) really did perform together.

Oh, and Ben Stiller, Adam Sandler, and Chris Rock got in on the act, too, as part of a pre-recorded sketch before the performance.

The cross-section of fans who love all these artists must have been pretty small, but somehow, they made it work. Or at least they made it memorable.

After ‘NSync kicked off the performance, rock legends Aerosmith took over and delivered a great rendition of their unforgettable ballad “I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing.”

A short while later, things started getting pretty strange.

In a group performance of Aerosmith’s classic “Walk This Way,” ‘NSync, Britney, Mary J Blige, and Nelly paced around the stage and took turns strutting, screaming and shouting into the mic with varying levels of skill.

There was also a bizarre but thankfully short dance-off between Steven Tyler and Justin Timberlake.

I need to lie down just writing about it.

6. Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band – Super Bowl XLIII

What do you get when you combine an American rock legend with a packed stadium and massive TV audience? An unforgettable show for everyone, that’s what.

In 2009, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band rocked the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, but the Boss wanted to ensure everyone at home was just as involved.

As the band started playing the intro to “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out” (including obligatory fireworks), Bruce grabbed the mic and told the TV audience, “I want you to step back from the guacamole dip! I want you to put those chicken fingers down! And turn your television all the way up!”

If the American public were going to listen to anyone, it would be the Boss.

The chicken fingers were promptly discarded, and people were rocking in their living rooms from Washington to Florida.

Apparently, Springsteen had previously turned the show down, so fans worldwide were ecstatic he finally came to his senses. His performance at Super Bowl XLIII will live long in the memory.

? 9 Stars Who Refused The Super Bowl Halftime Show

5. Beyonce – Super Bowl XLVII

Who runs the world?

Well, it was undoubtedly Queen B on Super Bowl Sunday back in 2013. The pop superstar took to the stage in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome New Orleans, racing through hits including “Love on Top,” “Crazy in Love” and “Baby Boy.”

She was then joined on stage by former Destiny’s Child members Kelly Roland and Michelle Williams to sing classics “Bootylicious” and “Independent Women.”

Finally, Kelly and Michelle left the stage and let Beyonce have the limelight again. She closed the show with her heartfelt anthem “Halo” which left fans in the stadium and at home reeling.

How can one person have that amount of energy, talent, and charisma? Who knows, but God, it’s fun to watch.

4. Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake, P. Diddy, Kid Rock, Jessica Simpson, and Nelly – Super Bowl XXXVIII

You were promised there would be the good, the bad, and the ugly in this list – and here you have it.

This Super Bowl halftime performance by Janet Jackson is arguably the most infamous of all time. The fallout from an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction was extremely ugly and frankly ridiculous.

At the end of an otherwise regular halftime show, Justin Timberlake tore off part of Janet Jackson’s outfit as he sang the rather fitting lyric “better have you naked by the end of this song” from his 2002 hit “Rock Your Body.”

Whether intentional or not, this resulted in Janet Jackson’s nipple being revealed (for half a second) to the TV audience. Yes, 500 whole milliseconds.

Times were different in 2004, and this probably accidental reveal caused an epic fallout.

Jackson’s music was shockingly barred on several platforms, NASCAR, and the NFL tightened indecency rules.

CBS, the parent company of the production, was fined a record $550,000 for indecency, and just months later, the United States House of Representatives passed a bill to raise the maximum fine for indecency.

Many commentators also suggested that “nipplegate,” as it became known, even influenced the 2004 Democratic Party primaries. Jackson herself said the incident was used by George W Bush as a distraction technique.

With hindsight, the whole debacle was blown way out of proportion, but it was definitely memorable.

3. Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent, Kendrick Lamar, and Anderson Paak – Super Bowl LVI

Recency bias? Maybe. Hip-Hop fan? Definitely.

But those issues aside, this iconic Super Bowl halftime performance was memorable for the sheer amount of talent on stage, if nothing else. Some halftime shows have one fantastic artist. This show had seven.

It was also a perfect celebration of Los Angeles, where the Super Bowl was being held. The LA Rams completed the party when they closed out a 23-20 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Dr. Dre was the headline act here, but the supporting cast and outstanding visuals were what really stood out and made the performance unforgettable.

2. U2 – Super Bowl XXXVI

America and the rest of the world were still in shock when U2 took to the stage at the halftime show of Super Bowl XXXVI in 2002.

Less than six months after the September 11 attacks, the Irish rock superstars delivered one of the most memorable live music performances ever.

In a moment of pure beauty, U2 performed their hit “Where the Streets Have No Name” while the names of the victims were projected behind them.

In the song’s climax, lead singer Bono revealed the inside of his jacket adorned with the star-spangled banner.

A truly memorable performance and an amazing tribute to the victims of 9/11.

1. Prince – Super Bowl XLI

What could be more memorable than the iconic and incomparable Prince performing an epic version of his classic “Purple Rain” as the actual rain hammered down onto adoring fans in Miami?

Well, in terms of Super Bowl halftime shows, nothing.

Widely regarded as the best Super Bowl halftime performance from one of the greatest performers ever, there was really only going to be one winner on this list.

Prince’s set included covers of Queen’s “We Will Rock You,” Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower,” and the Foo Fighters’ “Best of You.”

But the magic moment came at the end of his set when he played his most famous track, “Purple Rain.”

As the unrelenting rain came down, Prince did his thing on the guitar then whipped the crowd up into a sing-along crescendo that will live long in the memories of NFL and music fans alike.

The legend is gone but not forgotten.

Lead image: Twitter/PigsAndPlans

But every now and again, a gambler comes along with so much skill, bravery, or money that they can turn the odds on their heads and make millions of dollars in the process.

Lots of people like the occasional flutter but there are a few individuals who have made beating the bookies their life’s work.

Read on to discover how they became the richest gamblers in the world and what they won in the process. 

1. Kerry Packer – $5 Billion

Kerry Packer might have become Australia’s richest man through his family’s business empire, but it’s gambling that he will always be remembered for. This is because Packer always played big.

Part of playing this way is losing huge sums of money and Packer was known to go on some astonishingly bad streaks during his gambling career. 

The most famous of these was over a 10-month period from September 1999 to July 2000 when he lost around $40 million playing in both Crockford’s casino, London and the Bellagio in Las Vegas. 

Fortunately for Packer, he also had the occasional hot streak. Perhaps his greatest gambling achievement came in May 1995 when he won $20 million in only 40 minutes by playing several games of $250,000 stake blackjack at once. 

2. Tony Bloom – $1.5 Billion

Like a lot of people who have made their money in the gambling world, Tony Bloom is a bit of a mystery.

What we do know is that he studied mathematics at The University of Manchester and started out playing poker for fun. 

Over the years this hobby has won him around $2.5 million and has seen him play in some huge tournaments including the World Poker Tour and Poker Million IX where he finished second. 

It was also at the poker table that Bloom earned himself the nickname “The Lizard” for his cold-blooded style of play. 

Most of Bloom’s fortune has not come from poker though. Instead, he has made millions by setting up his own betting consultancy firm, Starlizard.

Many reports say that Starlizard is one of the top betting firms in the world and that it wagers millions of dollars on soccer leagues across the globe. 

3. Bill Benter – $1 Billion

Another math whizz who has used his intelligence to earn a fortune by gambling is Bill Benter.

Like a lot of young gamblers, Benter started his career counting cards in Las Vegas before turning his attention to horse racing in Hong Kong. 

In partnership with another gambler, Alan Woods, Benter began building an algorithm that could predict a horse’s chance of winning with incredible accuracy.

After a few difficult years and some tweaking, his model eventually began to earn him tens of millions of dollars per year. 

Benter’s most famous win came when his model correctly predicted the Triple Trio, a famous bet in Hong Kong where you must predict the first three horses to cross the line in three separate races. 

Today, Benter is now a billionaire and spends his time giving lectures at universities and donating to charitable causes around the world. 

4. Edward Thorp – $800 Million

Coming in one place behind Bill Benter is the man who inspired him to gamble in the first place, Edward Thorp – the man who invented card counting.

Using his mathematical and technological genius, Thorp created a way of overturning the house advantage when playing blackjack. 

During his first weekend trying the technique he won $11,000 and after seeing that it was effective, he decided to publish a book explaining his techniques.

Published in 1962, “Beat the Dealer” was an incredible success with over 1 million copies being sold. 

Thorp followed his book by inventing the first wearable computer. This piece of technology gave him increased chances of winning roulette.

Taking his gambling skills to the stock market saw Thorp’s wealth balloon and he has been an extremely wealthy man ever since. 

5. Alan Woods – $500 Million

Alan Woods was a former partner of Bill Benter and made his money in a similar way.

They both started out counting cards, and even worked on the same team at one point.

Then, after being blacklisted from the Las Vegas casinos they turned their attention to the Hong Kong horse races.

After falling out, Woods made his own model every bit as successful as Benter’s.

However, he was forced to flee to the Philippines once his betting syndicate started being investigated by law enforcement. 

Still betting from his private property, Woods amassed a huge fortune of around half a billion dollars and worked in close partnership with former rival Zeljko Ranogajec.

6. Zeljko Ranogajec – $420 Million

Known as “The Joker”, Zeljko Ranogajec is another incredibly rich person who has made money for himself by being a so-called advantage gambler. 

After transforming a few hundred dollars into millions at the blackjack table, Ranogajec worked with Alan Woods before setting up his own betting syndicate known as the Bankroll. 

Mainly focusing on horse racing, Ranogajec’s syndicate is said to place bets worth over $3 billion per year.

Even if many of these don’t win, Ranogajec still makes money thanks to bookmakers giving him discounts and rebates on his incredibly large bets. 

While Ranogajec likes to keep himself to himself, the fortune he has built cannot be so easily hidden. He reportedly owns an apartment at One Hyde Park, the world’s most expensive apartment building.

Even more amazingly, bets placed by his syndicate apparently make up one third of Betfair Australia’s total operations.

7. Billy Walters – $200 Million

Billy Walters is perhaps one of the most successful sports bettors in history. Walters himself has gone on record saying he has only had one losing season in the 39 years he gambled on sports. 

Like many others on this list, Walters used analysis to produce more accurate odds than the bookies, allowing him to win between 56-60% of all bets he placed. 

According to ESPN, Walters found most of his success at collegiate level sports where the bookies invested less time and resources in calculating their odds.

Apparently, Walters used to bet huge amounts of money on these small teams with one employee recalling a $250,000 wager he placed on NCAA Division I basketball team, Old Dominion. 

Unfortunately for Walters his lucky streak came to an end when he was found guilty of insider trading on the stock market.

He was sentenced to five years in prison, only serving four thanks to pardon by former President Donald Trump. 

8. Dan Bilzerian – $200 Million

While most gamblers on this list have made their money through sports betting, Dan Bilzerian tends to prefer the poker table. 

Most people will have heard of Bilzerian thanks to his antics on social media where he flaunts a lavish lifestyle, which he says he earned through poker. 

What’s interesting is that Bilzerian hardly ever plays public games. In fact, one of his only recorded results was 180th in the 2009 World Series Poker Event.

Bilzerian maintains that he now only plays poker in underground, private games. And, if you believe him, Bilzerian can earn up to $50 million in one night. 

Of course, there is no way of proving this, but some professional gamblers think it is a possibility, given that Bilzerian has a reputation for only playing against super rich people he feels sure of beating. 

9. David Walsh – $200 Million

David Walsh first became involved in gambling when he counted cards during his time at the University of Tasmania.

Here he met fellow student Zeljko Ranogajec and the two of them soon decided to try their hand at playing blackjack in Las Vegas.

When Walsh moved back to Tasmania, he began building his own software to predict the outcome of horse races. This would end up being a key piece of technology for Ranogajec’s syndicate the Bankroll. 

According to Ranogajec, during these early days Walsh would be the one to do all the mathematical calculations for the syndicate because of his intellectual gifts.

Walsh matched this intelligence with bravery and once bought $11 million worth of lottery tickets to win a $60 million jackpot. 

Today, Walsh dedicates most of his time to an underground art museum that he has built in Tasmania.

The rumored price tag? Over $200 million. 

10. Phil Ivey – $100 million

Unlike Dan Bilzerian, there can be no doubting Phil Ivey’s poker playing ability.

A lot of people see him as one of the best players in the world and he has the trophies to prove it, including a World Poker Title and 10 World Series of Poker bracelets. 

These victories have come with millions of dollars in prize money, but Ivey has also made huge sums by playing poker against billionaires like banker Andy Beal.

According to some stories, Ivey is supposed to have beaten Beal out of $16.6 million in one single game.