Top Poker Players to Watch in 2015

December 31st, 2014 | by Brian Corlisse

Is Vanessa Selbst set to make a deep run at the WSOP Main Event in 2015? We’re certainly keeping an eye on her. (Image: pokerstarsblog.com)

It’s harder than ever for poker players to emerge from the vast pool of competitors and become a well-known figure in the game.

Some enjoy that ability to fly under the radar, but others yearn for the intimidation factor when they sit down at the table.

Regardless of which persona they prefer, these five stars have no choice in deciding on their notoriety.

All had successful 2014 seasons, and heading into the new year they will be on everyone’s radar as the top players to watch.

#5. Vanessa Selbst

15th on the all-time USA poker money list, Vanessa Selbst has been the leading female player for nearly a decade, and heading into 2015 she appears ready to take down the big boys.

She accumulated more than $2.3 million in 2014, leading her career earnings past the $10 million mark.

Her third World Series of Poker bracelet came in May after she took first in the $25,000 No Limit Hold’em Mixed Max event.

Although she’s never finished higher than 73rd in the WSOP Main Event, she seems poised to make a strong showing should she enter.

The most decorated female poker player is certainly one to keep an eye on over the next 12 months.

#4. Keven Stammen

Stammen is no stranger to the global poker scene.

He’s racked up an impressive resume of cashes, including a 2009 WSOP $2,500 No Limit Hold’em win of $506,786. Since then, he’s performed well at tables and tours around the world, but in 2014 he struck it big with his first million dollar payday. “Stamdogg” won the WPT World Championship in April, taking home the $1.35 million prize.

With over 10 years of playing professionally under his belt, Stammen’s first taste of a $1,000,000 win will only up the ante for his 2015 season.

#3. Martin Jacobson

When you win the WSOP Main Event, you’re immediately thrown on poker’s worldwide radar not just for the following year, but forever.

Jacobson’s huge comeback win over first-day big stack Jorryt van Hoof and eventual runner-up Felix Stephensen was downright impressive.

The Swede wasn’t exactly an unknown entering the WSOP, but few could have predicted he would reach the November Nine.

Now Jacobson will have the gold bracelet target on his wrist until next year’s tournament.

#2. Mark Newhouse

Considering the fact the World Series of Poker Main Event attracts more than 6,000 players each year, the fact that Mark Newhouse reached the final table in consecutive tournaments is a feat likely to never happen again.

Although he entered in third, Mark also unfortunately repeated his early exit as he once again finished ninth.

Of course, we aren’t placing any bets of Mark making another deep Main Event run in 2015, but his continued success should lend nicely to his upcoming campaign.

#1. Daniel Colman

The man on everyone’s radar, Daniel Colman won over $22 million in 2014. (Image: cardplayer.com)

You know you’re having a good year when you don’t even stick around for a post-win interview after taking a $15.3 million prize. Daniel Colman won everything in 2014, and has to be #1 on the players to watch heading into ’15.

Colman’s memorable paydays this year includes:
– 1st – WSOP Big One for One Drop: $15,306,668
– 1st – EPT Grand Finale Super High Roller: $2,127,398
– 1st – Seminole Hard Rock Open Main Event: $1,446,710
– 1st – WPT Alpha8 Main Event: $957,396

All said and done, Colman took $22,389,481 from live tables.

He isn’t just a player to watch in 2015, but also a player to avoid!