Poker Players by State: The Battle for the Top Spot

**Ranking the Top Poker Players by State** When it comes to poker, there’s only one thing that matters – the amount of money you’ve won. And with that in mind, Poker News Daily set out to explore the top poker players by state. From the Golden State to the Last Frontier, we’ve got the lowdown on who’s leading the charge in each state.

Alabama: The King of the Yellowhammer State

In Alabama, the top dog is Shannon Shorr. This Birmingham native has amassed an impressive $15.6 million in career earnings, putting him at the top of the list. But who can he blame it on? A strong performance at the 2025 U.S. Poker Open and two victories in 2025 earned him a spot at the top. Other notable players in Alabama include Hoyt Corkins, who has over six million dollars in earnings, and Donovan Dean, who has a respectable two million dollars.

Top Three Poker Players in Alabama

* 1. Shannon Shorr (Birmingham, AL), $15,651,884 * 2. Hoyt Corkins (Glenwood, AL), $6,092,620 * 3. Donovan Dean (Rainsville, AL), $2,258,135

Alaska: The Last Frontier’s Poker Pioneer

In Alaska, the name Perry Green comes to mind. A veteran of the game, Green has a long and storied career, with two WSOP bracelets in 1976 and 1977. But the top spot is currently held by Adam Hendrix, a “High Roller” with over eight million dollars in earnings. Other notable players in Alaska include Andrew Rodgers and Perry Green.

Top Three Poker Players in Alaska

* 1. Adam Hendrix (Anchorage, AK), $8,014,473 * 2. Perry Green (Fairbanks, AK), $1,138,503 * 3. Andrew Rodgers (Anchorage, AK), $1,073,843

Arizona: A Hotbed of Poker Talent

In Arizona, the competition is fierce. The top spot is currently held by Steven Jones, a former WSOP Main Event runner-up, with over seven million dollars in career earnings. Other notable players in Arizona include Nick Pupillo and Jacob Balsiger.

Top Three Poker Players in Arizona

* 1. Steven Jones (Phoenix, AZ), $7,159,062 * 2. Nick Pupillo (Gilbert, AZ), $5,964,327 * 3. Jacob Balsiger (Tempe, AZ), $5,059,352

Arkansas: The Natural State’s Poker Powerhouse

In Arkansas, the top spot is currently held by Daniel Lowery, a WSOP Circuit regular with eighteen ring wins. Other notable players in Arkansas include Nitis Udornpim and Michael Lech.

Top Three Poker Players in Arkansas

* 1. Daniel Lowery (Peter Pender, AR), $3,793,775 * 2. Nitis Udornpim (Bentonville, AR), $1,867,561 * 3. Michael Lech (Alma, AR), $1,705,927

California: The Golden State’s Poker Elite

In California, the competition is fierce, with several familiar names at the top of the list. The top spot is currently held by Poker Hall of Famer Brian Rast, with over $27 million in career earnings. Other notable players in California include David “Chino” Rheem and J.C. Tran.