For Daniel Negreanu there is no doubt whatsoever that the high stakes player Isildur1 can be anyone else than Viktor Blom from Sweden. Well, at least if we should believe what Daniel writes in his latest blog entry - "Top 5 Young Poker Pros of the Future". Daniel praises Isildur1 and call him a legend in the poker world, even though he never played against him.
"I've never played against him, but people I respect have told me that his NLH skills are remarkable and he approaches the game like no other, absolutely fearless and fun to watch." writes Daniel is his blog.
Other players who get amazing feedback in Daniel's "Top 5 Young Poker Pros of the Future"-list are Jason Mercier, Bill Reynolds, Tom Dwan and last but not least the norwegian poker pro Annette Obrestad.
Top 5 Young Poker Pros of the Future - text taken from Daniel Negreanu's blog.
5. Annette Oberstad: She has an online deal which basically ensures that she'll be showcased on many made for TV programs, and being a woman is one of the key reasons she'll get a lot of invites. That's not the only reason, however, as she had so much success prior to her turning 21 that there was a lot of hype surrounding Annette's results when she turned 21.
Annette is also very outspoken and has been quoted with some real doozies in her short career as she really doesn't pull any punches. In her first magazine interview she called Ted Forrest "The weakest player at the table" and has since called out women , claiming that they " all suck at poker" and also implied that she'd love to have Doyle Brunson at her table.
She's also been featured on TV with plenty of controversy, from berating Huck Seed about his play in the Doubles championship, as well as showing some frustration on ESPN against respected pro Chris Bjorin.
Annette combines the skill and brashness that would excite TV producers because you can never be sure what she'll say.
4. Bill Reynolds: This kid is the most unknown player on the list and is just 21 years old. He plays online as Altum Altrus and recently qualified to play on the PokerStars.net The Big Game. That episode has yet to air, and Bill's only other televised appearance was at the PCA High Roller event that took place in January.
Bill wins the award for being the most witty young player in the game, and he also seems to have a natural knack for what it takes to make poker entertaining. He's talkative, but not abrasive, and has a cool look about him. A bit "out there" fashion wise and a recognizable mop of curly, blond, locks that make him look a bit like a young version of Chip Reese.
3. Viktor Blom: Not yet 21 years old this kid has become a legend in the poker world and what he did was reminiscent of Archie Karas when he made his epic degen run at the craps table. Blom took on the world's best... all of them, at the SAME time!
The way he manhandled Tom "Durr" Dwan in their heads up matches made the poker world take notice, and whatever this kid does, people will watch. I've never played against him, but people I respect have told me that his NLH skills are remarkable and he approaches the game like no other, absolutely fearless and fun to watch.
A tall, skinny, unassuming kid, people would watch him because of his poker skills and not so much his banter. He definitely has a "presence" at the table, but he lets his 7 bet all in over bet bluffs do the talking.
2. Jason Mercier: Mercier is the ultimate live tournament grinder who's also had success online. Since coming on the scene he's consistently been atop player of the year leader boards and he puts in a ton of volume each year. How long he can keep that up is debatable. He reminds me of myself in my early 20's when I was grinding the low buy in tournament circuit in the late 90's.
When Jason is at the table he plays table captain and is a player you don't want on your left. He's relentless, tricky, fearless, and smart. That's a pretty good combination.
Jason also has a unique look about him, and let's face it, that matters. Jason doesn't do a ton of talking, but is likable and says the "right things" in interviews.
1. Tom Dwan: Durr has already arrived on the poker scene and has become one of the central figures in the poker world, garnering plenty of attention for his Durr Challenge, his bracelet bets, his epic battles with Viktor Blom, and also his domination of televised poker. He brought life to High Stakes Poker when he was invited. Durr is a throwback to the old school player, an action guy not afraid to give a little action to get some. He is the anti-nit.
What I witnessed at the WSOP this year when Durr was heads up for a bracelet that would have crippled plenty of bankrolls, including mine, had he won, was like nothing I'd seen in years.
Durr has made so many creative plays on television that gets the public and the forums talking for weeks. Likable, unique, and a great player. He always makes watching poker on TV more interesting.
