Anybody know how much these guys make in overall poker earnings, not just tournament winnings? And how many days out of a year are these guys even playing poker? Don't they spend a lot of time golfing and goofing around?
The likes of Phil Ivey in terms of sponsors and earnings from the table is most likely the highest earner. He most likely makes more than a professional sports person. Apparently he's worth in the region of $100+ million. Not sure on yearly basis but he has a share in fulltilt which is probably earning him several million a year alone. If I had to guess, I'd say with everything, endorsements, tournaments and earnings he's in the region of $10-20million a year. Some might say this is steep but I'm thinking most of it is coming from sponsers and full tilt, he is a business man after all. Just a sidenote, there was a video of him boarding a private plane, going to a casino and writing out a cheque for $1mill to play some craps...all in his own special room. I think this is a clear sign he's is most definitely on several million a year.
Daniel Negrenu, in terms of contract with PS and earning included I'm guessing around the $2mill mark. I'm sure his contract is a multi million dollar contract, most likly the highest paid PS player.
In terms of playing, not sure. I don't think it will be THAT much, not as much as people would think. They will play the big tournaments, a few big on line tournaments all of which they probs been staked by their sponsors. Come on line to fulfil their hourly contract rate, play a few games then play the BIG GAME, or million dollar game (which they get paid for doing as well!) Then cash games, will just be the televised ones and the occasion visit to a casnio. I can't imagine them playing like the current grinders. Maybe 10 hours a week on average throughout a year!
ps: Anyone know why Phil Ivey didn't play the HIGH ROLLER event, PCA 100k buy in?