If you’re into poker and want to stay in the loop with what’s happening in the game this year, following the right people on social media can make all the difference, especially since things move fast with tournaments, strategies, and even some behind-the-scenes drama that keeps everyone talking. In 2026, the poker world is still dominated by a mix of legends who’ve been around forever and newer faces who are shaking things up with their streams and vlogs, and honestly, keeping tabs on them helps you pick up tips, see hand breakdowns, or just enjoy the ride as they chase bracelets or big online scores. This list rounds up some must-follow poker celebrities for 2026, folks who are active online, sharing their lives, games, and thoughts, and I’ve included links to their profiles so you can jump right in—whether it’s Twitter for quick updates or Instagram for more visual stuff like travel pics from events. These aren’t in any strict order, just solid picks based on their influence and how engaging they are right now.
Daniel Negreanu
Daniel Negreanu, or Kid Poker as a lot of people still call him, has been a staple in the poker scene for decades, and in 2026 he’s still going strong with his mix of tournament play and content creation that keeps fans hooked. He’s got six WSOP bracelets and is always vocal about everything from hand analysis to poker politics, and if you follow him, you’ll get daily vlogs during big events like the WSOP, where he breaks down his decisions in real time, which is super helpful if you’re trying to improve your own game. Plus, he’s not afraid to call out bad beats or share his vegan lifestyle tips, making his feed feel personal and relatable, even if he’s racking up millions in earnings. Check him out on Twitter for quick thoughts or Instagram for more polished posts and stories from the tables. According to popularity rankings, he’s often at the top, and it’s easy to see why—he interacts with fans a ton.
Phil Hellmuth
Phil Hellmuth, the Poker Brat himself, is impossible to ignore if you’re following poker in 2026, with his record 17 WSOP bracelets and that larger-than-life personality that either makes you love him or love to hate-watch his meltdowns. He’s always posting about his positivity mindset these days, mixed in with poker advice and updates from high-stakes games, and honestly, his rants after a bad hand are legendary entertainment, even if they’ve mellowed a bit over the years. If you’re into motivation or want to see how a pro handles the ups and downs, his content is gold, and he often shares book recommendations or business ventures outside of poker, which adds some variety. Follow him on Twitter for live tournament tweets or Instagram where he posts more about his life and family stuff.
Phil Ivey
Phil Ivey is one of those quiet legends who doesn’t post every day, but when he does, it’s worth paying attention to, especially in 2026 as he continues to crush high-roller events and occasionally dips into online play. Known as the Tiger Woods of poker, he’s got 10 WSOP bracelets and a reputation for being unreadable at the table, and his social media gives rare glimpses into his strategies or travels, though it’s more low-key compared to others. If you’re serious about the game, following him means catching subtle tips or seeing him in action through shared videos, and he’s still ranked high on all-time money lists. His presence is more on Instagram at philivey, but for updates, check the Ivey Poker account on Twitter which ties into his brand.
Maria Ho
Maria Ho stands out as one of the top female players in poker, and in 2026 she’s not just playing but also broadcasting and coaching, which makes her a great follow for anyone looking for diverse perspectives in the game. With her Women in Poker Hall of Fame induction and strong tournament results, she shares a lot about balancing life on the circuit, including TEDx talks and her experiences on shows like The Amazing Race, and her posts often include hand breakdowns that are accessible for beginners while still deep enough for pros. She’s super engaging with fans, answering questions and promoting women in poker, which is refreshing in a male-dominated space. Catch her on Twitter for event updates or Instagram for behind-the-scenes from broadcasts and travels.
Doug Polk
Doug Polk has shifted a bit from pure playing to owning poker rooms and creating content, but in 2026 he’s still a must-follow for his no-nonsense takes on strategy, crypto crossovers, and the business side of poker. He founded Upswing Poker for training, and his videos break down hands in a way that’s straightforward and often hilarious, especially when he’s calling out bluffs or industry BS. If you’re into high-stakes cash games or want to learn about bankroll management, his stuff is practical, and he doesn’t hold back on opinions, which keeps things lively. Follow him on Twitter for debates and quick tips, or Instagram for more visual content from his club and events.
Lex Veldhuis
Lex Veldhuis is the streamer king in poker, and if you’re following anyone for live action in 2026, it’s him, with his Twitch sessions that draw thousands watching him grind online tournaments while chatting about everything from music to life advice. He’s a PokerStars ambassador, and his energy is infectious, making long sessions feel fun, and he often explains his thought process mid-hand, which is great for learning. Outside of streaming, he posts about fitness and family, adding a human touch to the pro life. His Twitter is perfect for announcements about streams, and check Instagram for highlights and personal updates.
Fedor Holz
Fedor Holz retired young but came back selectively, and in 2026 he’s still influencing the game through coaching at PokerCode and ambassador roles, sharing insights on mindset and high-level strategy that go beyond basic tips. He’s got that calm, analytical vibe, and his posts often dive into decision-making under pressure, which is invaluable if you’re aiming for big scores. Plus, he’s involved in business ventures, so you get a mix of poker and entrepreneurship. Follow on Twitter for thoughtful threads, or Instagram for more lifestyle content from his travels.
Bryn Kenney
Bryn Kenney holds the top spot on the all-time money list, and in 2026 he’s still active in super high rollers, posting about his wins and the grind that got him there, which is motivating if you’re dreaming big in poker. His content is more about the highs of the game, with less fluff, and he founded 4Poker, so expect updates on that too. He’s straightforward, sometimes controversial, but always real about the work involved. Check his Twitter for tournament results, and Instagram for pics from exotic events.
Adrian Mateos
Adrian Mateos is the young gun from Spain who’s already a multiple WSOP winner, and in 2026 he’s dominating European and global circuits with his aggressive style that’s fun to watch and learn from. He shares a lot about his travels and preparations for events, and his breakdowns are technical but explained well, making him a good follow for aspiring pros. He’s ranked high worldwide, and his content feels fresh and international. Follow on Twitter for live updates, and look for his Instagram if he ramps it up this year.
Ethan Yau (Rampage)
Ethan Yau, better known as Rampage, is the vlogger sensation in 2026, with his YouTube and Twitch channels blowing up thanks to his high-stakes sessions and honest reactions to swings that everyone can relate to. He’s climbed the ranks fast, winning bracelets and sharing the journey, which includes bad beats and comebacks that keep you watching. If you like raw, entertaining poker content, he’s your guy, and his growth from mid-stakes to pros is inspiring. Tune into Twitter for quick clips, or Instagram for vlog teasers and personal stories.
Wrapping this up, these poker celebrities are worth your time in 2026 because they offer a blend of entertainment, education, and real talk about the game, and following them can help you stay motivated, pick up new strategies, or just enjoy the community vibes without having to hit the tables yourself every day. Of course, the poker world changes quick, so keep an eye out for rising stars too, but starting with these will give you a solid feed full of action. If you’re running a site like OnlinePokerCentral, sharing this kind of list can draw in folks searching for who to follow next—happy grinding!
