2014 WSOP: 7 Up-and-Coming Players Who Could Win Big This Summer

New stars on the horizon: this year’s poker tournament will allow some poker players to take their first step to stardom.

From May 27 until July 14, thousands of players will gather at one of the largest American poker rooms in Las Vegas for what could be the biggest poker tournament so far.

With recent gambling news announcing a total prize pool of $200 million and 100 players expected to qualify for the Main Event, the 45th annual World Series of Poker seems like the best opportunity for up-and-coming players to bring their A-game and show the world what they can do.

Only the best ones will make it to the top and while there are many fresh talents out there, some are more promising than others. Considering these players’ background, both at WSOP and at other poker tournaments, cashes and final tables, it becomes clear that many participants are due for their first bracelet.

Here are 7 rising poker stars you should keep an eye out for this year:

1. Stephen Chidwick

This player’s poker career started in 2007. Since then, Stephen Chidwick has won more than $3.6 million, both in online and live tournaments.

With 24 WSOP cashes and total earnings reaching almost $1.2 million, this British poker player seemed to be on a winning streak at last year’s edition of the tournament. Chidwick cashed in 10 events at the 2013 WSOP. He was among the top 10 players at four competitions and this is why everyone expects him to win a bracelet this summer.

2. Matt Glantz

The American poker pro is always in the race to win his first bracelet. He had a good run last year, recording three deep runs. Glantz is considered one of the best mixed-game players and he had 25 cashes at the WSOP. However, the bracelet has always escaped him somehow, but some believe 2014 will be his lucky year.

3. Mike McDonald

After the first four months of 2014 brought him an impressive $4.3 million in earnings, it looks like the Canadian native is on fire. Mike McDonald has $10 million in lifetime poker earnings now and he’s not going to stop.

The WSOP has brought him $201,000 so far, after eight cashes. Even though he hasn’t had much luck in Las Vegas, it’s worth keeping an eye out for this guy, as he competes for the Card Player’s Player of the Year title.

4. Isaac Haxton

Mostly known as an online cash-game player, Haxton is definitely one of the best professional poker players around. His talent and skill helped him earn $8.3 million in career tournament earnings. He only started competing in the WSOP six years ago and he hasn’t won a bracelet yet, but he already has 24 cashes which brought him an impressive $1.7 million.

5. Ole Schemion

The German poker player hasn’t even turned 21 yet and he’s already proved to be one of the best performers in tournament poker history. Over the past three years, the young pro has gathered $5 million in winnings. He’s also been present at European Poker Tour events.

This year, Schemion has pocketed $1.3 million so far. WSOP could be a big success for the young player, as he is currently within the top 30 in Card Player’s Player of the Year race.

6. David Peters

Born in Ohio, David Peters is known as the “silent killer”. The American player rarely talks when he’s at the poker table, but focusing on the game seems to work wonders for him, as he’s managed to rack up over $5.2 million in tournament prizes so far. His 23 WSOP cashes earned him more than $1 million and 2014 could be the year when he finally gets his first bracelet.

7. Justin Bonomo

Justin Bonomo is another promising American poker talent. He has earned more than $7.5 million during his entire career as a tournament player and $1.26 million comes from the WSOP. With 25 cashes in bracelet events and two runner-up finishes, this could be a productive year for the Los Angeles native.