Heads-Up Kings

High Stakes Internet Poker

Over the last few months I have played in the biggest heads up tournaments available on PokerStars. My minimum stake per game has been $500 and ocassionally I have played for stakes as high as $5,000. My average stake has been just over $1,300. I have had mixed fortunes, but I have certainly learnt a lot in the process. For more details, read my related blog.

The vast majority of my opponents have been tough, however a few of them stand out as players of the highest level. In general, if you respect your bankroll, I would advise you stay clear of the following Heads-Up Masters:

In alphabetical order, using the masculine gender by default (as I don't know the real identity of most of these players). If you have any suggested additions please let us know by emailing feedback@pokerverdict.com

-BBJ- A really tough opponent. Reads the game well, acts unpredicatably and holds on to his lead if he gets one. No easy chips against this guy. One of the few players I actively avoid where possible.

-db- I have only played a few times against -db- but he has always impressed me. Another who is very hard to beat without getting lucky especially if he gets a lead.

dariominieri - I have yet to have the chance to play dariominieri in a series of games but I have observed his play against other opponents and he is tough and tricky. Like leemur1, he has survived and prospered in the very biggest heads-up games. He is also able to play multiple heads-up games simaltaneously and still emerge with a profit.

leemur1 - In my opinion, leemur1 is the current Heads-Up King. He is steady but tricky, selectively aggressive and a very good reader of the game. You might beat him once with a good run of cards, but it is a big acheivement to win a session of games against him. Also, one of the most pleasant opponents. Compliments good play, happy to chat and like most top players he won't complain if the luck deserts him as he understands it is part of the game. He is also an extremely good Sit 'n' Go (SNG) player.

Ozzy87 - A well known young player who has been tearing up the cash games and SNGs ever since his 18th birthday. He is a more occassional heads up player than most of those on this list, but a very tough opponent nonetheless.

Stevesbets - Fearless player willing to take on anyone for any stakes. Varies his game from session to session so very hard to read. Read Stevesbets blog.

The Camel - London's own Keith Hawkins seems to have a big edge when it comes to Heads-Up Games and SNGs. He knows when to change gears and play aggressively but he is also patient and willing to hang tough. He doesn't give chips away, making you work to earn even the small pots - so its pretty hard to grind him down in a series of games. If you make mistakes, he will punish you. Read the Camel's Blog.

thedonator - He is not best known for his heads-up play specifically but having played a couple of series against him, I can confirm that he plays a very tough game, applying selective aggression preying on weakness. thedonator is a fantastic all-round internet tournament player and is also featured in my MTT Wizards article.

Woltas - Tough, solid, patient and dedicated enough to grind it out or doing whatever it takes to consistently profit from heads-up poker.

Youngluck - Like leemur1, Youngluck is right out of the top bracket. Very tough, very tricky and rarely prone to errors or giving away cheap chips. You need to be at your best and have the poker gods onside to beat this guy in a series of heads-up matches.