Stu Ungar

The three times WSOP Main Event champion, and possibly greatest no-limit Hold’em player of all time, was playing loose-aggressive poker before they even had a name for it.

Ungar would constantly pressurise opponents by making testing bets and pressure plays. The well-drilled Texan grinders didn’t know what had hit them.

Phil Hellmuth

Arguably perfected the 'small ball' style of play in tournaments.

He's had huge success, especially against weaker opponents, by making lots of small, testing bets. Often, if re-raised, he'll quickly fold, but he'll always back his judgement and will usually have the best hand when the big bets go in.

Daniel Negreanu

Coined the term 'small ball' for public consumption and has talked about his faith in the system.

He puts huge faith in his ability to read his opponents and is happy to play any two cards against players he has control over. This approach has made him one of the most successful players in the world.