Five Legendary Poker Backers Who Changed the Game

Poker has seen its fair share of legendary figures, but few have made as significant an impact as the backers who have supported and sponsored top players. These individuals have not only helped players achieve success but have also shaped the industry through their innovative approaches and generous backing.

Mike McDonald

Mike McDonald, a well-known high roller, started sponsoring poker players as early as 2010. He launched the PokerShares website in early 2017, where users can buy shares of top poker players or bet on notable poker events. This platform has revolutionized the way backing agreements are handled, providing a more transparent and efficient system for both players and backers.

Cliff Josephy

Cliff Josephy, a 52-year-old poker professional, co-founded one of the most famous backing empires, 'Bax and Sheets,' with Eric Haber. Their backing fund had around 70 permanent players at its peak, and they were known for offering full backing in both online and offline tournaments. Their success stories include players like Joe Cada, who won the main event at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in 2009.

Maxim Katz

Maxim Katz, a notorious figure in the Russian poker community, became the first champion of Russia in poker. He transitioned from being an active player to a prominent backer, creating a large fund that supported players like Vladimir Kochelaevsky and David Vamplew. Katz's backing fund achieved notable successes, including Vladimir Kochelaevsky reaching the heads-up stage at a WSOP tournament and David Vamplew winning an EPT event in London.