July 4, 2010 2:14:38 AM EDT
Although I think I would go with Doyle Brunson, I agree with Anthony that it is hard to name a "best" because there are so many variations of poker, and so many people have stood out in their particular game or games of choice.
I think one way to think about who would be the best is, if you could come up with a completely new variation of poker,
give all of teh contenders a rule sheet, and let them play for last person standing (sitting?) who would win?