Daniel Negreanu, known worldwide as “KidPoker,” has not only dominated poker tables with his sharp reads and aggressive style, but he has also proven to be a passionate gamer. Although his career is marked by triumphs in tournaments like the World Series of Poker (WSOP) and the World Poker Tour, he dedicates his free time and routine to games that combine strategy, competition, and fun. Among his favorites are three standout titles: Hearthstone, NHL, and FIFA. These games not only entertain him but also reflect key aspects of his personality and competitive mindset.
Hearthstone: the card game that captivated KidPoker
Hearthstone, Blizzard’s digital card game based on the World of Warcraft universe, has been one of Daniel Negreanu’s most-played titles on stream. His affinity for the game is no coincidence: Hearthstone demands calculation, play reading, resource management, and anticipation—skills Negreanu has honed over decades at the poker table.
For Daniel Negreanu, Hearthstone is more than a collectible card game. It is a strategic obsession that found a place in his life. He was introduced to Hearthstone in Monte Carlo when fellow poker players began discussing the game’s strategic depth. They claimed it offered more variables and tactics than chess or poker. Intrigued, Negreanu downloaded the game that night. His quick curiosity turned into a marathon session of over eleven hours, which led him to skip a party. From that moment on, he became an active player.
In various streams and interviews, Daniel Negreanu has shared his enthusiasm for Hearthstone, highlighting how it allows him to apply strategic thinking in a setting different from poker. He’s even featured in compilations of his best moments in the game, where he’s seen enjoying himself, reacting with humor, and demonstrating his ability to adapt to unexpected situations.
What attracted Negreanu to Hearthstone was fundamentally its nature as a strategy game based on intricate decisions, very similar to poker in its purest form. However, unlike chess—where the superior player almost always wins—Hearthstone incorporates an element of luck or randomness (RNG – Random Number Generator), which, far from bothering him, he considers essential for success and enjoyment. This perspective, born from years at the poker table, allows him to embrace randomness as a factor that levels the playing field and makes the game more exciting and unpredictable.
Additionally, what Daniel enjoys most about Hearthstone is the need to build smart decks, read opponents, and make decisions under pressure. For Negreanu, each match is an opportunity to sharpen his mind, as if he were at a poker final table. Moreover, the game’s random component reminds him that, like in poker, not everything is under control—and that keeps him motivated.
His passion for Hearthstone led him to compete in an exhibition match on the main stage of BlizzCon 2015, the game’s world championship. His opponent was Bertrand “ElkY” Grospellier, another successful poker player with over $10 million in earnings. Grospellier is also a former eSports professional in StarCraft and Warcraft III. Against all odds, and hoping simply “not to look stupid and get crushed,” Negreanu won the showmatch 3-1. Both he and the fans found this victory astonishing and rewarding. That experience on the main stage, under the lights and in front of a massive audience, was one of Daniel’s most fun and thrilling moments outside of poker.
NHL: a passion for hockey and competitive sports
As a Canadian, Negreanu grew up surrounded by ice hockey, and his love for the sport is reflected in his preference for EA Sports’ NHL series. This video game allows him to connect with his roots, relive sports moments, and compete in a dynamic and tactical environment.
Unlike Hearthstone, where long-term strategy and managing imperfect information are key, NHL’s appeal lies in its fast-paced action, split-second decision-making, and skill-based execution. While poker and Hearthstone are played with cards, the virtual hockey rink is all about precise passes, powerful shots, and physical plays. This change of pace is refreshing and stimulating for Negreanu.
Daniel Negreanu has often said he enjoys NHL for both its action and strategy. He likes controlling the pace, planning plays, and facing players online. For him, it’s not just about scoring. It’s about understanding team dynamics, reading opponents, and executing with precision. Daniel says this game lets him disconnect from complex calculations and immerse himself in a flow of action. Here, reflexes and real tactical knowledge are essential.
Moreover, NHL offers Daniel a way to relax without losing his competitive edge. In his streams, he’s seen celebrating goals with enthusiasm, commenting on plays, and sharing anecdotes about his favorite teams. This game represents his more playful side, but without abandoning his winner’s mindset.
FIFA: soccer, strategy, and global fun
Another of Daniel Negreanu’s favorite video games is FIFA, the world’s most popular soccer simulator. Although poker and soccer may seem worlds apart, Negreanu finds in FIFA a way to apply his tactical vision and love for competition. In FIFA, Negreanu enjoys building teams, designing formations, and facing other players online. He’s drawn to the ability to control every aspect of the game—from attacking style to defense, including player and resource management. This planning ability connects directly with his poker approach, where every decision matters.
Additionally, FIFA allows him to interact with a global community, something he deeply values. Negreanu has commented that playing against people from different countries reminds him of the diversity of the poker circuit, where each opponent brings a unique culture and style.
What do Hearthstone, NHL, and FIFA have in common?
Although they belong to different genres—cards, sports, and simulation—Daniel Negreanu’s three favorite video games share key elements that explain his preference. In all of them, the player must react quickly and choose the best option in real time, making them pressure-based decision games. Whether in a card match or a soccer game, anticipating the opponent’s moves is essential, requiring strategic foresight.
Additionally, they all involve resource management—from building a deck in Hearthstone to managing a team in FIFA—Negreanu enjoys optimizing every element. All three games offer direct competition through online matchups, feeding his competitive spirit. And it’s not just about playing—it’s about learning, improving, and enjoying the process.
A strategic mind across multiple formats
Negreanu’s choice of video games reveals a lot about him. He’s not just a poker player; he’s a strategist seeking mental challenges in various formats. Hearthstone lets him explore card logic, NHL connects him with his passion for sports, and FIFA offers a global tactical experience.
Daniel’s presence on platforms like Twitch and YouTube has allowed his followers to see him in action—not just in poker tournaments but also in video game matches. This facet humanizes him, bringing him closer to new audiences and showing that gaming, in all its forms, is an essential part of his life.
What do you think about this topic? Want to learn more about Daniel Negreanu?
If you want to find the best poker deals, visit the following link to contact us.
