With all of the hype that surrounds some of the more popular players during this media driven period of time, we seem to overlook some of the better players, that just keep their head down and play great without the "mugging" for the camera that we too often see. It's almost as if youdon't have the game, you can make up for it with personality. Some of the best players in the world have dropped off their game due to being too wrapped up in the camera that may be near the table they happen to be playing at. When this happens, they are too worried about their "persona" and lose focus on the game. Then we get to see the "Matusow Blow Up" or the "Hellmuth Rant". This is a shame. Why should we give these "Egos" more publicity because they can scream down an opponent when they get outplayed, or the other guy gets lucky? IMHO, I'd rather hear more about the players that can win AND lose with some class and dignity.

Scotty Nguyen has a great personality, even if he should tone down the booze at the tables. MOST of the time, he has a lot of fun while playing, and includes others in on the jokes too. He has lost some large hands to some very bad players that have gotten lucky, and keeps his emotions in check.

Brian "Devo" Devonshire may be a name that you're not familiar with, YET!!! But he has a GREAT personality at the tables, and can keep his cool in front of the camera. On an upcoming WPT (Reno I think) you'll get a chance to see him at one of his highest moments.

Michael Binger is possibly the most even keel player I have ever seen. I can put his emotional sontrol in the same breath as Phil Ivey, and his game is getting closer to that level every time I see him. He's best known for a third place finish in the WSOP-ME behind Paul Wasika and Jamie Gold, but he has one of the most consistant, and improving games I've see in a long time.

These players, along with others, bring some of the dignity back to the game I love. That's part of the game that has been deteriorating recently with the jump of internet players into the live tourney scene. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining about internet players coming into the "real" world, I just think they should take a little bit of time and learn half as much about how to act at a live table, as they know about how to calculate the implied odds.

Thoughts?