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10. Phil Ivey
Sport: Poker
Career Highlights: As a 23-year-old kid, Ivey won his first World Series of Poker Bracelet, defeating legends Phil Hellmuth and Amarillo Slim in a Pot-Limit Omaha tournament in 2000. In 2002, he won three WSOP bracelets in a year, tying a record held by only Hellmuth and poker great Ted Forrest. Ivey, reluctantly known as the "Tiger Woods of Poker", has also won several tournaments on the World Poker Tour circuit.
So, why are his opponents scared of him? Ivey is young, hip and unflappable. He has the idolization of those younger than him and the respect of his elders. Michael Craig describes Ivey in his sensational new book The Professor, The Banker and the Suicide King as a competitor with, "aggressive style, outer cool and habit of dominating tournaments with multiple wins." No silly sunglasses, no gimmicks — Ivey is just all business, all the time. In a heads-up game of poker, Phil Ivey is likely the last person you'd want to see staring at you from across the felt table.
9. Roger Federer
Sport: Men's Tennis
Career Highlights: Only 24, Federer has already notched six career Grand Slam victories, 33 singles tournament titles and seven doubles tournament wins. He's won at Wimbledon three years in a row. In the first 10 months of this year alone, he made $5,317,018 in prize money. Federer also holds a tournament-era record of 24 consecutive finals appearances.
So, why are his opponents scared of him? Federer is not only the best tennis player alive — but he's quite possibly the greatest ever. And, oh yeah, let us reiterate — he's only 24. His forehand is one of the best in the game; his backhand is widely regarded as unstoppable, and his serve is nearly flawless. Always stoic, Federer shows little emotion in dismantling his opponents weekend after weekend, tournament after tournament. Just ask Andy Roddick. The American has a career record of 1-9 versus the Swiss tennis star. To be certain, there's never been a question as to where Roger Federer's "mojo" is.
8. Reggie Bush
Sport: College Football
Career Highlights: The USC running back is one of the most dynamic players in college football. Over his three-year career, Bush has produced touchdowns via rushing, receiving, kickoff returning, punt returning and passing. A Heisman Trophy finalist in 2004, he's the odds-on-favorite to win the award this year. His 160 yards rushing, three touchdowns and controversial "push" of Matt Leinart in this season's epic USC-Notre Dame game only helped those chances.
So, why are his opponents scared of him? You've got to feel terrible for any and all defensive backs on the other side of the field when USC's on offense. If Bush doesn't run past you, the 200-pound machine is going to run over you. Described as half Barry Sanders, half LaDainian Tomlinson (how's that for a compliment), he's rushed for more than 100 yards in all but one game this year. Trying to tackle Bush in the open field — that's one nightmarish task. Trying to catch up to him once he's blown by you, well, that's pretty much impossible.
7. Rafer Alston, aka Skip 2 My Lou
Sport: Basketball
Career Highlights: A 5-year NBA veteran out of Fresno State, Alston has hit clutch shots (ie. Miami vs. Dallas, 2004), served as a reliable guard off the bench and ranked as high as eighth in 3-point field goals made in a season (2003-04).
So, why are his opponents scared of him? Because Rafer Alston will make you look like a fool. One of the flashiest ball handlers to ever play the game, Alston is a veteran of the And 1 tour. Known for his signature moves and ability to make the ball look like it's attached by a string to his hand, Skip 2 My Lou is one of the most storied names in streetball lore. His moves have been made legendary through And 1's mix tapes and the ESPN 2 program "Streetball."
Alston's presence on the playground was described in the June 13th issue of Sports Illustrated. Alexander Wolff writes, "At one point, Skip uses an Isiah rollback dribble to shake loose for a three-pointer; elsewhere, at the end of a break, he unfurls a Gervinesque finger roll. Even his nickname has a nursery-rhyme innocence. (Rucker man-on-the-mike Duke Tango coined it, shouting out 'Skip, skip, skip to my Lou!' after Alston embarked on an exuberant, high-stepping gallivant in the open floor, an example of which is a high point of Volume One.) Berger and Gilbert love a Reebok commercial featuring a fictional Chicago playground legend named Lamar Mundane, and an And1 TV ad based on the Skip footage paid homage to that sensibility: A fence-side spectator describes Alston as being "soft as medicated cotton, tender as a mother's prayer and cold as a pimp's heart."
Now, imagine trying to cover the guy one-on-one.
6. Takeru Kobayashi
Sport: Competitive Eating
Takeru Kobayashi is quite simply an eating machine. (Samantha Sin / Getty Images)
Career Highlights: The five-time winner of the Nathan's Famous frankfurter eating contest held each Fourth of July at Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York. In 2004, he broke a contest record, eating 59 hot dogs in 12 minutes. In 2002, he won Fox's Glutton Bowl 1, and in 2003, he just barely lost to a Kodiak bear in a hot dog eating contest on Fox's Man vs. Beast program.
So, why are his opponents scared of him? Have you seen this guy?! Only 131 pounds, Kobayashi is an eating machine. The legend of the sport (and yes, this is a sport!) uses the innovative "Solomon Method" technique when digesting his dogs. A master of the eating style, Koboyashi breaks each hot dog in two, then stuffs both halves in his mouth at once. NFL great William "Refrigerator" Perry tried taking a stab at Koboyashi in 2003 but failed miserably. The 1985 Super Bowl star ate four hot dogs in the competition; Kobayashi had 44 1/2
5. Jeanette Lee aka "The Black Widow"
Sport: Pool
Career Highlights: One of the world's top-ranked pool players, Jeanette Lee received the prestigious WPBA Sportsperson of the Year Award in 1998 and was nominated for the award in '95 and '97. She's won a Gold Medal for the USA at the 2001 Akita World Games in Japan, the '03 Ladies Tournament of Champions and the '04 Ladies Trick Shot Championship.
So, why are her opponents so scared of her? When you think of your average pool player, an overweight guy in overalls singing George Thorogood tunes at the local bar probably comes to mind. Jeanette Lee offers a somewhat different vision. Nevertheless, she's just as horrifying a sight for her competitors. "The Black Widow" is all business and widely considered the most famous pool player in the world. It's not just because of her stunning looks, though. As her website explains, "Jeanette's nickname is 'The Black Widow' because of her known ability to devour opponents, along with her custom of wearing only black during tournaments." Devour opponents? Yikes.
4. Ed Hochuli
Sport: Professional Football
Career Highlights: One of the most distinguished referees in the NFL, Hochuli has officiated in several big games: Super Bowl XXXII in San Diego, the 2003 AFC Championship Game and a Sunday Night football game this season in Mexico City, Mexico. He's also the head of the NFL Referees Association.
So, why are his opponents so scared of him? No players mess with this guy. No "three blind mice" jokes, no complaints, nothing. They can't — the dude's bigger than half of them! Hochuli is likely the most jacked up ref/umpire in sports history. He's also one of the most respected. When he's not calling holding penalties and flashing his signature left-handed first-down signal, Hochuli is an active guy in the community and a grandfather of five. He also has a law degree from the University of Arizona. Insert your own clever "laying down the law" joke here __________.
3. Inzaman-ul-Haq
Sport: Cricket
Career Highlights: Pakistan's team captain is considered one of the greatest batsmen in the world. In 1992, he scored 60 in 37 balls against New Zealand in the semifinal of the World Cup to almost single-handedly win the match for his national squad. He also scored the 12th highest score by a batsman (329) against New Zealand in Lehore for a Test match in 2001-02.
So, why are his opponents so scared of him? Inzaman is an absolute giant in the cricket world. After a win over England in 2000, teammate Waqar Younis said of Inzaman-ul-Haq, "We worked really hard. Especially Inzy; he's probably the best player in the world at the moment." But, "Inzy's" style is quite unique. Not exactly the symbol for fitness in the sport, the hefty batsman is known for a surprisingly soft touch. Think David Ortiz as a slap singles hitter. Nearly impossible to get out, the thought of Inzaman-ul-Haq keeps opposing bowlers up late at night.
2. Johnathan Wendel, aka "Fatal1ty"
Sport: Video Games
Career Highlights: A member of the Cyberathlete Professional League (yes, this exists) since 1999, Wendel won two world Quake III championships in a month, earning him a total of $44,000. According to his website, "(Wendel) presently reigns as the only three-time CPL Champion of the Year, winning each, annual title in a different game, a feat never before accomplished." Cool.
So, why are his opponents so scared of him? Believe it or not, there are thousands of professional video game players around the globe. Known as "cyberathletes," these characters earn hundreds of thousands of dollars a year doing what hungover college kids do on Sunday mornings for a living. Wendel, whose "handle" is "Fatal1ty," is the nastiest one of all. In an October 10th article in Business Week, we learn, "In this new world, Johnathan Wendel is the undisputed star. Over a period of five years, he has won more tournaments and pulled in more prize money than any other player, a total that has now topped $350,000. Girl gamers buzz about him at matches, like a group of Swedish players in Barcelona this summer. And boys idolize him. "He's so good," says Iisakki "Beam" Ahonen, an up-and-coming 17-year-old Finn player. 'I want to be like him — to travel and compete in tournaments and make a living at it.'" He's pretty much the Matt Leinart/Derek Jeter/Jason from "Laguna Beach" of the video-game world. Girls want him, and guys want to be him. And yet, no one wants to face him one-on-one.
1. Mike Tyson
Sport: Boxing
Career Highlights: A former WBA, IBF and WBC heavyweight champion, Tyson notched 44 knockouts over a 20-year career. At age 20, he knocked out Trevor Berbick to become the youngest WBC heavyweight titleholder of all time. In 2003, he was named by Ring Magazine at No. 16 among its 100 Greatest Punchers of All Time List.
So, why are his opponents so scared of him? Sure, Tyson retired on June 11 after an embarrassing loss to no-name Danny Williams. And yes, his best days are long behind him. But, regardless of that, he's still No. 1 on this list. Why? Because after he bit Evander Holyfield's ear off in the summer of 1997, Tyson ensured his permanent place in this spot for the next 200 years. Think about it. Is there any amount of money that would convince you to get in the ring with this guy?
Didn't think so.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#6 Takeru Kobayashi on mun idoli
10. Phil Ivey
Sport: Poker
Career Highlights: As a 23-year-old kid, Ivey won his first World Series of Poker Bracelet, defeating legends Phil Hellmuth and Amarillo Slim in a Pot-Limit Omaha tournament in 2000. In 2002, he won three WSOP bracelets in a year, tying a record held by only Hellmuth and poker great Ted Forrest. Ivey, reluctantly known as the "Tiger Woods of Poker", has also won several tournaments on the World Poker Tour circuit.
So, why are his opponents scared of him? Ivey is young, hip and unflappable. He has the idolization of those younger than him and the respect of his elders. Michael Craig describes Ivey in his sensational new book The Professor, The Banker and the Suicide King as a competitor with, "aggressive style, outer cool and habit of dominating tournaments with multiple wins." No silly sunglasses, no gimmicks — Ivey is just all business, all the time. In a heads-up game of poker, Phil Ivey is likely the last person you'd want to see staring at you from across the felt table.
9. Roger Federer
Sport: Men's Tennis
Career Highlights: Only 24, Federer has already notched six career Grand Slam victories, 33 singles tournament titles and seven doubles tournament wins. He's won at Wimbledon three years in a row. In the first 10 months of this year alone, he made $5,317,018 in prize money. Federer also holds a tournament-era record of 24 consecutive finals appearances.
So, why are his opponents scared of him? Federer is not only the best tennis player alive — but he's quite possibly the greatest ever. And, oh yeah, let us reiterate — he's only 24. His forehand is one of the best in the game; his backhand is widely regarded as unstoppable, and his serve is nearly flawless. Always stoic, Federer shows little emotion in dismantling his opponents weekend after weekend, tournament after tournament. Just ask Andy Roddick. The American has a career record of 1-9 versus the Swiss tennis star. To be certain, there's never been a question as to where Roger Federer's "mojo" is.
8. Reggie Bush
Sport: College Football
Career Highlights: The USC running back is one of the most dynamic players in college football. Over his three-year career, Bush has produced touchdowns via rushing, receiving, kickoff returning, punt returning and passing. A Heisman Trophy finalist in 2004, he's the odds-on-favorite to win the award this year. His 160 yards rushing, three touchdowns and controversial "push" of Matt Leinart in this season's epic USC-Notre Dame game only helped those chances.
So, why are his opponents scared of him? You've got to feel terrible for any and all defensive backs on the other side of the field when USC's on offense. If Bush doesn't run past you, the 200-pound machine is going to run over you. Described as half Barry Sanders, half LaDainian Tomlinson (how's that for a compliment), he's rushed for more than 100 yards in all but one game this year. Trying to tackle Bush in the open field — that's one nightmarish task. Trying to catch up to him once he's blown by you, well, that's pretty much impossible.
7. Rafer Alston, aka Skip 2 My Lou
Sport: Basketball
Career Highlights: A 5-year NBA veteran out of Fresno State, Alston has hit clutch shots (ie. Miami vs. Dallas, 2004), served as a reliable guard off the bench and ranked as high as eighth in 3-point field goals made in a season (2003-04).
So, why are his opponents scared of him? Because Rafer Alston will make you look like a fool. One of the flashiest ball handlers to ever play the game, Alston is a veteran of the And 1 tour. Known for his signature moves and ability to make the ball look like it's attached by a string to his hand, Skip 2 My Lou is one of the most storied names in streetball lore. His moves have been made legendary through And 1's mix tapes and the ESPN 2 program "Streetball."
Alston's presence on the playground was described in the June 13th issue of Sports Illustrated. Alexander Wolff writes, "At one point, Skip uses an Isiah rollback dribble to shake loose for a three-pointer; elsewhere, at the end of a break, he unfurls a Gervinesque finger roll. Even his nickname has a nursery-rhyme innocence. (Rucker man-on-the-mike Duke Tango coined it, shouting out 'Skip, skip, skip to my Lou!' after Alston embarked on an exuberant, high-stepping gallivant in the open floor, an example of which is a high point of Volume One.) Berger and Gilbert love a Reebok commercial featuring a fictional Chicago playground legend named Lamar Mundane, and an And1 TV ad based on the Skip footage paid homage to that sensibility: A fence-side spectator describes Alston as being "soft as medicated cotton, tender as a mother's prayer and cold as a pimp's heart."
Now, imagine trying to cover the guy one-on-one.
6. Takeru Kobayashi
Sport: Competitive Eating
Takeru Kobayashi is quite simply an eating machine. (Samantha Sin / Getty Images)
Career Highlights: The five-time winner of the Nathan's Famous frankfurter eating contest held each Fourth of July at Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York. In 2004, he broke a contest record, eating 59 hot dogs in 12 minutes. In 2002, he won Fox's Glutton Bowl 1, and in 2003, he just barely lost to a Kodiak bear in a hot dog eating contest on Fox's Man vs. Beast program.
So, why are his opponents scared of him? Have you seen this guy?! Only 131 pounds, Kobayashi is an eating machine. The legend of the sport (and yes, this is a sport!) uses the innovative "Solomon Method" technique when digesting his dogs. A master of the eating style, Koboyashi breaks each hot dog in two, then stuffs both halves in his mouth at once. NFL great William "Refrigerator" Perry tried taking a stab at Koboyashi in 2003 but failed miserably. The 1985 Super Bowl star ate four hot dogs in the competition; Kobayashi had 44 1/2
5. Jeanette Lee aka "The Black Widow"
Sport: Pool
Career Highlights: One of the world's top-ranked pool players, Jeanette Lee received the prestigious WPBA Sportsperson of the Year Award in 1998 and was nominated for the award in '95 and '97. She's won a Gold Medal for the USA at the 2001 Akita World Games in Japan, the '03 Ladies Tournament of Champions and the '04 Ladies Trick Shot Championship.
So, why are her opponents so scared of her? When you think of your average pool player, an overweight guy in overalls singing George Thorogood tunes at the local bar probably comes to mind. Jeanette Lee offers a somewhat different vision. Nevertheless, she's just as horrifying a sight for her competitors. "The Black Widow" is all business and widely considered the most famous pool player in the world. It's not just because of her stunning looks, though. As her website explains, "Jeanette's nickname is 'The Black Widow' because of her known ability to devour opponents, along with her custom of wearing only black during tournaments." Devour opponents? Yikes.
4. Ed Hochuli
Sport: Professional Football
Career Highlights: One of the most distinguished referees in the NFL, Hochuli has officiated in several big games: Super Bowl XXXII in San Diego, the 2003 AFC Championship Game and a Sunday Night football game this season in Mexico City, Mexico. He's also the head of the NFL Referees Association.
So, why are his opponents so scared of him? No players mess with this guy. No "three blind mice" jokes, no complaints, nothing. They can't — the dude's bigger than half of them! Hochuli is likely the most jacked up ref/umpire in sports history. He's also one of the most respected. When he's not calling holding penalties and flashing his signature left-handed first-down signal, Hochuli is an active guy in the community and a grandfather of five. He also has a law degree from the University of Arizona. Insert your own clever "laying down the law" joke here __________.
3. Inzaman-ul-Haq
Sport: Cricket
Career Highlights: Pakistan's team captain is considered one of the greatest batsmen in the world. In 1992, he scored 60 in 37 balls against New Zealand in the semifinal of the World Cup to almost single-handedly win the match for his national squad. He also scored the 12th highest score by a batsman (329) against New Zealand in Lehore for a Test match in 2001-02.
So, why are his opponents so scared of him? Inzaman is an absolute giant in the cricket world. After a win over England in 2000, teammate Waqar Younis said of Inzaman-ul-Haq, "We worked really hard. Especially Inzy; he's probably the best player in the world at the moment." But, "Inzy's" style is quite unique. Not exactly the symbol for fitness in the sport, the hefty batsman is known for a surprisingly soft touch. Think David Ortiz as a slap singles hitter. Nearly impossible to get out, the thought of Inzaman-ul-Haq keeps opposing bowlers up late at night.
2. Johnathan Wendel, aka "Fatal1ty"
Sport: Video Games
Career Highlights: A member of the Cyberathlete Professional League (yes, this exists) since 1999, Wendel won two world Quake III championships in a month, earning him a total of $44,000. According to his website, "(Wendel) presently reigns as the only three-time CPL Champion of the Year, winning each, annual title in a different game, a feat never before accomplished." Cool.
So, why are his opponents so scared of him? Believe it or not, there are thousands of professional video game players around the globe. Known as "cyberathletes," these characters earn hundreds of thousands of dollars a year doing what hungover college kids do on Sunday mornings for a living. Wendel, whose "handle" is "Fatal1ty," is the nastiest one of all. In an October 10th article in Business Week, we learn, "In this new world, Johnathan Wendel is the undisputed star. Over a period of five years, he has won more tournaments and pulled in more prize money than any other player, a total that has now topped $350,000. Girl gamers buzz about him at matches, like a group of Swedish players in Barcelona this summer. And boys idolize him. "He's so good," says Iisakki "Beam" Ahonen, an up-and-coming 17-year-old Finn player. 'I want to be like him — to travel and compete in tournaments and make a living at it.'" He's pretty much the Matt Leinart/Derek Jeter/Jason from "Laguna Beach" of the video-game world. Girls want him, and guys want to be him. And yet, no one wants to face him one-on-one.
1. Mike Tyson
Sport: Boxing
Career Highlights: A former WBA, IBF and WBC heavyweight champion, Tyson notched 44 knockouts over a 20-year career. At age 20, he knocked out Trevor Berbick to become the youngest WBC heavyweight titleholder of all time. In 2003, he was named by Ring Magazine at No. 16 among its 100 Greatest Punchers of All Time List.
So, why are his opponents so scared of him? Sure, Tyson retired on June 11 after an embarrassing loss to no-name Danny Williams. And yes, his best days are long behind him. But, regardless of that, he's still No. 1 on this list. Why? Because after he bit Evander Holyfield's ear off in the summer of 1997, Tyson ensured his permanent place in this spot for the next 200 years. Think about it. Is there any amount of money that would convince you to get in the ring with this guy?
Didn't think so.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#6 Takeru Kobayashi on mun idoli
