All these players are high stakes players. I think you're underestimating the fun factor. As for reputation. For a poker player having a reputation as being beatable is a profitable thing to have.
>but they aren't the best of the best.
Who do you think is? Like how many people do you think rank above this group at HUNL?
Or any of these people: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_World_Series_of_Poker_...
If someone asked you who the best mobile app developers were in the world, your list should comprise solely of mobile app developers.
Jamie Gold won the WSOP, but he's a pretty bad player.
Same as in programming. There are some great programmers that we all know and that are public figures. But the absolute best? Probably making high 7 figures working in a dark room somewhere.
They aren't the best since I think that probably is safely in Polks hands but they are near the best.