The Greatest Duplicate Bridge Player of All Time.

In duplicate bridge there’s no universally agreed-upon “greatest of all time,” but a handful of players are consistently mentioned at the very top. Here are the names that almost always rise to the top of expert opinion:

🏆 Best All-Around Candidates

Bob Hamman (USA) — Most commonly cited GOAT

• Often called “the Michael Jordan of bridge.”

• Dominated world championships for decades.

• Known for unmatched table feel, discipline, and consistency.

• His partnership with Bobby Wolff is legendary.

• Regarded as the most feared and respected player of the modern era.

Benito Garozzo (Italy) — Technical genius & Blue Team legend

• Core member of Italy’s famed Blue Team, which crushed world bridge for nearly 20 years.

• Architect of several advanced bidding systems (including precision variants).

• Revered for technical accuracy and system mastery.

Giorgio Belladonna (Italy) — The artistic counterpart to Garozzo

• Known for brilliant card play and daring judgment.

• Paired with Garozzo in the world’s most famous long-term partnership.

🥇 Other Elite Contenders

• Zia Mahmood — charismatic superstar, incredible declarer play.

• Jeff Meckstroth & Eric Rodwell (“Meckwell”) — the most successful long-term partnership in history.

• Eddie Kantar — a legendary teacher and writer in addition to a superb player.

⭐ Short Answer

If you ask 100 experts, Bob Hamman is the name you’ll hear most often for “greatest duplicate bridge player.”
If you ask who had the “best partnership,” it’s usually Garozzo & Belladonna or Meckwell.