Both blues icons... both greatly skilled... the only argument that I can justify between the two is that EC came first.... But I have never seen someone play quite like Stevie... the emotion oozes out of him. Clapton can have moments like this... but Stevie can sustain it for an entire set. They both have great chops and both can build a mean groove... its really a toss up in my eyes. I have been listening to more Stevie lately though... and I am more inspired by his stuff... perhaps because the history of his life.... but either way... I would say Stevie gets my vote for now. Eric is obviously the more widely known and iconic though...