So hard to narrow it down, as it almost seems luda-kris to put Eddie Van Halen and Chet Atkins on the same list. I realize it's "your favorite", and not claiming who you think is the best, but I can't help but try and put them in categories. For instance, my favorite music is straightforward, bass driven rock and roll. Needs a little funk to it. Has to have some killer lead licks. That makes some of my favs:
Nuno Bettancourt
Joe Perry
Angus Young
Michael Shenker
Slash
A couple of guys that I consider some of the most talented, and versatile guitarists, that I love listening to are Joe Bonamassa and John Mayer.
As for Chet, got the privilege of seeing him live in Montgomery. He collaborated with Jerry Reed on an album, and Mark Knopfler on another. Unbelievable guitar work.