Poker is a widely popular game that draws and accepts all participants. The game garners the attention of local players to stars in various industries like sports or entertainment celebrities.
Over the decades, numerous famous poker players have showcased their sports prowess. This article will review celebrities who fancy and indulge in poker. Dig deeper to uncover these stars.
1. Gerard Piqué
The Spanish professional footballer Gerard Piqué has highlighted his love for poker over the decades. Piqué ranks decently in the professional category, with opponents citing that he can manage his weight in a match.
He is diverse and plays this game not only professionally but for fun as well. Piqué participated in renowned tournaments back in the day and received appropriate payouts, like in a poker tournament in Barcelona where he pocketed around $6,500.
He employs some strategies, like calculating his opponents’ moves that he may have borrowed from football, and his competitive nature grants him an edge in the poker realm.
2. Neymar Jr.
Neymar is a football legend from Brazil who is adored by soccer fans globally due to his skills on the field. The soccer prodigy has also raised eyebrows in the poker scene by participating in tournaments and sometimes winning some matches.
Due to his popularity, Neymar has represented big poker brands and engaged in promotional activities. His aggressive and cunning playing style on the pitch reflects his strategy and even got him to participate in significant events such as the WSOP and European Poker Tour, where opponents sited he could be a threat.
You can also follow up on the ongoing WSOP player of the year race at legaluspokersites.com and learn more about the prizes and player calculations.
3. Michael Jordan
Any basketball fan is no stranger to the legend Michael Jordan. He is one of the best players in the Hall of Fame. The Air Jordan owner is renowned for his competitive spirit on and off the court.
Michael plays poker at home and shows some prowess in the field. He regularly plays against fellow celebrities, and a paparazzi or two have spotted him at casinos such as the Bellagio in Las Vegas.
Furthermore, the past has witnessed Jordan participate in some high stake events, including the Texas Hold’em, the most famous poker variant. At some point, he was the ambassador of popular events like the World Series of Poker. The man’s strategic thinking made him great at basketball and poker.
4. Jan Vang Sørensen
The retired striker turned professional poker player played for several teams during his days as a footballer. Some of them include FC Twente, Feyenoord, and Ajax. His most significant period, however, was when he played striker for Club Brugge.
Upon retirement at 30 due to a knee injury, Jan diverted his attention toward poker. He participated in major tournaments like the WSOP and proudly holds two coveted WSOP bracelets, a feat every player aims to achieve.
He has received over $2,180,585 throughout his career. This fact cements him as one of the best poker players globally.
5. Paul Pierce
The name of the retired NBA legend stirs a buzz when mentioned in the poker realm. Upon his retirement, Paul intensely followed his ambition to excel in poker. He participated in numerous huge events like the Illustrious WSOP.
Paul’s combination of passion, hard work, and a couple of skills he picked up while playing for the Boston Celtics have seen him finish in decent positions in high stake tournaments.
6. Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook III is a famous NBA player who hoops for the Los Angeles Clippers. He gained various awards with his former team, the Oklahoma City Thunders. This superstar also enjoys playing a classic game of poker.
His passion for the game led him to kickstart his poker career, making him participate in several events. One of his spectacular highlights was beating famous golfer Tiger Woods in a WPT event sponsored by the latter.
7. Tony Parker
The famous European basketballer ranks as one of the best point yards of the game. Throughout his career, Tony played for the Spurs proving to be the cornerstone of the team’s success.
He retired in 2019 and took an interest in poker. He participated in several events, including the WSOP which he has yet to win any bracelet. Furthermore, he founded the Tony Parker Poker Club in Texas for fans to come and indulge.
8. Teddy Sheringham
The former forward footballer who played for big teams in the English Premier League like Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur also had a skill for poker. Before being sacked, he was a manager for a football club, Stevenage.
Though his football career may have taken an unfortunate turn of events, his poker career took a life of its own. Upon his retirement, Teddy made some significant moves in poker.
He participated in several tournaments and events like the WSOP, EPT, and the Grosvenor United Kingdom Poker Tour (GUKPT), collecting an average of $329,475. He has never won the coveted WSOP bracelet but has had great success in the game.
9. Tony Cascarino
He is a famous footballer who played for big teams like Marseille and Chelsea. He similarly played for the national team of the Republic of Ireland, where he proceeded to complete the UEFA Euro 1988. Additionally, he won two World Cups in 1990 and 1994.
He had a successful football career, and upon his retirement, he sought more achievements in the poker scene. While he may not be the most outstanding player when ranked with other professionals, his participation in specific tournaments gained him popularity in this game.
He played in the WSOP, GUKPT, and the Irish Poker Open in 2009, reaching the main event’s final table. Throughout his career, he gained approximately $595,809.
Conclusion
Poker is a fun sport, whether simply for fun or professionally. It is simple to play once you learn the rules. However, to become extremely good, you have to put in the work. Celebrities are no exception to this fantastic sport, with stars like Michael Jordan and Neymar featuring the player list.
