10 Pro Athletes Who Have Also Taken Part in Pro Poker Tournaments
Professional sports and real money poker may seem different in every way, but multiple athletes have tried their luck at the table. Their physicality isn’t helpful when the cards are dealt, but their ability to stay calm under pressure and make high-pressure decisions does cross over.
We’ve looked at our favorite ten athletes who gave real money poker a whirl, and it’s fair to say there were differing levels of success.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is a Portuguese soccer player who has won numerous titles throughout his career, including five Ballon d’Or awards. He has demonstrated his poker skills by participating in multiple tournaments.
Ronaldo has participated in the European Poker Tour and even won a charity poker tournament in 2015. He has also played in the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event, finishing 26th place in 2017 and winning over $40,000.
Off the field, Ronaldo has been known to play in high-stakes cash games and has been spotted at some of the world’s most exclusive poker rooms.
2. Neymar Jr.
Neymar Jr. is a Brazilian soccer player who has won numerous titles throughout his career, including the Olympic gold medal in 2016. He is no stranger to the world of poker, having taken part in numerous tournaments.
Neymar Jr. has played in the Brazilian Series of Poker and has even won a tournament in São Paulo. He has also played in the WSOP Main Event, finishing in the money in 2015.
When not on the football field, Neymar Jr. can often be found playing in high-stakes cash games. He has even been sponsored by PokerStars since 2015, showcasing his skill and passion for the game of poker.
3. Boris Becker
Boris Becker is a retired German tennis player who has won numerous titles throughout his career, including six Grand Slam titles. He is also an accomplished poker player and has participated in several tournaments.
Becker has won several poker tournaments, including the 2009 European Poker Tour Celebrity Challenge. He has also played in the WSOP Main Event and has finished in the money on several occasions.
He also worked as a poker commentator for German television and has been known as a longtime poker fan.
4. Paul Pierce
Paul Pierce is a retired American basketball player who has won numerous titles throughout his career, including an NBA championship in 2008. He has successfully crossed over into the world of poker, competing in several tournaments with great success.
Pierce has played in the WSOP Main Event and won a tournament in Las Vegas. He has also been known to play in high-stakes cash games and has been sponsored by 888poker.
When not on the basketball court, Pierce has shown his love for the game of poker by hosting charity tournaments. Additionally, he has also shared his knowledge and expertise as a poker commentator for ESPN.
5. Fatima Moreira de Melo
Fatima Moreira de Melo is a retired Dutch field hockey player who has won numerous titles throughout her career, including three Olympic medals.
In addition to her athletic achievements, Moreira de Melo has made a name for herself in the world of poker. She has won multiple tournaments, including the Dutch Open in 2010, and has performed well in the WSOP, finishing in the money without difficulties.
Moreira de Melo’s poker skills have earned her sponsorship from PokerStars. She has also shared her knowledge and expertise as a poker commentator for Dutch television, further establishing herself as a prominent figure in both sports and poker communities.
5. Gerard Pique
Gerard Pique is a Spanish soccer player who has won numerous titles throughout his career, including the World Cup in 2010. His poker proficiency is evident through his participation in several tournaments.
Pique has participated in the European Poker Tour and made it to the final table of a tournament in Barcelona. With impressive performances, he’s also earned recognition in the WSOP, finishing in the money almost always.
His dedication to the game has earned him sponsorship from PokerStars since 2017, cementing his position as a force to be reckoned with in the world of professional poker.
7. Michael Phelps
Michael Phelps is a retired American swimmer who has won 28 Olympic medals, including 23 gold medals. In addition to his athletic achievements, he has also made a name for himself in the poker world by participating in multiple tournaments.
Phelps has played in the WSOP and has finished in the money several times. He has also played in high-stakes cash games and has been known to take part in celebrity poker tournaments.
Off the pool, Phelps has been sponsored by PokerStars and has worked as a poker commentator for ESPN.
8. Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal is a Spanish tennis player who has won numerous titles throughout his career, including 20 Grand Slam titles. As a multi-talented athlete, he has also made a name for himself in the world of professional poker.
Nadal has played in the European Poker Tour and has even won a charity poker tournament in Prague. He has also played in the WSOP and has finished in the money with ease.
PokerStars has been sponsoring Nadal since 2012, a testament to his skill and dedication to the game.
9. Tony Cascarino
Tony Cascarino, a retired Irish soccer player who played for several English clubs throughout his career, has proven himself to be a skilled poker player as well. Along with his numerous athletic achievements, he has participated in various poker tournaments and has demonstrated his proficiency in the game.
Cascarino’s success in poker includes a victory at the Irish Poker Open in Paris, as well as multiple finishes in the money at the WSOP.
He also authored a book detailing his experiences playing poker, further establishing his reputation as a respected figure in the world of professional poker.
10. Carl Froch
Carl Froch is a retired British boxer who has won numerous titles throughout his career, including the WBA super-middleweight title. He is also a respected poker player and has participated in many tournaments.
Froch has played in the UK & Ireland Poker Tour and won a tournament in Nottingham. He has also played in the WSOP and has finished in the money several times.
Off the ring, Froch worked as a poker commentator for Sky Sports and talked a lot about his love for the game of poker.
In conclusion, these 10 pro athletes have proven that they are not only skilled in their respective sports but also in the game of poker.
Their ability to strategize and make quick decisions has allowed them to excel in both arenas. Whether it is for charity or personal enjoyment, it’s clear that these athletes have a real passion for the game of poker.
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