List of Top 10 Sports Players Who Play Poker
Poker may not be as physically demanding as the other sports of this world but there are similarities. Its strategic nature, mental stimulation and competitiveness is alluring to the sports stars of this world.
While some professional athletes may need some downtime during their off seasons, the competitive nature of others presupposes that they engage in a game that mirrors what they do on a professional level to keep their minds sharp.
Many sports players are regular on some of the best online betting sites, known for hosting top-tier poker games and providing a platform for high-stakes action. Here, we take a look at the top 10 sports stars who love playing this age-old betting card game.
Top 10 Sports Stars Who Play Poker
Prominent figures like Brazilian football icon Neymar Jr play poker at varying levels, along with many other popular figures such as Michael Phelps and Paul Pierce.
Apart from the competitive spirit that comes with the game, it gives players a thirst for glory and the chance to win more money, so it’s no surprise why so many sports stars grab a seat at the poker table.
These sports icons don’t just choose any bookmaker; they look for ones that meet the highest standards. If you’re also thinking about having a go yourself, you might want to pick sites known for offering the best welcome bonuses, competitive odds, and exciting promotions, just like the pros do.
Neymar Jr. – Football
Neymar has been playing poker for just over ten years and is said to be considering taking it up professionally after retiring from football. The talented winger is an ambassador for PokerStars and has won over $ 30,000 in tournaments.
Michael Phelps – Swimming
The Olympic gold medalist does not compete at a professional level but has significant winnings in live games. Michael Phelps once played against DJ Khaled in a $10,000 charity match. Being a swimmer requires resistance against the water, and this is one of the attributes that he uses in the game.
Ronaldo – Football
Ronaldo started playing poker following retirement from football and has amassed slightly over $45,000 in winnings. Having dealt with many career threatening injuries, his mental strength comes to the fore.
Gerard Pique – Football
Pique’s biggest win was a second-place finish in a €25,000 No Limit Hold’em Championship tournament. As a defender during his playing days, he had to read the game from the back, therefore, that strategic ability comes in handy.
Boris Becker – Tennis
Soon after retiring from tennis in 1999, Becker took up poker and was sponsored by PokerStars afterwards. In 2009 he placed 40th in the 2009 Diamond World Poker Championship and received more than $40 000.
Andrey Arshavin – Football
In 2009, Arshavin partnered with PokerStars for a charity event and has been candid about his love for the game. The Russian was a pacey winger able to take on players with skill and precision. These are some of the skills he draws from when playing poker.
Tony Cascarino – Football
One of the most successful players on our list, the former footballer found much success in poker following his retirement. He once won $283,412 at Grosvenor’s UK Poker Tour event with total career earnings of $595,809.
Richard Seymour – American Football
Seymour had a successful NFL career and seemingly transitioned in the same spirit to poker with over $600,000 in winnings. In 2018 he finished third in the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure High Roller event.
Terrance Chan – MMA
The only player to switch directly from his sporting code to Poker, Terrance Chan is highly successful and prefers playing high-stakes games and playing online.
Paul Pierce – Basketball
One of the most successful Basketball players having played for the Boston Celtics, Pierce is known for playing Pot-Limit Omaha games in Las Vegas, and his aggressive nature on the court carried on through to the poker decks.
