Seeing some of the world’s most renowned and accomplished people nervously analysing every move at a poker table whilst risking their hard-earned money can be difficult to believe. However, that’s precisely what occurs during high stakes poker games where certain celebrities have become so adept at it that they’ve made playing professionally their livelihood.
It’s easy to begin your poker journey when you can play in demo mode on websites where you can redeem free no deposit bonus, which hosts a wide variety of table games and video slots. The best poker sites UK offer table games in free demo mode, which is the ideal way to gamble online without risking your money while you decide which games you love most.
Poker has a centuries-old history that captivated vibrant characters and still provides entertainment to card players worldwide centuries later.
In more recent times, many famous people have represented big names in the gambling industry, and some of them got ahead and began to play poker for real, some of them taking part in world series poker competitions.
Back to our favourite celebrities, you’d never have guessed that they are poker players; we can safely say they have achieved extraordinary success in this field. The list includes famous actors, sports stars and athletes. Are you ready to meet them?
MATT DAMON
At the top of the list is Matt Damon, a renowned poker champion with an acclaimed tournament win under his belt. He’s regularly spotted at the World Series of Poker events and has even earned himself a bracelet! His iconic role in Rounders moved many players to attempt to become professional poker champions.
MICHAEL PHELPS
Michael Phelps is an unparalleled champion of the Olympic Games, having amassed a record-breaking 28 medals! No wonder the poker world quickly took notice of Phelps when he began appearing in casinos. Also, he and Jeff Gross, a professional poker player, were roommates while attending the University of Michigan.
The two were frequently spotted together in casino poker rooms, leading some to believe he would sign a sponsorship deal and become a powerful force for elevating poker’s popularity — although this didn’t pan out as predicted. Phelps has always played whenever possible, with several live tournament fistfuls of cash under his belt.
BEN AFFLECK
Ben Affleck is a true force to be reckoned with in the acting world, having earned two Academy Awards and three Golden Globe accolades. International fame came to Affleck when he and his friend Matt Damon co-wrote and acted in the renowned film Good Will Hunting (1997). Affleck is passionate about gambling and takes both blackjack and poker very seriously. His most tremendous success in poker was winning the 2004 California State Poker Championship with a whopping $356,400 prize!
SAM SIMON
From card games with his family in his childhood to winning big at the World Series of Poker, Sam Simon was nothing short of a poker prodigy. With an initial push from his grandfather and some strategy tips, this American film director, producer, writer, and animal rights activist loves high stakes and put all he had into tournaments – even participating in WSOP for four years in a row! In 2007’s No-Limit Texas Hold ’em event alone, he won a staggering $39.445 – proving that there truly is no limit when it comes to success at the tables (and beyond)!
NEYMAR JR.
Considered a global soccer icon, Neymar Jr. is renowned for his extraordinary dribbling finesse and incomparable speed on the pitch. At only 18 years of age, he made an immediate impact when appearing in Brazil’s national team with 59 goals scored in 94 appearances – cementing himself as one of the sport’s finest talents. Neymar began making waves on the poker scene in the mid-2010s, playing cash games with his friend Felipe Ramos. When he’s not out competing in live tournaments (like when he placed sixth at 2018’s Brazilian Series of Poker Sao Paulo Main event), Neymar frequently hosts exciting live poker game nights at his mansion for all to enjoy!
From veterans to newbies, it’s no surprise that poker is popular among celebrities. Not only do they draw pleasure from the game, but these A-listers also compete in big tournaments – proving that anyone can experience the thrill of playing poker!
You can also become a skilled poker player; many online poker sites UK host the most exciting competitions. You can play for fun in demo mode or wager real money against real players in live game sessions. It’s up to you how you choose to have fun!
David Prior
David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.
