By Staff
Some of your favorite athletes also have a knack for poker, from Olympic gold medalists to Super Bowl champions. And it isn’t just casual gaming sessions! These sports stars have proven their competitive spirit beyond their original playing fields. Their risk-taking attitude on the ground or court transforms to bold bluffs at the poker table.
Here’s a checklist of five legendary athletes dominating the poker rooms.
Richard Seymour
Richard Seymour was one of the best defensive linemen of the New England Patriots and a three-time Super Bowl champion. But the sportsperson’s success lies beyond the NFL.
What piqued his interest in this classic card game? Well, it was his father who introduced him to poker in childhood. Initially, he played poker with his NFL teammates just for fun.
However, after retirement in 2012, the former NFL player dedicated his time to competitive poker events. The American footballer played several poker events, including the World Series of Poker Circuit and the PokerStars Players Championship.
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He also secured 131st rank out of 8,569 participants and took home a $59,295 prize money in the 2019 WSOP Main Event. Recently, he placed 54th in the WSOPC Cherokee Main Event 2025, earning a $6,815 reward.
But he never chases money, instead the thrill of the intensive game – a true sportsman spirit indeed! After all, nothing can satisfy a sports person more than pitting against other players.
Neymar Jr
Currently playing for Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, Neymar is the fourth-highest-paid athlete in the world, as per Forbes. Well, he deserves to be. With fame and fortune like that, people definitely take notice when he sits down at a poker table!
Poker’s competitive nature is why he is obsessed with the card game. Here’s a fun fact: He even named his pet dog Poker! If that doesn’t scream dedication, I don’t know what does.
Over the years, Neymar has immersed himself in poker culture. The Brazilian striker often hosts charity home games, such as a notable event at EPT Barcelona. During the pandemic in 2020, he also got curious about how to play poker online for money So, he participated in the Spring Championship of Online Poker’s $2,100 NLHE event and secured 12th place.
However, perhaps Neymar’s major poker milestone came when he made his first in-person appearance at the WSOP in Las Vegas. His biggest cash prize so far? A $21,072 for finishing sixth at a Brazilian Series of Poker championship. Whether nutmegging defenders or bluffing opponents, Neymar Jr brings the same infectious energy and skillful play in the poker room.
Today, you’ll see him as the face of various poker campaigns. He was also a brand ambassador for PokerStars in 2015.
Gerard Pique
On the football pitch, Gerard Piqué was nothing short of legendary. He reached the absolute pinnacle of the sport, lifting the World Cup trophy with Spain and collecting multiple Champions League medals during his time at FC Barcelona. As a commanding defender, he combined intelligence, technical skill, and leadership throughout his sports journey.
While juggling his incredible football career, Piqué somehow found time to shuffle some cards and try his hand at poker too. The athlete has been spotted playing some high-stakes, elite-level poker events in Barcelona, the European Poker Tour, and PokerStars Championship tournaments.
Boris Becker
At just 17, Boris Becker shocked the tennis world by becoming the youngest-ever Wimbledon champion in 1985. Becker’s competitive fire also helped Germany secure two Davis Cup victories in 1988 and 1989; He also claimed an Olympic gold medal in men’s doubles in 1992.
But Becker’s competitive spirit didn’t fade when he hung up his tennis racket. When his tennis days were behind him, he simply switched his racquet for a deck of cards!
Poker table became a new source to channel his strategic mind and nerves of steel. He participated in professional game events and worked with an online poker company.
While nobody has an exact idea about his poker winnings, his move into poker gaming shows his desire to compete and win.
Michael Phelps
Who doesn’t know Michael Phelps, aka the Flying Fish? With 23 gold medals in swimming, nobody even comes close to the record set by the GOAT! But do you know the iconic swimmer also plays poker?
Yes, close pals Antonio Esfandiari and Jeff Gross introduced the poker game to the Olympic legend. They invited him to their poker night events; the rest is history.
Phelps regularly participates in various live games and charity matches against Hollywood A-listers. He likes experimenting with different hands and strategies to advance his poker gaming experience. This approach relates to the swimmer’s competitive mindset. But his stunt with competitive WSOP events is still pending.
FAQs
1. What is Neymar Jr.’s most memorable poker moment?
Neymar Jr won £ 240,000 by playing one of the craziest hands in an online poker game.
2. How much did Richard Seymour make from poker?
Reportedly, Richard Seymour earned over $700,000 through poker games and tournaments.
Final Words
Undoubtedly, a constant hunger to compete with these world-famous athletes brings them closer to poker. You’ll see the same enthusiasm while playing poker games that earned them medals and trophies in their sports career.
After all, success in both sports and poker is all about strategy, mental strength, and knowing when to go.
