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Famous Athletes Who Play Poker Regularly

While professional sports and poker are completely different fields, we have seen multiple athletes who have shined on their respective fields test themselves at the poker table. While there is no physicality involved in poker, the ability to remain calm under pressure and make decisions in high-pressure situations does help the athletes. Let’s have a look at a few athletes who have given poker a shot and tasted success as well.

Boris Becker

The German player has had an incredible sporting career, playing tennis professionally from the age of 17 to 31. A former world No.1 tennis player, Boris Becker has won approximately $25 Million in prize money in winnings on the court during his career. After retiring from tennis, Becker debuted on the poker scene by participating in an amateur poker tournament in Monaco in 2008. 

He has participated in major poker events like the European Poker Tour (EPT) and the World Poker Tour (WPT) as a player while also working with major poker platforms as a brand ambassador. He won several poker tournaments, including the 2009 EPT Celebrity Challenge, while cashing in the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event on multiple occasions.

Paul Pierce

Paul Pierce is a retired American basketball player who won the NBA championship in 2008, alongside numerous other titles throughout his career and has competed in several poker tournaments and tasted great success.

Pierce participated in the WSOP Main Event 2014 and won a tournament in Las Vegas as well. He plays high-stakes cash games and has been sponsored by 888 Poker. He is also known to host charity tournaments and has a stint as a poker commentator with ESPN.

Fatima Moreira de Melo

A retired Dutch field hockey player, Fatima Moreira de Melo has won three Olympic medals alongside numerous titles throughout her career. Apart from such achievements on the field, she made a name for herself in the poker circuit and won multiple tournaments. 

These wins include the Dutch Open in 2010 as well as registering in the money finishes on multiple occasions at the WSOP. Moreira de Melo also earned a sponsorship for herself from PokerStars and has also worked as a poker commentator for Dutch television. 

Cristiano Ronaldo

The Portuguese soccer player has multiple accolades to his name, including five Ballon d’Or awards. He has won numerous titles in his football career while also shining bright on the poker table in multiple tournaments. Ronaldo is known to play high-stakes cash games while making appearances at some of the most exclusive poker rooms across the world.

He has demonstrated his poker skills at the European Poker Tour Barcelona in 2011, 2013, 2016, and 2019 while also winning a charity poker tournament in 2015. Ronaldo also played in the WSOP Main Event in 2017 and finished in 26th place, winning over $40,000.

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Michael Phelps

A retired swimmer, Michael Phelps is one of the most renowned athletes. The American has won 28 Olympic medals, including 23 gold medals. Apart from his prowess in the pool, he has also made a name for himself in the poker fraternity.

Phelps has played in multiple high-stakes cash games and is also known to participate in celebrity poker tournaments. He has finished in the money several times at the WSOP and was sponsored by PokerStars as well while also having worked as an ESPN poker commentator.

Neymar Jr.

Neymar Jr. is one of the best soccer players from Brazil, and he has won numerous trophies in his career. He is no stranger to the poker world and is often seen taking part in multiple tournaments. He has featured at the Brazilian Series of Poker (BSOP) and was also seen playing the WSOP Main Event in 2015. He has even been sponsored by PokerStars since 2015 and is known to play in high-stakes cash games. 

Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal has won 20 Grand Slam titles and can be deemed to be a multi-talented athlete, citing his prowess in the world of professional poker. The Spanish tennis player has played in the EPT while also winning a charity poker tournament in Prague. Since 2012, Nadal has been sponsored by PokerStars and has cashed in the WSOP with ease.

Gerard Pique

Gerard Pique is very proficient at the poker table, as he participates in several tournaments. The 2010 World Cup winner has played in EPT while also making it to the final table in the Barcelona edition of the tournament. 

The Spanish footballer has also finished in the money multiple times in the WSOP and earned recognition for his impressive performances. PokerStars has been providing him with sponsorship since 2017, which cements his position as a poker player.

Well, the above is our list of talented athletes who also excel at poker. Tell us in the comments section who according to you is the best athlete turned poker player.

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