Celebrities Who Wager Their Fortunes at the Poker Table
Poker has long attracted those seeking fame and fortune at the tables. As poker exploded in popularity in the early 2000s, many celebrities tried their luck against professional players. Some stars were already seasoned card sharks, while others took up the game as beginners. Either way, the chance to match wits and bankrolls with pro players lured many big names to high stakes games.
From actors and athletes to musicians and even royalty, celebrity poker aficionados span every genre of fame. Some like poker as a hobby, others pursue it professionally. Some have won millions, others have lost a big chunk of their net worth. But one thing remains constant – the thrill of competing in the fast-paced, high-stakes world of professional poker attracts scores of celebrity Ladbrokes Ireland players.
Famous Actors Who Love Poker
Several big-name actors have caught poker fever over the years. Their fame gives them access to big money games, and the drama at the tables satisfies their competitive spirits.
Ben Affleck
Known as much for his card sharp skills as his acting, Affleck is one of the best celebrity poker players. He’s won nearly $400,000 in live tournaments and often plays $100,000 buy-in games with A-listers like Tobey Maguire and Leonardo DiCaprio. His love of poker is so well-known that he taught co-star Matt Damon the game while filming Rounders.
Jennifer Tilly
This Oscar-nominated actress has over $992,000 in poker tournament winnings. She’s won a coveted World Series of Poker bracelet and still regularly competes in ladies events. Her vivacious personality and poker prowess make her a dangerous opponent at any table.
Ray Romano
The star of Everybody Loves Raymond developed his poker skills during his hit TV show’s long run. He now plays in some of the biggest buy-in tournaments and cash games around. His amiable personality meshes well with the grueling, serious world of high stakes poker.
Athletes Who Parlay Sports Winnings into Poker Success
The competitive nature of poker attracts many pro athletes once their playing days end. Other sports stars just enjoy poker as a hobby and extra income stream while actively competing.
Michael Phelps
The most decorated Olympian ever has found great success in the poker world too. He’s captured over $100,000 in live poker tournament earnings so far. His hyper-competitive drive serves him well at the table, where he’s known as a thoughtful, quiet presence absorbing every detail of the action.
Nelly
This rapper and former minority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats often pops up at poker events. He’s played with pros like Daniel Negreanu and Phil Hellmuth regularly over the years. His earnings aren’t publicly known, but his continuous presence in televised poker games proves he knows his way around a deck of cards.
Shane Warne
One of cricket’s greatest players, this Australian icon now spends lots of time playing poker. He’s participated in the Aussie Millions tournament for years and has over $100,000 in cashes. His aggressive playing style and quick thinking give him an edge against other newbie players.
Musicians Who Have Struck the Right Chord with Poker
The non-stop touring schedules of many musicians leaves them lots of downtime in hotels to gather friends and play marathon poker sessions. Some musicians have parlayed those casual games into serious poker success.
Bob Dylan
The folk music icon played so much poker on tour over his 60+ year career that he picked up serious skills. He’s been spotted playing cash games in Los Angeles card rooms. And his free-form, unpredictable personality makes his playing style hard to read.
Nelly Furtado
This Grammy-winning singer performed at the 2007 European Poker Tour and frequently plays poker with her band to pass time. She’s an avid poker fan who puts her musicians’ earnings to good use in cash games around the world while touring.
Gladys Knight
The Empress of Soul has a lesser known passion for poker away from the stage. She appears at the World Series of Poker annually, even singing the national anthem in the past. And her calm, measured approach to the game makes her a tough opponent.
Even Royalty Rolls the Dice in Poker
With all the wealth and notoriety that comes from royal titles, it’s no surprise that even nobility can’t resist the lure of the poker table. Both European and Hollywood royalty have wagered at high stakes over the years.
Prince Harry
The spare heir to the British crown has been spotted playing poker in private high stakes games in the U.K. As a wealthy royal with an estimated $40 million net worth, he has ample bankroll to wager at aristocratic poker evenings. His title gives him access to the most elite games held in European high society.
Tobey Maguire
The star of Spiderman and The Great Gatsby has long hosted ultra-exclusive celebrity poker games with $100,000 buy-ins. Leonardo DiCaprio, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon and other A-listers play in Maguire’s home games regularly. With a net worth estimated at $75 million, Maguire can easily afford to lose millions at the tables.
Whether playing poker as a hobby or side career, celebrities flock to poker’s glitz and glamour. And their fame gives them access to the richest games on the planet. As poker’s popularity continues growing, expect the stream of stars at tournament tables and cash games to keep increasing.
Key Takeaways: Famous Faces at the Poker Table
- Poker’s explosion in popularity in the 2000s drew in many celebrity players across the entertainment world.
- Actors like Ben Affleck and Jennifer Tilly now play poker professionally and have won millions in tournaments.
- Athletes such as Michael Phelps often compete in poker once retiring from professional sports.
- Musicians like Bob Dylan play poker regularly on tour to pass time and win extra income.
- Even royalty plays poker – Prince Harry and Tobey Maguire play in ultra high stakes private games.
- Whether playing professionally or as a hobby, celebrities love poker for its competitive nature and glamorous image.
