The impact of sports on American culture cannot be overstated. Various major sporting events—from the Super Bowl and World Series to the NBA Finals and Masters Tournament—not only shape the ideas of athletic excellence but also reflect the American ideals of hard work, perseverance, and teamwork. Major sporting events have become an avenue for fostering a sense of community among fans hailing from diverse backgrounds. Professional athletes, meanwhile, become a source of inspiration, with their stories of triumph resonating deeply among spectators.
These stories don’t always end on the field, however. Some athletes have even expanded their talents and expertise outside the world of major professional sports by venturing into other endeavors, including playing games like poker. Many athletes have dipped their toes into the popular card game, from former NBA players to prominent NFL stars.
Understanding The Link Between Poker And Sports
According to a Business Research Insights report, the global poker market is experiencing strong growth, with a CAGR of 13.6% from 2023 to 2032. With poker’s popularity, it’s no wonder that many athletes are exploring the card game. But is there a link between sports and poker?
Studies show that poker players can hone crucial skills at the card table, such as strategic thinking and adaptability, which are equally essential when participating in sports. Two-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit champion Lena Evans has also mentioned that playing poker can enhance cognitive skills and intuition, skills that allow athletes to improve their decision-making on both the poker table and the field. These traits make the card game a natural hobby for athletes who are used to thinking under pressure and honing their competitive spirit.
Here are some athletes who have tried their hands at poker:
Athletes Turned Poker Players
Jon Pardy
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Jon Pardy, who won Big Brother Canada in 2014, is now known for being a professional poker player. But before becoming a reality TV star and entering the poker world, Pardy used to play hockey for the Amherst Ramblers and Yarmouth Mariners in the Maritime Hockey League until injuries halted his sporting career. He eventually started playing poker, and in 2020, Pardy joined the US poker platform Americas Cardroom, where he is currently listed as one of the ACR Pros. Banking on his competitive spirit rooted in his hockey days, Pardy cashed in at 12 WSOP events from 2020 to 2022. Last year, Pardy competed in ACR’s Mystery Bounty Venom tournament with fellow ACR Pros Chris Moneymaker and Drew Gonzalez
Paul Pierce
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Former NBA star Paul Pierce has made a name for himself as one of the greatest players ever to wear the Boston Celtics uniform. He spent 15 seasons with the franchise and led the team to a historic championship in 2008. After retiring from the NBA in 2017, Pierce appeared in several high-stakes games, like the prestigious PokerStars Players Championships in the Bahamas in 2019 and numerous WSOP events. The player has stated that poker has helped him develop patience. Pierce also appeared on PokerGO’s “Poker After Dark” series, where he won $40,000.
Richard Seymour
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Richard Seymour, a Pro Football Hall of Fame member known for being a tough defensive lineman for the New England Patriots, has also been enjoying an impressive poker career after playing 12 seasons in the NFL. The three-time Super Bowl champion began playing professional poker as a hobby and has since amassed over $600,000 in live tournament cash. He also finished third in a $25,000 high roller at the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure in 2018 before cashing in at two events in the 2024 WSOP.
Michael Phelps
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Even the most decorated Olympian of all time has ventured into the world of poker. American swimmer Michael Phelps, who has 28 Olympic medals, began playing poker in high school. Today, he is frequently seen at several high-stakes poker games around the US, including WSOP events in Las Vegas. Last year, Phelps extended his partnership with Global Poker after being part of the platform’s Celebrity Challenge campaign in 2023, where he joined basketball stars Karl-Anthony Towns and Paul George. Through the partnership, the world champion swimmer will help promote upcoming Global Poker tournaments and challenges.
Boris Becker
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Considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time, Boris Becker proved his skills on the hard court, with the Association of Tennis Professionals ranking him as world No. 1 in men’s singles. After he retired from competitive tennis in 1999, Becker became active in the professional poker world by serving as the brand ambassador of two major poker platforms. In 2007, the six-time Grand Slam tournament champion became a part of the PokerStars Team Pro before transferring to GGPoker in 2020. Becker’s largest cash came in 2009 in the Five Star World Poker Classic. Currently, Becker has over $100,000 in career earnings, according to The Hendon Mob.
Chris Brewer
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Track and field athlete Chris Brewer, who ranked sixth in the 3,000 meters at the 2016 Mountain Pacific Sports Federation championships as a senior for the Oregon Ducks, is among the list of athletes who have had a stellar career in poker. After graduating, Brewer decided to become a full-time poker player. He began studying the game by playing low stakes at the Full House Poker card room in Eugene, Oregon. Brewer participated in the 2020 WSOP when the events were held online before winning several tournaments like the PokerGO Tour $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em Aria High Roller Series event in 2021.
Orel Hershiser
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Baseball player Orel Hershiser, who was part of the Los Angeles Dodgers, had an impressive professional career with 204 wins and a 3.48 earned run average across 18 seasons. After his retirement in 2000, Hershier entered the poker world and joined several high-stakes games in Hollywood, proving he is also no stranger to success on the poker table. The long-time starting pitcher was able to notch a fifth-place finish in the televised NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship in 2008, earning $75,000.
Gerard Pique
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Retired professional footballer Gerard Pique, regarded as one of the best defenders of all time, has also ventured into poker. The three-time Champions League winner, who helped Spain capture its World Cup glory in 2010, has also shown that he has what it takes to succeed beyond the football field. Following his announcement of retiring from professional soccer in 2022, Pique took home €65,000 ($68,111) after placing sixth in the 2023 PokerStars European Poker Tour in Barcelona. Pique’s total career earnings in poker amount to around $738,611.
Playing poker has become a popular venture among many athletes. Through the classic card game, these athletic stars have proven they have what it takes to excel beyond their respective sports. For more on the world of sports, check out our other posts here on Habsun Filtered.
