28 Feb
The World Collection of Poker has lengthy been a significant attraction to elite athletes who excel in competing on the highest stage.
They already possess psychological resilience and strategic pondering, which is why so many athletes are concerned about coming into skilled poker tournaments within the first place, particularly the WSOP.
Their abilities simply translate from the taking part in discipline to the poker felt, as they’re constructed for the competitors and high-pressure moments.
Need to observe within the footsteps of those athletes and be part of the world of poker? Registering with a top-tier sportsbook is essential, particularly a betting site with a welcome bonus so you can begin wagering with additional funds and enhance your likelihood of successful!
Prime 5 Sports activities Gamers Who Have Competed within the World Collection of Poker
From soccer fields to basketball courts and Olympic swimming pools, the next athletes have confirmed their aggressive spirit is aware of no bounds; even on the poker desk.
Richard Seymour: From NFL Champion to WSOP Contender
Richard Seymour, top-of-the-line defensive lineman to ever play within the NFL. After a stellar profession, the three-time Tremendous Bowl champion with the New England Patriots was inducted into the Professional Soccer Hall of Fame in 2022.
His 12-year profession noticed Seymour earn seven Professional Bowl alternatives. After retiring in 2013, Seymour entered the world of aggressive poker and it was a clean transition.
His most memorable efficiency got here within the 2019 WSOP Primary Occasion the place he completed 131st out of 8,569 entrants. It was a powerful show from the previous NFL nice and it earned him a whopping $59,295 for his efforts.
Paul Pierce: NBA Star Turned Poker Fanatic
Paul Pierce is arguably one of many NBA’s most clutch performers. His 19-year basketball profession noticed him rack up over 26 000 factors.
Pierce is an NBA Corridor of Famer and his contribution for the Boston Celtics within the 2008 NBA Championship Last the place he was named MVP will go down in historical past as one of many biggest particular person performances ever produced on a basketball courtroom.
The previous NBA star’s ardour for poker has seen him enter and compete in lots of WSOP occasions, together with his greatest efficiency in 2014 on the Primary Occasion the place he made it to day 3 however sadly didn’t money.
He loves taking part in in high-stakes money video games and is all the time rubbing shoulders with massive celebrities at prestigious tournaments. His ardour for the sport is obvious and he stays a notable determine within the poker sport.
Michael Phelps: The Olympic Legend Who Loves Poker
Michael Phelps is arguably the best Olympian ever. The Flying Fish has gained 23 Olympic Gold medals and has 28 medals in whole in swimming throughout 5 Olympic Video games (2000-2016)
Phelps was drawn to the poker desk by his shut mates, Antonio Esfandiari and Jeff Gross.
The pair welcomed the Olympic nice into their poker circle and although Phelps is but to have a deep run within the WSOP, he’s nonetheless a aggressive and revered participant on the desk.
Boris Becker: Tennis Icon on the Poker Desk
Boris Becker, a Tennis legend who entertained us together with his charisma and talent. The six-time Grand Slam singles winner was one of the vital adorned gamers to ever grace the courtroom.
Becker made historical past for turning into the youngest ever male champion on the time on the age of 17 when he was topped at Wimbledon in 1985.
The previous primary Tennis participant on the earth entered the poker world in 2007 as an envoy for PokerStars and has been a key contributor to the sport ever since. Becker performs in lots of WSOP occasions and different main tournaments.
His greatest money was a powerful $40,855 when he completed in fortieth place on the 2009 WPT 5 Star World Poker Basic
Tony Parker: The NBA Champion Who Loves Poker
Tony Parker, four-time NBA Champion with the San Antonio Spurs was one of many biggest Level Guards to ever grace the NBA.
Parker’s profession spanned over 18 seasons and his MVP crown in 2007 will all the time be remembered. He has a long-lasting legacy in San Antonio for his heroics on the courtroom.
The previous NBA star has embraced the sport of poker submit retirement and has participated in main tournaments just like the 2023 WSOP Paradise Tremendous Primary Occasion the place he impressed however sadly didn’t money.
Conclusion
The transfer from skilled sports activities to poker seems to be to be a seamless transition for a lot of athletes.
They can harness most of the key traits that they developed whereas turning into an elite performer and translate that to the poker desk.
The WSOP and different main occasions continues to be a significant drawcard for these stars to proceed testing their mettle on the very best stage.
