Poker is not a niche game encountered by a minority. Quite the opposite – many people who enjoy card games or are encouraged by friends and social media come across poker.
That's why it's no surprise to us, and we believe to you as well, that famous people around the world – athletes, musicians, actors, etc. – sit at poker tables.
“PokerioMokykla.com” presents to you its new entertainment section, where we will tell you about celebrities who have appeared in the poker world.
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Ray Romano (actor, comedian)
In official competitions, R. Romano has not made a significant mark; the comedian has won a total of 20 thousand US dollars (according to the poker database).
R. Romano has participated in the “World Series of Poker” many times – in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2013, and 2015. He also acted in the film “The Grand” (read about it here), which revolved around poker.
However, it has long been said that the comedian has gambling problems. His interests are not limited to poker, as he is also very fond of golf. Facing gambling problems, in 2014 R. Romano acknowledged them and joined a group of anonymous gamblers. He managed to overcome these problems and, as we have already written, participated in the WSOP again in 2015 and occasionally took part in online golf betting.
“Poker is like getting a puppy. At first, it's exciting and thrilling, but you know it will end in tragedy,” R. Romano once said.
The actor himself admits that he is not a good poker player and cannot compete properly with professionals. His best WSOP result was reaching the third day of the competition. Like many others, he started playing poker with friends as a teenager.
In 2014, R. Romano did something unusual. For his son's 21st birthday, he gave him a very unique gift – he bought a place in the WSOP for 5 thousand US dollars. More precisely, he added the remaining amount, as the actor offered his son to save 5 thousand, and when he managed to do so, he added the same amount to reach the required 10 thousand.
“Every time he played, he would text us how he was doing. When he participates in such competitions, it's a big event in our house. It's incredible that I can be a part of it with him,” said Matt Romano at the time.
John Boyega (actor)
The “Star Wars” actor has not made a significant mark in poker, but he did participate in a highly publicized game.
He, along with other entertainment stars – footballer Neymar, actor Aaron Paul, and other well-known people – tried their hand in “PokerStars” organized “Heads Up” duels.
It was a whole series of YouTube videos, during which poker professionals shared their knowledge with entertainment industry representatives.
The participants of this event received 5 thousand dollars each, which they had to donate to any charity of their choice.
You can watch the game footage below.
