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 personalities—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.
Part III of the article series
Michael Phelps (athlete)
The American swimming legend not only has friends from the poker world but also tries his hand at it from time to time. Having won over 80 medals in top-level competitions, the American has already ended his career as a professional athlete. Therefore, it's no surprise that M. Phelps is increasingly seen at poker tables.
This year alone, he participated in two tournaments in Las Vegas. Unlike other celebrities, Michael doesn't throw money around and (at least for now) doesn't dive into expensive tournaments. This year, he spent $260 on buy-ins and won $740. However, this isn't entirely accurate, as there are no records in the cash game database.
The swimmer's biggest win (in the official database) was achieved in 2008 when he took 9th place in the “Caesars Palace Classic” and won just over $5,000. It is said that in 2012, at the same place, the athlete won $100,000 playing cash games with friends.
However, the truth about this person's career is hard to come by. Although official records don't show it, in 2012, information emerged that people close to the athlete were worried about his attraction to poker and the possibility of losing the money he earned during his career.
At that time, it was said that M. Phelps's attitude was reflected in the phrase “don't stop until you win.” The 31-year-old athlete started playing online poker with $1/$2 stakes while still in school. It's unclear how it is now, but in 2012, he played $25,000 buy-in games with friends.
In fact, poker occupies a significant place in M. Phelps's life. The athlete himself said that while traveling to the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, he played poker on his phone the entire time.
“I love playing poker; it's fun. It has become a way for me to spend time alone—I could relax, be myself, and have fun. It's a place where I can be me. At the poker tables, I met some of my best friends. With some of them, I am constantly in touch,” he said earlier about his passion for poker.
Nick Cassavetes (filmmaker)
The actor and filmmaker known across the Atlantic is mostly recognized in Hollywood, but he is also a gambler. As he himself says, poker is not his life, but he enjoys the game and understands well how much professional players differ from amateurs.
Being among the latter, he has achieved some significant wins. For example, in one tournament in 2006, he took second place and won $34,500. His total winnings in the official database exceed $130,000. However, it does not include his WSOP win, where he managed to win over $70,000. No wonder this film professional highlights the most attractive side of poker for many—that, as an amateur, you can sometimes win even against the best player in the world.
Indeed, N. Cassavetes has achieved more significant wins. From one American businessman alone, he managed to win $73,000, which the latter did not want to pay and issued an invalid check. Upon learning this, N. Cassavetes even sought legal assistance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVv74OjFUd0
