Turn the channel to any high-stakes poker event, and probabilities are high that you’ll see at least one Hollywood movie star inside the thick of the motion. With flexible schedules and large-than-common bankrolls, celebrities have both the time and inclination to hone their poker online poker gambling competencies in tournaments round the sector. Some, of route, in no way rise above the rank of amateur, however others go directly to come to be familiar faces in the world of poker. What follows is a list of ten of the great celebrity poker players inside the global (indexed in no particular order).
Ben Affleck – It’s difficult to argue Affleck’s reputation as one of the best celebrity poker gamers within the world after he won the California State Poker Championship in June of 2004 (wherein he received $356,four hundred). When he is now not performing in films which include Daredevil or Armageddon, Affleck collects vintage video-arcade machines and has been acknowledged to take poker classes from pros like Amir Vahedi and Annie Duke. His win at the California Championship also certified him for a seat at the 2004 World Poker Tour very last event.
Patrick Bruel – Patrick Bruel is a famous French singer and actor, having done in over 40 tv and movie productions and recorded numerous pinnacle-promoting albums. He additionally happens to be a international-class poker player. So at the same time as he may match unrecognized with the aid of American film audiences, poker gamers from round the arena will immediately apprehend his face. Why? Well, in 1998 Patrick picked up a World Series of Poker bracelet for winning the 1998 $5000 Limit Hold’em occasion. He has additionally placed within the money severa instances in WSOP occasions, and earned over $750,000 in live play occasions.
Jennifer Tilly – This Oscar-nominated actress has starred in such hits as The Fabulous Baker Boys and Bullets Over Broadway. However, she has publicly stated that she’s becoming more inquisitive about poker than performing. One take a look at her accomplishments inside the poker global and it’s easy to see why. In June of 2005, Tilly outlasted 600 different gamers and won her first World Series of Poker bracelet (and $158,625) inside the Ladies’ No-Limit Hold’em event, becoming the primary movie star to accomplish that. She has also received the World Poker Tour Ladies Invitational Tournament and competed in Poker Royale, Poker Superstars, and Celebrity Poker Showdown.
Josh Malina – With performing credits inclusive of Sports Night and The West Wing, Malina is a reputable actor of both the stage and display. He is also an avid poker participant. In fact, whilst he turned into suffering to get his profession off the floor, he might frequently play poker so that it will have enough cash to pay his rent. Now that he’s financially cozy, Malina is spreading his love of poker with the aid of producing Bravo’s Celebrity Poker Showdown.
Matt Damon – After starring in the poker film Rounders, you might expect the arena-famous Damon to recognize his manner round a deck of cards. He’s a everyday entrant in the annual World Series of Poker, and his maximum interesting WSOP tale took place again in 1998. Miramax Studios entered both he and Edward Norton inside the WSOP Main Event ($10,000 buy-in) to promote the upcoming Rounders. Damon played properly, however he turned into removed on the first day by using poker legend Doyle Brunson after Damon’s pocket kings failed to beat Brunson’s pocket aces.
Tobey Maguire – In October of 2004, the famous person of the Spider-Man franchise tested his poker skills by means of triumphing the primary-ever Phil Hellmuth Invitational Poker Tournament. He also picked up $95,480 for the win, causing Andy Bellin to commentary to Phil Hellmuth, “This youngster will be a valid seasoned.” He has completed inside the money in several other events and has acquired lessons from poker seasoned Daniel Negreanu. And keep in mind that he’s handiest been playing critically considering that 2004.
James Woods – Having starred in movies including Salvador and Another Day in Paradise, James Woods is one in every of America’s most respected actors. And not only is he a familiar face in poker rooms throughout the usa, he’s additionally the face of a brand new poker room. Their promoting factor is that gamers have a chance to suit poker wits with top stars like Woods. Not that matching wits with Woods is a superb idea, considering he has a a hundred and eighty I.Q. In 2006, Woods finished in 24th area out of 692 at the L.A. Poker Classic for $forty,000.
Mimi Rogers – When she’s not starring in hits like Lost in Space and Austin Powers, Mimi Rogers moonlights as a pretty darn true poker player. Tom Cruise’s ex-wife took first area on an episode of Hollywood Home Game, and also finished within the cash at some point of the World Poker Tour’s Shooting Star Championship.
Wil Wheaton – One of the stars of Stand via Me and Star Trek: The Next Generation, Wheaton plays in massive-money games in Los Angeles all of the time, is a frequent player in online poker rooms, and become even invited to play inside the World Poker Tour Championship. He is likewise a member of Team PokerStars and played inside the 2005 World Series of Poker.