28 Feb
The World Series of Poker has long been a major attraction to elite athletes who excel in competing at the highest level.
They already possess mental resilience and strategic thinking, which is why so many athletes are interested in entering professional poker tournaments in the first place, especially the WSOP.
Their skills easily translate from the playing field to the poker felt, as they are built for the competition and high-pressure moments.
Want to follow in the footsteps of these athletes and join the world of poker? Registering with a top-tier sportsbook is key, especially a betting site with a welcome bonus so you can start wagering with extra funds and boost your chance of winning!
Top 5 Sports Players Who Have Competed in the World Series of Poker
From football fields to basketball courts and Olympic pools, the following athletes have proven their competitive spirit knows no bounds; even at the poker table.
Richard Seymour: From NFL Champion to WSOP Contender
Richard Seymour, one of the best defensive lineman to ever play in the NFL. After a stellar career, the three-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022.
His 12-year career saw Seymour earn seven Pro Bowl selections. After retiring in 2013, Seymour entered the world of competitive poker and it was a smooth transition.
His most memorable performance came in the 2019 WSOP Main Event where he finished 131st out of 8,569 entrants. It was an impressive display from the former NFL great and it earned him a whopping $59,295 for his efforts.
Paul Pierce: NBA Star Turned Poker Enthusiast
Paul Pierce is arguably one of the NBA’s most clutch performers. His 19-year basketball career saw him rack up over 26 000 points.
Pierce is an NBA Hall of Famer and his contribution for the Boston Celtics in the 2008 NBA Championship Final where he was named MVP will go down in history as one of the greatest individual performances ever produced on a basketball court.
The former NBA star’s passion for poker has seen him enter and compete in many WSOP events, including his best performance in 2014 at the Main Event where he made it to day 3 but unfortunately did not cash.
He loves playing in high-stakes cash games and is always rubbing shoulders with big celebrities at prestigious tournaments. His passion for the game is evident and he remains a notable figure in the poker game.
Michael Phelps: The Olympic Legend Who Loves Poker
Michael Phelps is arguably the greatest Olympian ever. The Flying Fish has won 23 Olympic Gold medals and has 28 medals in total in swimming across five Olympic Games (2000-2016)
Phelps was drawn to the poker table by his close mates, Antonio Esfandiari and Jeff Gross.
The pair welcomed the Olympic great into their poker circle and though Phelps is yet to have a deep run in the WSOP, he is still a competitive and respected player at the table.
Boris Becker: Tennis Icon at the Poker Table
Boris Becker, a Tennis legend who entertained us with his charisma and skill. The six-time Grand Slam singles winner was one of the most decorated players to ever grace the court.
Becker made history for becoming the youngest ever male champion at the time at the age of 17 when he was crowned at Wimbledon in 1985.
The former number one Tennis player in the world entered the poker world in 2007 as an ambassador for PokerStars and has been a key contributor to the game ever since. Becker plays in many WSOP events and other major tournaments.
His best cash was an impressive $40,855 when he finished in 40th place at the 2009 WPT Five Star World Poker Classic
Tony Parker: The NBA Champion Who Loves Poker
Tony Parker, four-time NBA Champion with the San Antonio Spurs was one of the greatest Point Guards to ever grace the NBA.
Parker’s career spanned over 18 seasons and his MVP crown in 2007 will always be remembered. He has a lasting legacy in San Antonio for his heroics on the court.
The former NBA star has embraced the game of poker post retirement and has participated in major tournaments like the 2023 WSOP Paradise Super Main Event where he impressed but unfortunately did not cash.
Conclusion
The move from professional sports to poker looks to be a seamless transition for many athletes.
They are able to harness many of the key traits that they developed while becoming an elite performer and translate that to the poker table.
The WSOP and other major events continues to be a major drawcard for these stars to continue testing their mettle on the highest stage.
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