You've probably heard of Neymar Jr., the Brazilian football superstar.
You might not know that he is not only known for his incredible skills on the pitch but also for his love of poker. Since 2014, Neymar has been passionate about the game, enjoying the thrill of competition and the strategic thinking required to outsmart opponents.
Despite his primary focus on football, Neymar has expressed his desire to become a professional poker player once he retires from the beautiful game.
Neymar Partners with a Major Poker Brand
In 2015, Neymar became a brand ambassador for PokerStars, one of the world's largest online poker platforms. This partnership has allowed him to compete in various poker events worldwide, including the Brazilian Series of Poker (BSOP) in 2018, where he finished an impressive 6th place, winning $21,072.
Online Poker Has Been Profitable for Neymar
Neymar has achieved notable success playing online poker at PokerStars. Once he gained more popularity, he even had his own game created on the site, named the Neymar Jr Kick-Off. The game mixes football and real money, with huge jackpots given on lucky knockouts of other players.
Auto Draft In January 2022, during the PokerStars Winter Series, he finished 3rd in a $1,050 turbo event, pocketing $125,678, and also placed 3rd in a $10,300 High Roller event, adding another $23,884 to his poker earnings.
We don't know if Neymar plays poker from iPhone or Android, but with his schedule of games, it's likely. Mobile apps these days offer the full poker experience, allowing you to play on multiple tables at once with convenient button layouts.
Neymar regularly plays online poker on Twitch and has even joked about losing €1 million in a single session, showcasing his lighthearted approach to the game. Despite the occasional large loss, Neymar's love for online poker remains strong. He enjoys the convenience and variety of games available, from Texas Hold'em and Omaha to tournaments and cash games.
Neymar Plays Live Poker Too
While Neymar's biggest scores have come from online poker, he has also had some success in live events. Recently, Neymar made his debut at the prestigious World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas, finishing 49th in Event #41: $1,000 Super Turbo Bounty No-Limit Hold'em, earning $3,959. To date, his total live tournament earnings amount to approximately $32,000.
Impact on the Poker World
As one of the most famous athletes in the world, Neymar's involvement in poker has brought more attention to the game, introducing it to a new audience of football fans. His poker exploits have also inspired other footballers, such as Ronaldo and Gerard Piqué, to try their hand at the game.
While some may question his ability to compete with the world's best poker players, his passion and dedication to the game cannot be denied. Neymar's primary focus remains on online poker, where he can enjoy the game anytime, anywhere, right from his smartphone or computer.
While Neymar's football career is far from over, it's clear that poker will continue to be a significant part of his life, especially in the online realm. As he continues to hone his skills on the virtual felt, it will be exciting to see what the future holds for this football superstar turned poker enthusiast.
