Poker is an immensely engaging card game and many celebrities enjoy participating. From professional athletes to television personalities, numerous celebrities enjoy participating in this fun hobby.
One of the earliest shows to feature celebrity poker players was Bravo’s Celebrity Poker Showdown. This series pitted stars against each other and the winning celebrity would receive $100,000 for charity of their choice.
Ben Affleck
Poker is an engaging casino game requiring strategy, perseverance and luck. Over the last century its popularity has skyrocketed – movies and television shows dedicated to it have proliferated rapidly; and celebrities often turn their interest in this classic table game into celebrity endorsement.
Oscar nominee Jennifer Tilly epitomizes poker and has done much to raise its global profile. Starting her poker journey in 1996 and winning her first WSOP bracelet by December, Tilly went on to claim multiple other major tournament victories such as winning over $3 Million from Bellagio Cup tournaments as well.
Matt Damon is another celebrity poker enthusiast. After becoming known for his talent in the movie ‘Rounders,’ Damon now enjoys participating in high-stakes cash games behind closed doors at Molly’s Game and even making it through to the World Series of Poker Main Event! Annie Duke and Amir Vahedi offer coaching as they have trained him personally on how to compete.
Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan (MJ), known for his gravity defying leaps and acrobatic maneuvers, transformed basketball. His feats earned him worldwide fame and neared folk hero status during a three-year comeback from retirement during the mid 1990s.
Jordan led his Bulls to three consecutive NBA championships during this period and was honored as Finals MVP each time. Additionally, he appeared alongside Looney Tunes characters like Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck in 1996 movie Space Jam.
Jordan appeared six times between 2005 and 2008 on Celebrity Poker, winning five of those tournaments. At one tournament he battled back from nearly losing all his chips before defeating Robin Tunney and Jason Alexander to claim victory in the final. Jordan later joined sports-betting firm DraftKings in 2020 before teaming up with NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin in 2021 to form 23XI Racing; taking inspiration from Jordan’s basketball number and Hamlin’s No. 23 car number in naming their team name
Charles Barkley
Charles Barkley had promised himself not to gamble again after losing $400K in one sitting; yet here he is, back at the poker tables! But this time it is for charity: Charles will participate in Ante Up for Africa tournament held by Las Vegas tournament organizers to raise awareness and money for Darfur crisis relief efforts.
NBA stars have long been known for their passion for gambling. Former player and current TNT NBA analyst Charles Barkley has spoken candidly about his struggles with gambling and revealed some of its potential dangers and drawbacks.
Hollywood celebrities may relish the excitement of casino nights, but for some who wish to avoid the flashbulbs and gawking fans of public life. Poker offers the ideal solution: an entertaining game which can be enjoyed without paparazzi intrusion – as well as serving as an outlet from Hollywood boredom!
Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille Rashaun O’Neal was one of the greatest basketball players in NBA history, playing for teams including Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat. During his time there he earned three NBA championships as well as Olympic gold, appearing at every All-Star Game appearance of his career.
O’Neal made his television debut as one of the stars on Celebrity Poker Showdown from 2003 to 2006. He won his first tournament and finished second overall; during one hand he eliminated both Mandel and Meat Loaf from participating.
Brad Garrett won a tournament at the 2005 World Series of Poker tournament and Shannon Elizabeth advanced to its semifinals that year; both actresses appeared multiple episodes on the show.
