Simply turn the channel to any specific high-stakes poker event, and chances are huge that you'll see at least one Hollywood celebrity in the thick of the action. With flexible work schedules and larger-than-average bankrolls, celebrities have both the time and inclination to hone their poker playing skills in tournaments all over. Some, of course, never rise above the rank of hobbyist, but others go to become familiar faces on this planet of poker. What follows is a directory of ten of the finest celebrity poker players on this planet (listed in no particular order).
Ben Affleck - It is really hard to argue Affleck's status among the best celebrity poker players on the globe after he won the actual California State Poker Great in June of 2004 (where the person won $356, 400). When he's not acting in movies which include Daredevil or Armageddon, Affleck collects vintage video-arcade machines and has been known to bring poker lessons from advantages like Amir Vahedi in addition to Annie Duke. His win with the California Championship also qualified him for one seat at the 2004 World Poker Tour final event.
Patrick Bruel - Patrick Bruel can be described as well-known French singer not to mention actor, having performed around over 40 television and even film productions and registered numerous top-selling albums. He also is surely a world-class poker player. So while he may go unrecognized by U. S. Movie audiences, poker players from all over will instantly recognize his particular face. Why? Well, in 1998 Patrick found a World Series regarding Poker bracelet for earning the 1998 $5000 Confine Hold'em event. He has additionally placed in the finances numerous times in WSOP parties, and earned over $750, 000 for live play events.
Jennifer Tilly - This unique Oscar-nominated actress has starred in such hits as The Wonderful Baker Boys and Bullets over Broadway. However, she has publicly expressed that she's becoming more interested in poker than acting. One look at her accomplishments in the poker world and it's not hard to see why. In June of 2005, Tilly outlasted 600 some other players and won her first World Compilation of Poker bracelet (and $158, 625) while in the Ladies' No-Limit Hold'em party, becoming the first celebrity to achieve this. She has also won the modern world Poker Tour Ladies Invitational Event and competed in Internet poker Royale, Poker Superstars, in addition to Celebrity Poker Showdown.
Josh Malina - With acting credits which include Sports Night and A West Wing, Malina may be a respected actor of both stage and screen. One is also an avid poker player. In fact, when he was struggling so you can get his career off ground level, he would often play poker to have enough money to pay his rent. Now that will he's financially secure, Malina is normally spreading his love involving poker by producing Bravo's Super star Poker Showdown.
Matt Damon - After starring on the poker film Rounders, you could possibly expect the world-famous Damon to find out his way around a fabulous deck of cards. He's a normal entrant in the annual World Few Poker, and his most interesting WSOP story occurred the government financial aid 1998. Miramax Studios entered simultaneously him and Edward Norton from the WSOP Main Event ($10, 000 buy-in) in promoting the upcoming Rounders. Damon portrayed well, but he was eliminated about the first day by Texas holdem legend Doyle Brunson subsequently after Damon's pocket kings failed to beat Brunson's pocket aces.
Tobey Maguire - Throughout October of 2004, the star in the Spider-Man franchise demonstrated this poker skills by succeeding the first-ever Phil Hellmuth Invitational Online poker Tournament. He also obtained $95, 480 for the particular win, causing Andy Bellin that will remark to Phil Hellmuth, "This kid is actually a legitimate pro. " He's got finished in the profit several other events and contains received lessons from on-line poker pro Daniel Negreanu. And keep in mind that he's only been taking part in seriously since 2004.
James Woods - Acquiring starred in movies which includes Salvador and Another Time of day in Paradise, James Woods is probably America's most respected personalities. And not only might be he a familiar facial area in poker rooms a fair distance, he's also the face to a new poker site. Their selling point is that players have an opportunity match poker wits through top stars like Timber. Not that matching wits with Woods a very good idea, considering he has any 180 I. Q. Within 2006, Woods finished in 24th place due to 692 at the L. A. Poker Classic pertaining to $40, 000.
Mimi Rogers - Any time she's not starring on hits like Lost on Space and Austin Powers, Mimi Rogers moonlights for a pretty darn good on-line poker player. Tom Cruise's ex-wife took first put on an episode of the show biz industry Home Game, and also finished while in the money during the Universe Poker Tour's Shooting Superstar Championship.
Wil Wheaton - Among the many stars of Stand just by Me and Star Make your way: The Next Generation, Wheaton plays in big-money game in Los Angeles on daily basis, is a frequent participant in poker on-line rooms, and was even invited to play in the world Poker Tour Championship. They are also a member connected with Team Poker Stars and played within the 2005 World Series involving Poker.
Gabe Kaplan - Most widely known for his role in Welcome Back Kotter, Gabe Kaplan is such an accomplished poker player that almost all no longer regard him being "celebrity" player. His first World Series of Poker appearance came through 1978. In 2004, he finished third for the World Poker Tour's virtually no Limit Hold'em event, winning above $250, 000 in the approach. He has also taken second place globally Series of Poker Cap Hold'em event. His occupation tournament poker earnings go beyond $680, 000. He also serves as being a definite expert poker commentator, having appeared on such shows since the National Heads-Up Poker Championship, Intercontinental Poker Championship, and additionally High Stakes Poker.
