Notable Entertainers That Have Had Poker Success
These days, the top poker players have become well known celebrities. With poker so big these days,
the stars are getting into the game. Here’s a short list of some stars that have gotten involved in poker.
Jennifer Tilly shocked the poker world in 2005 WSOP by winning the ladies event, and a bracelet. Many thought this must be a fluke, but she has followed that up with other good results. Most notably she won the WPT ladies invitational later that year.
Sully Erna, the lead singer of Godsmack has been noticeably present in poker events recently. Although he doesn’t consider himself a professional by any means, he plays as much as the pros. He has cashed in the WSOP main event both of the last two years.
James Woods has been playing the home games in Hollywood for years. He plays in big buy in tournaments as well. His best result being a Third place in a WPT event. James also has invested in an online poker room.
Ben Affleck, a regular cash game player, had a big win in 2004. He won the California State Championships of Poker main event ($10,000 buy in). He credits top pros Annie Duke, Antonio Esfandaria, and Allen Cunningham with tutoring him.
Not quite the big time movie star as the rest Chad Brown is another actor who plays poker. Well, maybe he is a poker pro who did some acting. With over $2 million in career earnings, he is clearly the best player of the celebrities. He is a regular at the big tournaments these days.
With career earnings of over 2 million dollars, he has had many good runs in big events. He almost captured a WSOP bracelet with a second place finish in event 54 of the 2007 WSOP. His strong record is only tainted by not having a big win.
Gabe Kaplan is the original celebrity poker player. His love for poker had him playing all the way back into the 1970’s. He also was one of the original commentators for poker broadcasts.
Gabe started playing in the WSOP way back in 1978. He didn’t get his first cash until 1986. He has reached 6 final tables, including a second place in 2005.
Gabe still does commentary for televised poker. He analyzes hands for the audiences watching the show High Stakes Poker. He has the poker knowledge, and quick wit, to entertain and educate you with his observations.
This is just a short list of some of the celebrities that have ventured into the poker world. With poker gaining in popularity, celebrities are starting to flock to the WSOP main event. Movie stars, rock stars, and famous athletes are all taking a shot at the big one.
