Hollywood and poker – weird? Not at all. Many movie and music stars love the excitement of this game, because in it, as in their profession, you need to keep face, bluff and calculate the opponents. Someone prefers cozy home games in the circle of famous friends, someone appears in poker clubs in Las Vegas, and there are those who sit down at the table in large tournaments, where millions are at stake. For example, Ben Affleck not only likes poker, but even won serious tournaments, and Tobey Maguire is rumored to have participated in underground games with huge stakes. Let’s find out which celebrity poker players are not just fans of the game, but real masters of bluffing.
Hollywood Actors Who Love Playing Poker
When celebrities sit down at the poker table, they remain as competitive as they would on a movie set. Many actors don’t just love the game, they immerse themselves in it on a professional level, participating in tournaments and even winning impressive sums. Some do it for the sake of excitement, others – for prestige. Let’s find out which Hollywood stars are seriously into poker and what attracted them to this game.
Ben Affleck – From High-Stakes Games to Tournament Champion
Ben Affleck is not just a Hollywood star, but one of the most famous poker players among celebrities. He has been spotted many times in elite cash games with huge stakes, and in 2004 he even won the prestigious California State Poker Championship tournament, taking home a prize of $356,400. Affleck is known for his analytical approach to the game and has even taken lessons from professionals to pump up his skills.
Tobey Maguire – The Underground Poker King
Tobey Maguire may have been a humble man on screen, but at the poker table he turned into a real predator. In Hollywood, he is considered the king of underground games, especially in elite poker parties organized for the richest people in America. He is rumored to have made millions from such games, and his style is characterized by hard bluffing and mathematical miscalculation.
Matt Damon – A Poker Enthusiast Inspired by Rounders
Matt Damon might not have been such a passionate poker player if it weren’t for his role in the cult movie Rounders (1998). In preparation for the role, he studied poker with real professionals, and he was so passionate about it that he continued to play after filming. Damon even participated in the World Series of Poker (WSOP), the largest poker tournament in the world, where he competed against the best players.
Kevin Hart – Comedian, Actor, and Poker Ambassador
Kevin Hart is not just a comedian, but a true poker ambassador. He has worked with PokerStars, participating in high-stakes tournaments and promoting the game. Despite the fact that he has more fun at the table than trying to turn pro, Hart does play for serious money. His playing style is aggressive and expressive, which fits his comedic nature.
Musicians Who Are Passionate About Poker
When it comes to poker, musicians are just as good as the pros. Their love of excitement, attention to detail and ability to control emotions make them dangerous competitors. Whether they’re rappers, metallers or producers, they find a new field of expression at the poker table.
Nelly – Hip-Hop Star with a Poker Passion
Rapper Nelly, known for his hits Hot in Herre and Dilemma, got into poker for more than just entertainment. He has repeatedly participated in the WSOP and appeared at the tables of high-stakes tournaments.
In 2007, he became part of PokerStars’ Hip-Hop Team, making him even more recognizable in the poker world. Nelly is known for his aggressive style of play, is not afraid to take risks and likes to put his opponents in front of tough decisions.
Scott Ian – Metal Guitarist Who Dominates the Tables
Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian is not only a thrash metal legend, but also a serious poker player. He participates in major tournaments and has reached the final stages of the competition more than once.
His analytical approach and patience at the table make him a dangerous opponent. Ian himself has admitted that poker helps him practice self-control, a skill that is so important in the world of music and show business.
Steve Albini – Music Producer and WSOP Bracelet Winner
Steve Albini, one of the most respected music producers known for his work with Nirvana, Pixies and PJ Harvey, has proven that poker is more than just a hobby for him. In 2018, he won a WSOP bracelet, beating over 300 opponents and taking home a $105,000 prize.
Private Games and Exclusive Poker Circles for Celebrities
In the world of celebrity poker, there is a special category of games that are not written about in the public lists of tournaments. These are private poker nights where the stakes can reach six-figure sums and the opponents are Hollywood stars, famous athletes and business tycoons. In such games not only the process is important, but also the atmosphere, where professional poker players, actors and musicians fight not only for money, but also for prestige.
High-Stakes Hollywood Home Games
Los Angeles and New York host some of the most famous underground poker games, which are impossible to get to without a personal invitation. These parties are organized in luxurious mansions or elite penthouses, and the entrance ticket is not only an impressive bankroll, but also belonging to a closed circle.
One of the most famous participants of such games was Tobey Maguire, whose name is associated with the underground poker circles of Hollywood. In the early 2000s, he was part of one of the most exclusive games organized by Molly Bloom (known for the movie Molly’s Game). These games also featured Ben Affleck, Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon, and the stakes could reach millions of dollars a night.
Nowadays such private poker games have not lost their relevance, they have just become even more classified. It is said that in elite poker circles you can often meet Dan Bilzerian, a famous poker high roller, who claims to have made hundreds of millions on private games.
Celebrity Charity Poker Tournaments
Not all celebrity poker games take place behind closed doors. Many celebrities prefer to participate in charity tournaments where their winnings go to support various foundations.
One of the biggest such tournaments is the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA) Charity Event, where stars such as Kevin Hart, Aaron Paul and Jennifer Tilly can be seen. Another popular event is the One Drop Foundation Tournament, organized in partnership with the WSOP. This tournament featured Leonardo DiCaprio and Tony Parker, helping to raise funds to provide access to clean water for those in need.
Celebrities also often participate in special poker nights hosted by sports teams, movie studios or charities.
How Celebrities Influence the Popularity of Poker
Celebrities have long been an important part of the poker industry. Their participation in major tournaments, publicity for poker brands and even appearances in poker movies attract new players, making the game more popular. When a world-class celebrity sits down at a poker table, millions of fans become interested in the game, trying their hand in online rooms or at live tables.
Poker Endorsements and Sponsorship Deals
Poker companies actively cooperate with global stars, signing advertising deals and making them ambassadors of their brands. It’s not just a marketing move – celebrities help shatter the myth that poker is a game only for professionals.
The most famous examples are:
- Kevin Hart is an actor and comedian who has worked with PokerStars promoting poker as entertainment and a social game;
- Rafael Nadal is a tennis legend who has partnered with PokerStars to show poker’s connection to athletic endurance and strategy;
- Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar are soccer players who have become the faces of poker platforms, attracting millions of sports fans to the game.
Even those who don’t participate in poker tournaments often appear in poker rooms’ commercials and online campaigns.
Hollywood’s Impact on Poker’s Popularity
Movies and TV series have also played a huge role in popularizing poker. Some scenes have become iconic and inspired thousands of people to start playing.
The most iconic examples:
- Rounders (1998) is a movie starring Matt Damon and Edward Norton that is considered by many to be the Bible of Poker;
- Casino Royale (Casino Royale, 2006) – The poker scene played by Daniel Craig (James Bond) created an incredible hype around the game;
- TV series and reality shows – projects like High Stakes Poker and Poker After Dark have given viewers a glimpse into the world of high stakes poker.
Hollywood and celebrities together have made poker a part of popular culture.
The Ongoing Relationship Between Celebrities and Poker
Poker remains a favorite pastime for actors, musicians and athletes because of its intellectual component, competitive spirit and the opportunity to experience excitement without having to go on stage or in a sports arena.
One of the reasons why stars choose poker is its versatility. It’s perfect for both social parties and high-stakes private clubs. Many celebrities find it a way to relax, while some see it as a serious challenge and a path to new achievements.
Another factor is prestige. Participation in the biggest poker tournaments, such as the WSOP, adds celebrity poker players status and allows them to prove that they can win not only on the screen or stage, but also at the card table.
Poker for celebrities is more than just a pastime. It’s an opportunity to prove themselves, to test their luck and strategic thinking, and sometimes to make their mark on the history of the game.