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From Field to Felt – The Competition Continues

From Field to Felt – The Competition Continues

From Field to Felt – The Competition Continues
After feeling the rush of winning the World Cup, a Super Bowl Ring or Wimbledon, what is a professional athlete to do with their energy and drive during their down time or ever more challenging, after retirement?  Many celebrity sports figures take their passion and competitiveness to the tables of Las Vegas or Monte Carlo, and most who do find additional success at the tables as competing and winning keep their confidence strong. 

Casino gaming, especially poker, offers these popular figures three of the most important qualities any athlete seeks in an activity.  First, poker is played with strict rules, and athletes work well within rules.  Second, poker is fiercely competitive, and while not as physically demanding as most sports, it is mentally and emotionally demanding. Third, playing for money is something they're already used to. Athletes from tennis, football, basketball, hockey, American football and race car driving take their victorious attitude on the track and field to the tables.
 
Love Thirty or Straight Flush
Some of the most well-known athletes turned poker players are former tennis champion Boris Becker and friend and fellow player Rafael Nadal, who is still one of the best players in the Association of Tennis Professionals.  Becker was the youngest player to win the Wimbledon championship in 1985 and went on to win several more, as well as six Grand Slams.  He is well quoted as saying, "I love the winning, I can take the losing, but most of all I love to play." Becker continued that love of playing after retiring and went on to become a sensation in the world of poker, playing and winning in many renowned tournaments including the European Poker Tour (EPT).
 

(Image Source:  casino.org)

 
Becker loves the competitiveness in poker.  Fellow player Rafael Nadal also loves the game and has been seen on the EPT as well.  Athletes turned poker stars seem fascinated by the challenges of reading the table and creating a strategy within the rules of the game. Rafa has said that he doesn't find poker that dissimilar to tennis, in that respect.


(Image Source: cardschat.com)

 
There are several different games of poker and it's is important to know the limits of each game and the hand rankings.  Athletes are used to following rules, and professional poker is played within a very strict set, which are important to know inside out if you aspire to be a great player.  But it's not only about knowing when to check, bet, fold, call or raise; keeping your game face, or "poker face" in this case, is important to keeping other players from being able to guess your strategy.  The stakes can quickly escalate and excitement sweeps the room as the winning hand is laid down.
 
The Goal is a Royal Flush

(Image Source: gamblegeek.com)

 
It is not uncommon to see well-known football players at the tables as well.  However, the thing about many athletes is they are only well-known if you follow their sport.  Many can join high-roller games with their pro-athlete bankroll and never be recognized for the sport icons they are.  Following a loss at the World Cup, Spain's Gerard Pique flew directly to Vegas to start a different winning streak.
 
Ireland's footballer Tony Cascarino, Britain's Wayne Rooney and Uruguay's Luis Suarez have also both been seen in poker tournaments throughout England and Europe.  While playing the fast paced game of football stimulates your body, your energy and your quick reflexes, the competitive game of poker stimulates your mind, your strategic awareness and keeps your competitive spirit alive.
 

(Image Source: theguardian.com)

Even retired English footballer Teddy Sheringham developed a passion for the game of poker after playing in all four English football leagues and setting numerous records for goals.  He is still well-respected in the world of football with a 24-year professional career as a player and now a coach/manager.  Sheringham loves the competitiveness of poker and really learning to read people and know what cards they may have.
 
The Real World Series
While everyone has heard of the World Series in baseball, the annually held World Series of Poker has become an exciting and largely popular televised event since its inception in 2005.  The event takes place in Las Vegas each year and attracts tons of celebrities and sports stars.  The event culminates with a $10,000 buy-in No Limit Texas Hold'em main event and the winner takes home millions.  Sports figures from all over the world enjoy competing and creating a different kind of reputation.
 

(Image Source: pokernews.com)

 
Some of the well-known sports gamblers include NASCAR's Jason White and NHL goaltender Roberto Luongo, Olympic Gold Medal skier Petter Northug and NBA star Paul Pierce, to name just a few.  Most enjoy keeping their competitive edge sharp and partaking in the mental warfare.  Some athletes and celebrities enjoy the game so much they go on to sponsor tournaments or become ambassadors for online gaming icons such as Cristiano Ronaldo with PokerStars.

Either way, there are unique qualities that must be present in a person to become a professional athlete.  They must have determination, skill, a never give up attitude, and the ability to read and predict opponents' moves.  These same qualities must be present for one to become a successful poker player, so it is no wonder so many athletes go on to become tremendous card players.

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