Poker and soccer
Naked eye, play soccer and play poker they seem to have nothing in common, but, if we delve a little into the subject, it is not so difficult to find some similarities between both disciplines. Let's start with the most obvious: are two activities in which astronomical amounts of money are at stake. It is no coincidence that the great poker players of the world are millionaire figures, sometimes from other areas where they are prominent figures. You can be very good at poker, but success will also be subject to the amount of money you put into play, because adrenaline is directly proportional to the amount of money bet. And that can put too much pressure on some people.
We can find great footballers who have a hobby of poker, who are often considered excellent players and get to participate in a professional or semi-professional way. Sometimes, these become ambassadors of recognized tournaments worldwide, and more, even, have expressed their willingness to devote themselves fully to poker when they retire from their successful football careers. Could it be that these great figures want to experience what it is like to feel one more in a different discipline? Or is this motivated by a competitive spirit pushing to get out? For the moment, they are nothing but speculation.
Let's look at three footballers who are renowned poker players ...
Gerard Piqué
He has already declared that he would participate even more in this type of tournaments if it were not for the demanding nature of his football career.. So, every time the European Poker Tour takes place in Barcelona, Piqué is present. Has a good positioning and came to win 56.000 euros in the 2011. It is specifically dedicated to the Texas Hold'em modality.
Neymar Jr.
He is one of the most important global ambassadors of poker. Recently, organized a custom tournament with his NJR brand. His fondness for this sport is such that Barcelona came to put a clause in the contract limiting his participation in this type of activity. It is known that Neymar, further, has other hobbies, like video games, discipline in which it also stands out.
Ronaldo Nazário
He was also an ambassador for PokerStar, although much is said about his abilities in this game. There are those who affirm that his interest is more focused on the commercial and that he does not stand out for his way of playing. But nevertheless, there are others who recognize his ability and even marvel at a trick he is capable of with the chips, a kind of personal brand. Either way, your involvement in this field is widely recognized and it will be a matter of time to discover the true nature of your skills.
When asked about choosing this hobby, it is common for footballers to highlight attributes of both activities: concentration, designing a thorough strategy, patience, the risk, the study of the opponent's psychology and the money put at stake, of course it is. And is that, although the nature of both sports is completely different, We cannot deny that both poker and football require special intelligence and skill..
