Poker, with its mix of strategy, psychology, and chance, has long captivated those seeking excitement outside of the typical domains of fame and success.
Following this logic, celebrities who are trying their luck in Hollywood for a big break or a sports field, may be pulled in by the similar aspects of professional poker. Let's take a look at which celebrities have been the most successful in their poker endeavours.
Victoria Coren Mitchell
This famous British writer, presenter, and comedian, known for the BBC show Only Connect, became pretty serious about it in her mid-twenties. In 2006, she was the first woman to win the European Poker Tour Main Event for over $940,000. In 2010, she achieved another milestone by winning a World Series of Poker bracelet in the Ladies No-Limit Hold'em event. She dominated EPT for years but had her second main-event win in 2014 in San Remo in Italy, which made her the first player ever - male or female - to bring home two main events. Coren Mitchell’s love of poker is relayed in her memoir called For Richer, For Poorer: A Love Affair With Poker.
Shannon Elizabeth
You may know her from American Pie, but this actress discovered her passion for poker in the early 2000s. In 2005, she finished third in the prestigious WSOP Main Event, which was the best result for a woman at the time. Though Elizabeth somehow ends up with the best poker hands in the game, she also likes travelling, writing, and spending time with loved ones, and considers poker to be a satisfying pastime rather than a full-time job.
Richard Seymour
It’s not only famous ladies who enjoy poker. Richard Seymor, a famous ex-NFL player who earned three Super Bowl rings and a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, found a new challenge in poker. While he was in the NFL, he played poker recreationally, but once he retired, he fully devoted his time to becoming a poker pro. Seymour took part in prestigious events such as the WSOP Main Event (twice), the WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown, and the PCA High Roller. Unfortunately, he still doesn’t hold the WSOP bracelet, but who knows what the future holds for him.
Gabe Kaplan
This lovable 70s comedian found fame in the iconic sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter, but acting in the comedic roles simply wasn't enough to professionally fulfil him. Soon after his acting debut, he tried out his skills in WSOP in 1978, but he didn't have much luck. However, in 1980, he won the main event at Amarillo Slim's Super Bowl of Poker, which was very well regarded at the time. As time went on, he found a new career as a poker commentator on the show called High Stakes Poker. But in January 2023, Kaplan retired from the show after nine successful seasons.
Conclusion
As the chips fall and the cards are revealed, it becomes clear that poker is a dynamic arena where people from different walks of life may demonstrate their abilities and welcome new challenges. With their different origins, these celebrities have contributed a distinct flavour to the poker world. We wonder who will next try their hand at the unexpected, exciting, and always-entertaining game of poker.
