Celebrities Who Can't Resist the Thrill of Poker
Sept. 12 2025, Published 1:45 a.m. ET
From red carpet elegance to green felt success, Hollywood A-listers have discovered their second life in the world of the poker table. These celebrities are proof that cards and charisma are the ultimate winning formula, in the flesh and online.
Celebrity culture and casino culture have merged nicely in recent years. When entertainers, musicians and athletes ante in, they add a sense of drama and pageantry equal to the excitement of betting online or in the highest-stakes live games. Whether practicing their game for charity events or enjoying the top online websites, the popular faces remind us all that poker and online casino play are exciting and fun.
Why Poker Appeals to Stars
Over the past decade, the surge in online casino gaming has given players unparalleled access to the thrill of competition without the need to step into a traditional casino. Celebrities' busy schedules and love for excitement are perfect examples of how digital platforms fit seamlessly into modern lifestyles.
Seeing your preferred celebrities sit at the poker table is the ultimate thrill. It’s little wonder, too. Poker is a game where strategy, psychology and risk are combined, face-to-face and online. Should you have any questions about how to play 3 card poker or where to get started, the upbeat tales of such celebrities are a testament to the game's availability. Their accounts illustrate that anyone can participate in the fray with a bit of research and the proper platform.
Tobey Maguire and Ben Affleck: Hollywood's Poker Powerhouses
Tobey Maguire, famously of Spider-Man, was a legend in Hollywood poker circles, not only for leading roles but for a serious game. He studied with professional Daniel Negreanu. He also had solid finishes in several World Series of Poker Main Events, including appearances on ESPN telecasts in the mid-2000s. His disciplined nature and desire to continue to learn the game separated him from celebrity hobbyists.
Ben Affleck, meanwhile, has long had a reputation for both playing well and using that prowess well off the felt. He won the California State Poker Championship. He has also hosted star-studded charity poker games, generating substantial donations, proof that poker can be both glamorous and philanthropic. His involvement extends into online poker, where he has played in virtual tournaments, showing that the game's appeal is as strong in digital formats as in traditional casino halls.
Victoria Coren Mitchell and Jennifer Tilly: The Felt Queens
In Europe, journalist-presenter Victoria Coren Mitchell has made history in poker. A first for any woman in winning an EPT event and the only winner of two EPT Main Events, she has over $2.5 million in live tournament winnings. These successes are a testament to ability and staying power in a highly competitive environment. This is particularly remarkable in light of the difficulties female players have had in the past in poker rooms.
In the U.S., actress Jennifer Tilly combines glamour and grit. An Oscar-nominated actress who also sports a World Series of Poker bracelet and over $1 million in poker winnings, she has been a staple on television poker programming for years. Sometimes, she blinds opponents with charming humor and uses a razor-sharp strategy. She even brought the “Lady Gambler” image she created into the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Tilly is also vocal in support of online poker and has often participated in online tournaments in the interim between acting engagements.
James Woods and Jason Alexander: Legends Still in Love with the Game
Hollywood veteran James Woods, star of Casino and Once Upon a Time in America, is a familiar face at the WSOP. He regularly plays in Las Vegas events and has even made it to a final table. That shows some stars never lose their competitive urge. Woods’ competitive streak is matched by his enthusiasm for the mental challenge of poker. He has often compared its strategy to chess and script analysis, requiring both discipline and creativity.
Seinfeld star Jason Alexander isn't a newcomer to the green table either. He seized the title of winner in the Celebrity Poker Showdown Championship. He still hosts annual celebrity charity poker games, too. Alexander is well-liked for his table presence and outgoing personality and individuals enjoy watching the online and live coverage of the games he sits in on. He has publicly talked about the convenience of online playing while traveling, allowing access to the game without breaking a professional commitment.
Sports Stars in the mix: Neymar Jr. and Gerard Piqué
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Poker's appeal goes beyond Hollywood. Professional soccer star Gerard Piqué has sat down in European Poker Tour high-rolls and taken down large sums of money. He's one of the world's top-grossing celebrity poker players. As noted for staying calm on the soccer pitch, Piqué brings the same calm to poker tables. Guessing the actions of one's opponents and being patient can prove the difference between cashing in and walking away with nothing.
In the same way, Neymar Jr. has participated in online poker festivals such as the Spring Championship of Online Poker. He has had respectable cashes, including a $2,100 and 12th-place in the EPT Monte Carlo. As a PokerStars brand ambassador, Neymar advocates for poker as a game of skill, enjoyment and camaraderie. Neymar's social media account includes regular updates with highlights of online games he has played. These updates encourage the fans to give the game a trial, especially on mobile devices, bringing professional-level poker into daily life.
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. Gamble or play responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. If you’re in the U.K. and need help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. We disclaim any liability for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from the use of, or reliance on, the information presented.
