There used to be a time when the celebrities were a laughable segment of poker, but now times have changed. Name players such as Michael Greco, Helen Chamberlain, and even Hollywood megastar Ben Affleck are showing that they have the intestinal fortitude and poker skills to mix it with the big guns. Unbelievably, they can play!
It's all right saying these guys can make a bluff or two, but have they ever actually won anything? Well, check out the following list and make up your own mind…
- Helen Chamberlain -- Ladbrokes Poker Million 2005 -- 2nd (£560,000)
- Matthew Stevens -- 888.com Pacific Poker Open -- 1 st (£260,000)
- Ben Affleck -- California State Poker Championship -- 1st (£200,123)
- Jimmy White -- Ladbrokes Poker Million 2003 -- 1st (£150,000)
- Tobey Maguire -- Hellmuth Invitational National Championship -- 1st (£53,619)
- Michael Greco -- £4000 NL Irish Masters --7th (£39,800)
With celebs such as Matt Damon, James Woods, Yevgeni Kafelnikov, Tony Cascarino, and Barry Hearn also making their presence known, there is no doubt that the stars have what it takes to win the big bucks. The interest within these circles has reached an incredible height and I predict, without hesitation, that 2006 will see even more familiar faces cashing in.
I was inches away from placing tikay on the above list. Unfortunately, he hasn't won much, and he's not a celebrity. Well, not to the under 80s anyhow.