Who are some celebrities that have participated in the World Series of Poker?
Every year, the World Series of Poker draws in thousands of enthusiasts, including Hollywood celebrities who are unable to resist the game’s appeal.
The World Series of Poker has grown in popularity over the years, with last year’s event seeing 120,000 entires over 88 tournaments. Professional players aren’t the only ones who join the competition- a number of the most popular celebrities have also taken seats at the table.
Here are some famous faces who have tried their hand at WSOP.
Matt Damon
Matt Damon starred in Rounders, a 1998 movie about the underground world of high-stakes poker, that enjoys a cult following. The actor acquired knowledge of the game because of his role, and joined the WSOP the same year. He also took part in 2009, in the $5,000 buy-in Ante Up for Africa Charity Event. Damon is known to participate in live tournaments and underground high-stakes contests.
Edward Norton
Award-winning actor Edward Norton also starred in Rounders, and like his co-star, also developed a competitive interest in poker. He also entered the WSOP championship event in 1998, but exited early as his co-star did.
Ben Affleck
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon have a celebrated friendship that dates back to childhood, and poker is one of the interests that they share. Affleck is also friends with Norton, and among the three, he is the most serious competitor at the WSOP, having joined it at more instances than the other two.
Jennifer Tilly
Academy Award nominee Jennifer Tilly is a very successful poker player who has one WSOP bracelet to her name. She won the WSOP Ladies No-Limit Hold-em in 2005, with winnings of more than $150,000. She is said to have won nearly a million dollars from poker tournaments over the years. Tilly acted in the 1989 comedy Let it Ride, a movie about horse betting which supposedly led to her interest in gambling.
Toby Maguire
Toby Maguire, best known for his role as Spiderman was also a highly competitive poker player. He is reputedly the best player in Hollywood, and joined the 2007 WSOP Main Event. Maguire was involved in some poker controversy some years ago, and had to settle a lawsuit for money he allegedly won in secret high-stakes games in Hollywood.