Poker is more than just a popular casino game; it’s a skill-based challenge that captivates enthusiasts from all walks of life—including Hollywood stars. Yes, because even the actors and actresses behind our favorite movies and shows indulge in the thrill of playing with real money every so often. Due to the game’s widespread appeal, poker tables are frequented by celebrities whenever they get the chance. And it’s not just the poker ambassadors we’re talking about here.
Below is a list of the top 10 celebrities who play poker, courtesy of Gambling.com. This list includes only the best of the best and not just stars who play the game as a hobby. They secured a spot in this lineup due to their sharp card skills and tactical gameplay.
10. Kevin Hart
This Hollywood actor and comedian may be famous for cracking jokes during roasts and stand-up comedy shows, but he’s also a big name in the gambling industry. He’s even known for playing in some of the biggest poker games, including the $100K Super High Roller at the 2017 PokerStars Championship in the Bahamas. Hart has been sponsored by both PartyPoker and PokerStars. The “Get Hard” star always comes to the table prepared with not just his card skills but also with wisecracks, creating an unforgettable session full of energy and enthusiasm while being serious about the game.Based on his track record, his favorite may be Texas Hold’em Poker.
9. Aaron Paul
Aaron Paul has been starring in several television shows for the longest time before scoring his breakthrough role as Jesse Pinkman in AMC’s “Breaking Bad” in 2008. He’s become a much bigger star since. But did you know that he’s also a famous personality in the poker scene? In fact, he took part in the 2016 poker-themed show “The Cube.” He also managed to make it to day 2 of the WSOP Main Event in 2015.
8. Jay-Z
A not-so-surprising addition to this list is Beyoncé’s husband, Jay-Z. The hip-hop mogul reportedly likes trying out high-class poker rooms whenever he is out touring. He was spotted having a blast in London poker rooms in the past. But unlike other celebrities who like playing in tournaments, Jay-Z prefers to play his favorite casino game privately, with his celebrity friends, including Kevin Hart and Alex Rodriguez, among others. Interestingly, according to I Am Hip-Hop Magazine, the “Empire State of Mind” hitmaker also likes to play blackjack and bet on sports games.
7. Matt Damon
The Academy Award-winning actor and screenwriter may be famous for his blockbuster films, but he’s also one of the many celebrities who like playing poker. His love for the game seemingly led him to appear in the gambling-themed movie “Rounders.” His role even inspired many people to become pro poker players. Interestingly, Damon also made regular appearances at the WSOP. However, he has admitted that he actually likes playing most of his poker games away from the public eye so he can savor every moment.
6. Jason Alexander
Emmy and Tony winner Jason Alexander is not just an exceptional actor, comedian, and film director, he is also a skilled poker player. Be it live or online, the Hollywood star just loves playing whenever he can. His passion for the game even led him to win the “Celebrity Poker Showdown Championship” Season 8. His triumph secured $500,000 for his chosen charity. Aside from being regular on poker television shows, Jason also hosts celebrity charity tournaments yearly.
5. Shannon Elizabeth
If you’re a fan of the “American Pie” films, “Scary Movie,” and “Tomcats,” then there’s a big chance that you are familiar with Shannon Elizabeth and her work in the entertainment industry. Regarded as one of the sex symbols of the 1990s and 2000s, the actress has come a long way not only as an artist but also as a poker player. In 2006, she revealed that “her second career” was playing the casino game as she would regularly visit the Las Vegas Strip. Her poker credentials include winning semi-finalist in NBC’s “Heads-Up Poker Championship” in 2007 and finishing second in the $5,000 Ante Up of Africa charity event. The latter earned her $79k, which was commendable considering she runs the Shannon Elizabeth Foundation, an organization dedicated to animal rescue and conservation in South Africa.
4. Brad Garrett
This stand-up comedian has made a name for himself in the showbiz industry by starring in several projects, including “Not Dead Yet,” “Single Parents,” “Everybody Loves Raymond,” and “The Pacifier.” But did you know that Brad Garrett also does part-time work as a professional poker player? Like how could we forget that time he scolded Phil Hellmuth for his constant trash-talking on “Poker Night in America”? Garrett, who has also done some voice acting for “Finding Nemo,” “Garfield,” and “A Bug’s Life,” had his biggest live cash win in 2005 when he emerged as the winner in “Celebrity Poker Showdown Championship” Season 5, bringing home $100k.
3. Michael Greco
Known for his role as Beppe di Marco on the BBC’s “EastEnders,” British actor Michael Greco does more than just portray roles in front of cameras. He is also a skilled poker player. He’s one of those who really got serious with poker that he spent years honing his skills. Greco eventually achieved impressive results, as he finished third place in WSOP events in Las Vegas twice, earning him an accumulated $1 million for the stint.
2. Jennifer Tilly
American-Canadian actress Jennifer Tilly is well-known for her distinctive breathy voice that led her to play Tiffany Valentine in “Bride of Chucky.” Her character impressed many fans so much that she went on to appear in many more installments of the “Child’s Play” film series. Away from Hollywood’s limelight, Tilly developed an interest in poker when her father introduced her to “World Series of Poker,” the video game. Impressively, she won the Ladies No-Limit Texas Hold’em in 2005, securing her a much-coveted WSOP bracelet. However, even though she’s already invested in playing high-stakes cash games, she has still made time for some acting projects every now and then.
1. Victoria Coren Mitchell
Topping this list is none other than Victoria Coren Mitchell, who is arguably the most successful celebrity poker player in the professional poker scene. The journalist and TV presenter has been a household name for hosting the long-running BBC TV quiz show “Only Connect.” But outside of this, she has been an avid poker player and is even a regular on the London poker scene. Her credentials in the industry are nothing short of impressive. She’s the first woman to win a European Poker Tour event in 2006, bagging £500k as a result. She’s also the first player to win two EPT main event titles. Mitchell has so far accumulated over $2.5 million in live poker cashes. And though she partially retired from playing professionally in 2014, Victoria still graces the tables whenever she’s available.
