We all know about the likes of Ben Affleck and Tobey Maguire, famous Hollywood celebrities who also happen to be very keen poker players. But did you know that there are many other lesser-known celebs with a penchant for placing a bet or two?
Here at AskGamblers, we love a good gamble as much as the next person, so we thought it was high time we shone a light on some celebrity punters who often go unrecognised. From football (soccer) to horse racing and even bridge - read on to learn more about these big spenders and their vices.
Fady Qouyan
This Lebanese-Nigerian actor, born in Houston Texas, is one of the highest profile bridge players in the world. Having starred in US TV show Nip/Tuck, Qouyan has since gone on to appear in Hollywood movies such as Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. However, it's his success in bridge tournaments that really sets him apart from other celebrities.
Qouyan has won numerous titles around the globe including five Bermuda Bowls, three Camrose Trophies and two World Transnational Championships. In fact, he is the only person to have won all three of these titles! His partner and coach is the Italian international, Fabrizio Padavano. The pair met by chance in Asia and have since racked up countless victories together.
When asked about his relationship with Padavano, Qouyan told an interviewer: "I consider myself very lucky to play with Fabrizio. I think we complement each other perfectly."
Another interesting fact about this talented actor? He holds an accredited bridge-teaching diploma from the World Bridge Federation and has even written a book on the subject called 'Bridge Secrets'.
Fun fact: According to an interview with the Telegraph, Qoubian likes to play a risky style of bridge which he likened to that of Brazilian footballer Ronaldo. This style involves taking bold gambles and running at the opposition with speed and flair.
Thierry Henry
Henry is a French professional footballer and the current coach of Irish club Monaco. Throughout his career, he played for clubs such as Arsenal, Barcelona and New York Red Bulls before hanging up his boots in 2014. During this time, he amassed an impressive haul of medals including four Ligue 1 titles, two FA Cups and six league and cup doubles.
But did you know that football isn't the only thing he's wagered on over the years? In recent times, Henry has developed a reputation as something of a poker aficionado. In fact, he finished fourth in Season 7 of EPT London back in 2012, pocketing £36,590 for his efforts.
Speaking to PokerListings after the event, Henry said: "I love poker, but my job doesn't allow me to travel too much. So when I get the chance, I jump at it."
The former striker went on to say that he loves the game because "it's mental combat" and requires "a lot of concentration". When you think about how intense football can be, this attitude doesn't surprise us in the slightest. After all, mental strength is just as important on the pitch as it is at the felt.
Fun fact: As well as speaking French and English fluently, Henry is conversant in Spanish too - thanks to his time at Barcelona. Impressive!
Jason Alexander
You might know him better by his character name, George Costanza. Alexander played the lovable klutz in hit '90s sitcom Seinfeld, but did you know he's also a bit of a card shark? In recent years, the American actor has competed in several high-profile poker tournaments across the United States.
One of his most notable achievements came at the No-Limit Hold'em event during the Five Diamond World Poker Classic in Las Vegas. After beating renowned player Antonio Esfandiari heads-up, Alexander pocketed $288,745 in prize money - not bad work for a few hours' entertainment!
When interviewed about his victory, Alexander quipped: "It feels great to win. Especially as I was getting pretty desperate for cash."
He went on to say that he first got into poker while filming Pretty Woman with Richard Gere. The pair would often while away the hours between takes by playing hands of cards. Since then, Alexander has become something of a regular on the circuit and even commentated on the Discovery Channel's coverage of the 2007 World Series of Poker.
top uk casinoFun fact: Before making it big time in Hollywood, Alexander worked as an understudy for the lead role in Broadway musical War Paint. Unfortunately, the actor he was covering - Gregg Coffey - never missed a performance, meaning Alex never actually got to step into those shoes himself...
Jennifer Tilly
This Canadian actress is probably best known for her roles in Bound and The Bride of Chucky, but did you know she's also something of a poker prodigy? In fact, she's won more than $1 million in earnings from major tournaments around the world. Not bad going for a girl who started playing seriously in 2003!
So, what inspired Jennifer to take up the game? Well, it turns out that her long-term boyfriend, gambler and entrepreneur Phil Laak, was a huge influence on her. The pair met at a tournament in London and hit it off immediately. Shortly afterwards, Tilly enrolled in an online course on strategy and began practising day in day out.
Her hard work paid off when she scooped the Ladies Event at the 2005 World Series of Poker. Following this triumph, she went on to win Season 5 of Poker Night in America and finish third in the Larry Flynt Tournament of Champions. Not bad going!
When asked about her success, Tilly credited her actor's skillset for helping her at the table. She explained: "Actors are observers; we watch people all the time and try to understand them. This gives us insight into human nature which can definitely be applied to poker."
Fun fact: Tilly once appeared on Celebrity Apprentice USA, where she became good friends with future President Donald Trump. Speaking to reporters later, she joked that she wouldn't rule out running for office herself one day... Would you vote for Jennifer Tilly for President?!
Shannon Elizabeth
Elizabeth rose to fame in the late '90s/early noughties thanks to movies like American Pie and Tomcats. But did you know she's also a keen poker player?
Like Jennifer Tilly, Elizabeth was introduced to the game by a partner. In her case, it was former flame Joe Reacy - a professional player from the UK. Under his tutelage, Elizabeth learned the ropes and eventually decided to compete in tournaments herself. Her breakthrough moment came at the 2005 WSOP where she finished fifth in the Main Event, banking $182,175 for her troubles.
Since then, Elizabeth has continued to make waves on the circuit. Some of her other notable results include finishing second in the 2006 Ladies Night Invitational Tournament and coming 17th in Season 3 of Poker Night in America.
Top NJ Casino Bonuses 2023 Go Beyond Welcome OffersWhen asked about her strategy for winning, Elizabeth said: "You have to stay calm and composed no matter what happens. It's easy to get emotional or make rash decisions when you're under pressure, but that's a surefire way to lose money."
Fun fact: Did you know that Elizabeth was born in Texas? The state has produced plenty of other famous poker names over the years, including Doyle Brunson and Barry Greenstein. Maybe there's something in the water down there...
Michael Phelps
We all know that Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps is incredibly competitive, but did you know he's also something of a poker fanatic? In fact, the record-breaking athlete has been spotted playing cards with some of the biggest names in the business, including Tobey Maguire and DiCaprio.
According to reports, Phelps discovered the game while training for the 2008 Olympics in Los Angeles. Teammate Milton Newton introduced him to a private cash game held weekly at the Viper Room on Sunset Boulevard. From there, Phelps was hooked.
While it's unclear how profitable his forays into poker have been, there's no denying that he rubs shoulders with some pretty high rollers. DiCaprio, for instance, is rumoured to have a personal fortune in excess of $260 million, while Maguire allegedly hosts a monthly tournament in LA with a buy-in of $100,000. Ouch.
Of course, given Phelps' reputation as a fierce competitor, it's likely that he holds his own at the table. Only time will tell if he switches lanes and enters any major tournaments...
Fun fact: Did you know that Phelps once ate 120 grams of cheese just to prove he could? Yum.
Charley Boorman
If you've ever watched BBC Two's Long Way Round, you'll be familiar with Australian adventure seeker Charley Boorman. Known for his love of motorbikes and penchant for travelling to far-flung destinations, Boorman has presented several documentaries charting his exploits around the world.
What you might not realise, however, is that Boorman is also a bit of a card shark. In fact, he's something of a bridge grandmaster - holding the title of World International Bronze Medalist no less!
Boorman first picked up an interest in the game from his grandfather, who used to live abroad. They would write letters to each other and includebridge problems as a way of staying in touch and honing their skills. Later on, Boorman took lessons from prominent British player John Louis Dennys Stevens Hutron and joined various clubs to further develop his expertise.
To date, some of his proudest accomplishments include representing England at the 2004 Olympiad, winning Gold at the European Pairs Championship and being awarded the World International Bronze Medal in 2007. Not bad going for someone who modestly describes himself as 'just an amateur'…
Fun fact: As well as presenting documentary series like Big Challenge and Extreme Frontiers, Boorman has made guest appearances on popular British shows like Top Gear and Never Mind the Buzzcocks. Catchy tunes, eh?
online real money casino gamesTodd Bridges
Best known for his role as Willis Jackson in classic '80s sitcom Diff'rent Strokes, Todd Bridges has had quite the career spanning four decades. These days, however, he tends to spend less time acting and more time doing something altogether different: betting on horses.
After inheriting a racehorse from his father in 2004, Bridges was bitten by the bug and soon became hooked on thoroughbred racing. Today, he co-owns several successful equines and has clocked up a string of impressive victories. One of his most notable moments came in 2018 when his charge, Go Noni Go, triumphed at the Gr.1 Doomben 10,000.
Reflecting on his journey into horse racing, Bridges said: "At first, I didn't know anything about the industry. But I threw myself into learning as much as possible and it paid off."
Indeed, it seems that Bridges' thirst for knowledge is what has helped him succeed both on screen and at the track. Growing up in a difficult environment marked by poverty and violence, the young actor was forced to mature quickly and develop a range of useful skills.
Fun Online Games to Play When You're BoredThese included impeccable timing, evident in his famous catchphrase "Whatchu talkin' bout?" and an ability to hold his own in challenging situations. Who knows? Perhaps it's this resilience that has enabled him to weather the ups and downs of the turf club too…
Fun fact: After inheriting his first horse, Bridges reached out to legendary trainer Charlie Davis for advice. Luckily, Davis took him under his wing and mentored him throughout his early days in racing. What a legend!
Faizon Love
Love is perhaps best known for his roles in Friday After Next and Couples Retreat, but did you know he's also a fan of blackjack? In fact, the American comedian and actor once found himself at the centre of a major cheating scandal involving the game.
It all kicked off in 2005 when Love was playing at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City. Accusing the dealer of dealing himself a winning hand, Love allegedly grabbed the cards and gave them a shuffle. This led to an altercation with pit boss Jon Morgan, during which Love reportedly pushed him.
As a result, the funnyman was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and assault by physical contact. Fortunately, the case was dismissed a few months later after Love completed a conditional discharge programme.
Looking back on the incident, Love claimed that he had simply tried to point out what he believed to be a mistake on the dealer's part. Nevertheless, the whole affair made headlines at the time and served as a reminder that even celebrities aren't above the law...
Fun fact: Love is a huge fan of magic. In fact, he once auditioned for America's Got Talent in the hope of securing a spot on the show. While he didn't make the cut, he remains a big supporter of illusionists and often incorporates tricks into his stand-up routine. Cool, huh?
