Neymar is famous for his skills on the football field, but his passion for high-stakes gambling shows another side of him that few people know.
What started as a hobby has turned into a serious interest, with Neymar joining poker tournaments, betting online, and partnering with major gambling brands. Known for his competitive edge, he has seen both big wins and hard losses, which have sparked debates about the impact of celebrity influence on gambling.
His story off the field is as layered and intense as his career on it.
How and When Did Neymar Found Poker?
His interest in poker began during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where he discovered a passion for the strategic, competitive nature of the game. What started as a hobby soon grew as he recognized elements of focus and timing he valued in football. In 2015, Neymar took his interest further by partnering with PokerStars, an entry that brought him to the formal poker world.
Neymarโs first big tournament experience came in the Brazilian Series of Poker held in Sรฃo Paulo, where he entered the R$7,000 High Rollers event. Finishing in sixth place, Neymar earned R$79,440, gaining respect among both fans and poker professionals.
His growth continued, leading to participation in larger international events. In 2022, Neymar competed in the European Poker Tour Monte Carloโs FPS High Roller event, winning โฌ5,620. The same year, he made his World Series of Poker debut in Las Vegas, where he finished 49th in a $1,000 No-Limit Hold’em event, winning $3,959. Even today, he is known for being active in both land-based and online casino adventures.
The ยฃ240,000 Win
In an online poker game streamed live, Neymar won ยฃ240,000 in what fans called the โcraziest poker hand ever.โ This game included notable opponents like poker pro Alan Keating and Fortnite legend Ninja.
Neymarโs risky plays and aggressive betting style led to a remarkable victory that was widely discussed on social media, solidifying his reputation in the poker world.
The โฌ1 Million Blaze Casino Stream
Neymar experienced a shocking โฌ1 million loss during a single hour on a Blaze Casino live-streamed game. The session ended with Neymar reacting visibly to the loss, which quickly went viral, raising discussions about the effects of public gambling on celebrities.
The moment brought attention from regulatory bodies and sparked questions about gamblingโs influence on younger fans, adding a layer of controversy to his image.
Celebrity Matches
Neymar has participated in private and streamed games with well-known personalities, including poker professional Alan Keating and Fortnite gaming star Ninja. These games took place on platforms like Hustler Casino Live, with stakes reaching thousands of dollars.
Playing against skilled opponents allowed Neymar to test his own strategies and gain experience, positioning him as a bold figure in celebrity poker circles.
Facing off against Keating, Ninja, and several other poker figures, Neymar raised the stakes with bold moves, betting amounts as high as $74,000 on a single hand.
Neymar has formed a circle of poker friends and competitors who regularly join him in private and live-streamed games. Brazilian poker pro Andre Akkari, along with footballer Gabriel Jesus, has become part of Neymarโs close poker group, offering insight into Neymarโs growth and dedication to poker.
Major Wins and Losses
| Event | Outcome | Amount | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brazilian Series of Poker (BSOP) – Sรฃo Paulo | Win | โฌ21,072 | 2018 | Finished 6th in the R$7,000 No Limit Hold’em High Rollers event, earning R$79,440. |
| European Poker Tour (EPT) – Monte Carlo | Win | โฌ5,620 | 2022 | Placed 55th in the โฌ2,200 No Limit Hold’em FPS Monte Carlo High Roller event. |
| World Series of Poker (WSOP) – Las Vegas | Win | $3,959 | 2022 | Placed 49th in the $1,000 No-Limit Hold’em Super Turbo Bounty Freezeout event. |
| Hustler Casino Live Cash Game – Los Angeles | Win | $360,000 | 2024 | Won against professional player Alex Keating, taking seven of eight river cards. |
| Blaze Casino Online Session | Loss | โฌ1,000,000 | March 2023 | Lost โฌ1 million in a live-streamed session on Blaze Casino. |
| World Series of Poker (WSOP) – Las Vegas | Loss | $10,000 | June 2022 | Eliminated on Day 1 of the $10,000 Limit Hold’em Championship. |
| Legends of the Felt Poker Event – Los Angeles | Loss | $174,000 | June 2024 | Lost to NBA player Jimmy Butler, who won with a full house. |
Impact of Gambling on His Public Image and Brand Partnerships
As a celebrated football icon, Neymarโs involvement in poker and gambling has sparked conversations around his brand and the expectations tied to his professional image.
Brand Partnerships with Poker Platforms
- PokerStars: Partnered with Neymar in 2015 and again in 2020, utilizing his global reach to engage a broader audience, especially in Brazil and Europe.
- Blaze Casino: Since 2022, Neymar has promoted Blaze, streaming games to fans and reinforcing his poker enthusiasm.
Neymarโs associations with major poker brands have played a significant role in shaping his image beyond football. He began as an ambassador for PokerStars, one of the largest online poker platforms, a partnership that saw him actively promoting poker across social media and at high-profile tournaments.
In 2022, Neymar moved to Blaze Casino, signing a four-year deal to represent the online gaming platform. This partnership has involved live-streaming poker games and casino sessions, showcasing his passion for the game to millions.
Fan Reactions and Public Perception
Neymarโs gambling has drawn a mixed response from fans and the media. While some appreciate his competitive nature, others view it as a distraction from his football career. His one-million-euro loss during a live-streamed game sparked debate, with critics questioning whether such activities align with the image of a professional athlete.
Yet, for many fans, Neymarโs gambling activities highlight his human side and offer a glimpse into his life outside the field.
Sponsorships
Ties with gambling brands could limit opportunities with other sponsors who prefer to distance themselves from the gaming industry. While he continues to secure endorsements, some companies may reconsider partnerships, especially if his gambling activities become more controversial.
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Other Hobbies
Outside of football and poker, Neymar enjoys a variety of hobbies. For instance, he became a well-known CS:GO player.
Gaming Passion
Neymar has been open about his love for gaming, particularly with Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)ย and Fortnite. Known to spend hours streaming his gaming sessions, Neymar connects with fans on platforms like Twitch, where he regularly engages with followers.
Connections with Esports Stars
Neymarโs passion for gaming has led him to form friendships with professional esports players. He has been seen gaming with well-known figures like Ninja and Shroud on Twitch, enhancing his reputation within the gaming world.
Music and Social Events
In addition to gaming, Neymar is passionate about music and often shares playlists with fans on social media. He enjoys various genres, especially Brazilian funk and hip-hop, and is known to host events with live music, inviting friends and fellow athletes to join.
Strong Presence on Social Media
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Neymarโs hobbies and interests have contributed to a massive social media following, with over 200 million followers on Instagram. He often shares glimpses of his gaming setups, music sessions, and social events, maintaining a close connection with fans who see him as more than just a football player.
FAQs
What do popular Brazilian footballers do outside of football?
Many Brazilian football legends enjoy unique hobbies beyond football. Ronaldo Nazรกrio has a passion for sports investments and occasionally participates in poker tournaments. Rivaldo is known for his interest in fishing and outdoor activities, while Ronaldinho often explores music, frequently playing guitar and DJing at events.
Can you win money playing online poker?
Yes, it is possible to win money playing online poker. Many players earn significant amounts, particularly in high-stakes games. However, success often requires skill, strategy, and an understanding of poker rules, as well as managing the risks involved in competitive online poker.
Is it better to play poker online or in a casino?
Each option has unique benefits. Online poker offers convenience, allowing players to join games from home and access a wide range of stakes and tournaments. Casino poker provides a live, social experience where players interact face-to-face, which can add excitement to the game.
Are celebrities commonly involved in poker?
Yes, many well-known celebrities participate in poker games and tournaments, both online and in casinos. Stars like Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and Michael Jordan are famous for joining high-stakes games. Musicians such as Drake and Nelly have also been known to participate, adding a competitive social dimension to their public personas.
Last Words
Neymar has shown a side few fans often see, where his passion for poker has grown from a casual interest into something much bigger. His journey has taken him to major tournaments and high-stakes games, competing with well-known figures and taking on challenging opponents.
For some, it highlights his fearless competitive nature. For others, it brings up questions about how fame shapes his choices and public image.
