Many celebrities have promoted numerous poker brands throughout the years and developed a love for the game. These endorsements have contributed to the growth of the poker industry and the popularity of poker sites for real money over the years.
Let’s take a look at 5 high-profile celebrity poker sponsorships and see how each one impacted the world of poker sites for real money.
Ben Affleck
Actor and director Ben Affleck got famous for films like “Good Will Hunting” and “Argo”.
He won the California State Poker Championship in 2004, which significantly increased the popularity of poker in the media.
He became one of the first well-known celebrities to support an online poker site in 2005 when he inked an endorsement agreement with Paradise Poker.
Affleck’s association with Paradise Poker contributed to the brand’s increased visibility and the influx of new users to the website. His success in poker tournaments also contributed to the legitimacy of the sport and to its increasing popularity. He’s also demonstrated the other side of the game with reports of major losses as well.
Rafael Nadal
Tennis player Rafael Nadal, from Spain, is regarded as one of the sport’s all-time greats. One of the biggest online poker sites in the world, PokerStars, offered him a multi-year sponsorship contract in 2012.
Nadal took part in a number of marketing activities and commercial shoots as part of the collaboration. For PokerStars, the partnership with Nadal was viewed as a huge success since it increased the company’s visibility in Spain and other Spanish-speaking nations.
He was also viewed as the ideal poker ambassador because of his spirit of competition and mental fortitude.
Michael Phelps
Retired American swimmer Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympian of all time with a total of 28 medals.
He inked an endorsement contract with PokerStars in 2013, making him the company’s first swimmer to do so. The contract, however, was brief since it was broken up in 2014 when Phelps was charged with drunk driving.
Despite the untimely conclusion of the agreement, Phelps’ association with PokerStars significantly increased the brand’s exposure. The competitive spirit and tenacity of the swimmer made him a great match for the world of poker sites for real money.
Kevin Hart
American comedian and actor Kevin Hart is renowned for his enthusiastic performances and great comedic timing.
He entered into a business agreement with PokerStars in 2017 and was named the company’s first celebrity ambassador. Hart assisted in promoting the website through social media and other platforms by taking part in a number of promotional activities.
Hart’s association with PokerStars encouraged a younger population to visit the website and helped PokerStars expand its user base on social media. His association with the company also increased public awareness of online poker and drew more players to it.
Usain Bolt
Former Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt is regarded as one of the sport’s all-time greats. He entered into a collaboration agreement with PokerStars in 2016 and was later featured in various promotional efforts as one of the brand’s faces.
Bolt took part in a number of promotional activities and contributed to the website’s marketing on social media and through other channels.
Due to Bolt’s association with PokerStars, the company’s reputation in Jamaica and other Caribbean nations has improved. The former sprinter is well-known for his competitive spirit and mental toughness, which make him an ideal poker player.
