A week ago, PokerStars Cultural Ambassador Neymar Jr. made his playing debut at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) when the Paris Saint-Germain’s renowned forward entered Event #26: $10,000 Limit Hold’em Championship.
He didn’t cash that tournament, but now less than a week later the soccer legend has notched his first-ever WSOP cash by finishing in the money in Event #41: $1,000 Super Turbo Bounty No-Limit Hold’em. Neymar Jr. made a deep run ultimately finishing in 49th place out of 2,227 entries for $3,959 in prize money.
Funny story, when the money bubble burst and tournament staff was trying to verify the size of the field, players were asked to remain in their seats and spectators to clear the area. No doubt excited by the prospect of earning his first WSOP cash, Neymar Jr. was standing on the rail chatting with a trio of friends which included PokerStars Team Pro Andre Akkari.
A security member, diligent in their duty and unaware that Neymar Jr. was in action, strolled up and said, “Sorry guys, I gotta kick you out, you can’t stay here.”
“I’m playing,” Neymar Jr. deadpanned and headed back to his seat. While he’s a pretty big deal, apparently not everyone knows who Neymar Jr. is!
Fortunately, he wasn’t kicked out, and neither were Akkari and company who were able to celebrate with their man as soon after an announcement rang out over the P.A. system, “Congratulations players, you’re in the money!”
