Football Star Neymar Jr Shines At The 2018 BSOP

Brazilian captain Neymar.Jr finished in sixth place at the 2018 Brazilian Series of Poker (BSOP) Sao Paulo.

He is one of the most popular figures in Brazil and has an Instagram following of over 100 million. His interest in poker and recent accomplishments at the BSOP will provide poker in Brazil a major boost.

Neymar might not have had a great World Cup but he certainly did have a great run at the 2018 BSOP. Poker pros were surprised to find that the Brazilian captain amongst the 288 players who registered for the R$7,000 ($1,850) High Roller.

Neymar.Jr represented Team PokerStars for a little while as the company used his love for poker to spread their brand. PokerStars dropped Neymar. Jr in 2017 but the Brazilian continues to play poker as he likes the competition and the mental focus the game requires him to put in. Neymar is one of the highest paid footballers in the world and unlike other poker pros is not dependent on his poker winnings.

Poker pros were thrilled to play against one of Brazil’s favorite sons. Neymar had a good run and was part of the 19 players who made it past tough competition. He had the fourth biggest stack of chips which helped him to make it to the final table that comprised of the top 8 players.

Neymar did not expect to do so well at the BSOP and thought he would be eliminated in time for his to attend the wedding of a close friend where he was standing best man. The final 8 players made an exception for Neymar and took a 24 hour break in order to give the football superstar a day off to attend the wedding. Most players will not get that kind of VIP treatment but it goes to show the high regard and fame that Neymar has in Brazil.

Poker In Brazil Will Get Massive Boost

He came back the next day and had a decent run but was eliminated in sixth place, taking home $21,470 in prize money. Affif Prado who is the current BSOP Player of the Year finished in second place and was thrilled at being at the same table with Neymar.Jr.

In a statement, Prado said

It was great to see him play, both for the illustrious person that he is and for the passion he has for the game. It was cool to see him making plays, because he studies, he watches, and to see the interest of a person like Neymar Jr. for this game is very gratifying. Not to mention the boom this has generated today, this is sure to reflect even more for poker.