PokerStars Cultural Ambassador Neymar Jr Sets Sights on SCOOP Success
Table Of Contents
It was another great get for PokerStars when they re-signed their partnership with global superstar Neymar Jr. earlier this year as their Cultural Ambassador.
For those not in the know, Neymar Jr. is a huge a poker fan and was recently seen at the 2022 PokerStars EPT Monte Carlo. The Paris St [Removed:361] and Brazil National Team forward also likes to play online poker and is excited to hop into this year's Spring Championship of Online Poker (SCOOP) which is currently playing out on the Spadie brand's virtual felt.
Best Free to Play Slots
Soccer Superstar Hungry for SCOOP Title
Neymar Jr's exploits on the soccer field have helped him secure over 20 trophies, which includes an Olympic gold medal, in the sport. However, one accolade that evades the Brazilian is a marquee poker win. Neymar Jr. has made deep runs in past SCOOP events and was asked about his chances of going the distance this time around.
"Yes, I will win," he laughed. "Every time you train, play and improve your game, you get closer and closer. So I think this year this could be a winning year and I can at least do well."
The 30-year old also often plays with other Brazilian PokerStars ambassadors Andre Akkari and Rafael Moraes, with the latter being a former mentor to Neymar Jr. Although it seems the pupil has become the master, at least according to the man himself.
"Lately, I'm ahead of both them both," He grinned. "The last time we played, I beat them. We play a lot when we go to Brazil and they are two guys that became my friends through poker."
It was also not lost on the soccer player how beneficial it might be to have two poker titans in his corner.
"Every conversation we have, I learn from them. So, I'm very proud to have two giant players in the poker world being my friends and having free lessons, right?"
EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Grab a Free $11 PokerStars SCOOP Ticket
Brazil Lights Up EPT Monte Carlo
One Brazilian who captured their first major poker title recently was Marcelo Simoes Mesqueu, who reigned supreme in the EPT Monte Carlo €5,300 Main Event. Mesqueu outlasted a field of 1,073 entries to take home the €939,840 first-place prize as well as the first EPT Main Event title for Brazil. He overcame Denmark's Morten Hvam in heads-up play and also took inspiration from Neymar Jr to spur him onto victory.
Compatriot Lucas Scafini also scored big in the French Riviera, winning €250,000 after he took down the EPT Monte Carlo FPS Main Event just days before Mesqueu's heroics.
Start Your SCOOP Series Journey with a $600 Welcome Bonus
New depositing PokerStars customers can claim a welcome bonus worth up to $600. Download PokerStars via PokerNews, create your free account, and decide how much you want to deposit. Your deposit is matched 100% up to $600 in the form of a bonus. In fact, your first three deposits in the first 60-days after making your first deposit are matched up to a combined total of $600.
Make sure you deposit $20 or more before May 26 if you want a shot at winning a SCOOP Main Event seat in our special freeroll.
The bonus releases into your playable balance in $10 increments each time you generate 180 redemption points, which in turn are earned at a rate of five per $1 contributed to the cash game rake or spent on tournament fees (6.5 points per £1, 5.5 points per €1, and four points per CAD$).
Calum has been a part of the PokerNews team since September 2021 after working in the UK energy sector. He played his first hand of poker in 2017 and immediately fell in love with the game. Calum's proudest poker achievement is winning the only tournament he has ever played in Las Vegas, the prestigious $60 Flamingo evening event.
