Poker is a game with simple rules and universal appeal. It’s no surprise that it has also drawn in people from the public eye, with many celebrities finding themselves at the tables.

During the golden era of online poker (2005–2010), when the virtual felt was booming, several platforms used celebrities as ambassadors for their brands. These figures helped promote the game, though not all of them were genuine poker players. Some lacked the skills of professionals and only played with sponsor-backed buy-ins for publicity.

But true celebrity poker players are a different story. Beyond the marketing campaigns, a number of stars have developed real ability, taking on serious competition in high-stakes games and even scoring impressive results at major international tournaments. With deep bankrolls and a drive to compete, many have sharpened their card skills and proven themselves in Texas Hold’em.

We’ve highlighted the standouts—the celebrities who not only love the game but also play it at a high level. Don’t be fooled by their fame: these players have the talent to take your chips as quickly as they’ll offer an autograph. Underestimating them could be an expensive mistake.

Victoria Coren Mitchell: The Poker Pro and Broadcaster

Journalist and TV presenter Victoria Coren Mitchell stands out as one of the most accomplished celebrity poker players. Best known as the long-running host of BBC’s cerebral quiz show Only Connect, she has combined her media career with a lifelong passion for poker.

Active on the London poker scene from an early age, Coren Mitchell’s first breakthrough came in 2004 when she finished runner-up in a £200 Pot Limit Hold’em tournament at the European Poker Championships, earning over £14,000. Soon after, she claimed the title of Celebrity Poker Club on Channel 4.

Her defining moment arrived in 2006, when she became the first woman to win a European Poker Tour (EPT) event, securing victory at the Grosvenor Victoria Casino in London for £500,000. In 2014, she cemented her place in poker history by becoming the first player to win two EPT Main Events, a record since matched by only one other player, Mikail Pobal.

With more than $2.5 million in live tournament earnings, Coren Mitchell remains one of the most successful and respected figures in the game. Though she stepped back from full-time play in 2014, she still makes appearances at the tables when time allows.

Jennifer Tilly: From Hollywood Star to Poker Champion

Hollywood actress Jennifer Tilly first discovered poker when her father gave her a video poker game called World Series of Poker. That early spark grew into a lifelong passion for the game.

Before poker became her focus, Tilly had already brushed with gambling themes in her acting career, starring alongside Richard Dreyfuss in the film Let It Ride, which centered on a gambler’s lucky day at the racetrack. But at the tables, she is far more than just a casual gambler—Tilly has earned a reputation as a skilled and fearless competitor.

Her greatest poker milestone came in 2005, when she won the Ladies No-Limit Hold’em event at the World Series of Poker, claiming the prestigious gold bracelet and more than $150,000 in prize money. With guidance from her long-time partner, professional poker player Phil Laak, she continued to hone her game and has since amassed over $1 million in live tournament earnings.

A regular in high-stakes cash games, Tilly has also built an impressive record in tournaments, with more than 60 cashes to date, including four at the 2019 WSOP. Her combination of Hollywood fame and genuine poker talent has made her one of the most respected celebrity players in the game.

Michael Greco: Soap Star Turned Poker Professional

British actor Michael Greco is still widely remembered for his role as Beppe di Marco in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, but away from Albert Square he has built a strong reputation as a poker professional.

A keen player since the early 2000s, Greco developed his game on the London poker circuit before breaking through with major results. His first big win came on the Grosvenor UK Poker Tour, where he captured the third leg of the inaugural season—a victory that cemented his presence on the competitive scene.

Greco’s fellow players never missed the chance to remind him of his soap star past, often calling him “Beppe” across the table. He once famously snapped, shouting, “Don’t call me Beppe!”—though in truth he has always been quick to take the banter in good humour.

On the felt, he has proven his credentials with multiple deep runs, including two third-place finishes at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. With more than $1 million in live tournament earnings, Greco has shown he is far more than a TV celebrity dabbling in the game—he is a serious and accomplished poker player.

Brad Garrett: Sitcom Star with a Love for Poker

Fans of Everybody Loves Raymond know Brad Garrett for his towering 6’9” frame and his comedic timing, but beyond television and film he has carved out a second passion as a poker player. With a Hollywood résumé that includes hits such as A Bug’s Life, Garfield, and Finding Nemo, Garrett’s deep voice has made him a sought-after talent in animated movies, while at the tables his presence is equally distinctive.

Describing himself as a part-time professional, Garrett has been a regular face in televised poker. One of his most memorable appearances came on Poker Night in America, where he clashed with Phil Hellmuth, giving the “Poker Brat” a dose of his own verbal medicine.

His most significant poker result came in 2005, when he won Season 5 of Celebrity Poker Showdown, taking home $100,000. Since then, he has accumulated a series of smaller cashes, including two at the World Series of Poker and, more recently, a finish at the 2022 Aria Poker Classics in Las Vegas.

Though acting remains his main career, Garrett’s love of poker and his larger-than-life personality have ensured that he is always a welcome and entertaining figure at the tables.

Shannon Elizabeth: From Hollywood to the Poker Circuit

Shannon Elizabeth has excelled in every stage of her career. Before becoming a global star through her role as Nadia in the American Pie trilogy, she was talented enough at tennis to consider turning professional.

Her passion for poker became public in 2006, when she described the game as her “second career.” Regularly competing in Las Vegas, she quickly made her mark against some of the world’s best players. In 2007, she reached the semifinals of the NBC Heads-Up Poker Championship, a run that established her as a genuine force on the felt.

Elizabeth’s biggest poker payday came at the 2010 World Series of Poker, where she finished runner-up in the $5,000 Ante Up for Africa charity event, earning $79,000. The result was fitting, as she is deeply committed to philanthropy, having founded the Shannon Elizabeth Foundation, an animal rescue and conservation charity based in South Africa.

Her last live cash came in 2013, suggesting she plays far less frequently today. Still, poker skills don’t fade easily, and if Shannon returns to the tables, she remains the kind of opponent few would underestimate.

Jason Alexander: Seinfeld Star and Poker Regular

Best known for his role as George Costanza on Seinfeld, Jason Alexander has long been an avid poker player, competing both live and online whenever his schedule allows.

He became a familiar face on televised poker, with his most notable success coming in Season 8 of Celebrity Poker Showdown, where he captured the championship and donated the $500,000 prize to charity.

Beyond competing, Alexander has also taken on the role of host, running an annual celebrity charity poker tournament that has been a fixture for two decades. His continued presence at the tables shows that poker is more than a passing interest—it’s a lasting passion.

Matt Damon: Hollywood A-Lister with a Poker Legacy

Matt Damon will always hold a special place in poker history thanks to his role in Rounders, a film widely regarded as one of the greatest gambling movies ever made. The 1998 classic not only showcased his talent as an actor but also inspired countless fans to take up the game and even dream of turning professional.

Away from Hollywood blockbusters, Damon has been a regular at the World Series of Poker, testing his skills against the game’s toughest competition. He was also a participant in the infamous high-stakes cash games depicted in Molly’s Game, though much of his poker life takes place away from the public spotlight.

While his tournament record is modest, Damon’s cultural impact on the game is immense. Through Rounders, he helped shape the modern image of poker, sparking interest in the game long before the online boom.

Jay-Z: Rap Icon with a Taste for High-Stakes Poker

Poker’s appeal has long reached into the music world, with several rappers known to enjoy Texas Hold’em. Among them is Jay-Z, who has often been linked to the game. He has been spotted in London poker rooms while on tour and is reported to have taken part in a number of private high-stakes sessions.

In his early days, Jay-Z was rumoured to have dropped significant sums at the tables, but with his competitive streak and sharp business instincts, he has since improved his play. Today, he’s said to hold his own against fellow celebrities in exclusive poker circles.

He has reportedly joined private games with the likes of Kevin Hart and Alex Rodriguez, further cementing his reputation as one of poker’s most high-profile celebrity enthusiasts. While it remains a pastime rather than a profession, Jay-Z’s presence adds star power to any game he joins.

Aaron Paul: Breaking Bad Star with a Passion for Poker

Breaking Bad star Aaron Paul is another familiar face who enjoys testing his skills at the poker table. Known for his Emmy-winning portrayal of Jesse Pinkman, Paul has shown a very different side of his personality in poker—calm, polite, and competitive.

In 2016, he appeared on The Cube, a televised poker show where players battled heads-up inside a giant glass rectangle. The following year, he took on football legend Cristiano Ronaldo in the PokerStars Duel, though he lost to the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Paul has also competed in the PokerStars Championship and, in 2015, made it through to Day 2 of the WSOP Main Event. While major tournament victories have so far eluded him, his commitment to the game and his willingness to face elite opponents highlight his genuine passion for poker.

Unlike his sharp-tongued on-screen alter ego, Paul is known for his sportsmanship at the tables—proving that while he may break bad on TV, he keeps it gracious when breaking a bad beat in real life.

Kevin Hart: Comedy Superstar and Poker Ambassador

Comedian and Hollywood star Kevin Hart rounds out the list of famous celebrity poker players. Away from stand-up and blockbuster films, Hart is a regular at some of the biggest poker games in the world, bringing his trademark energy and unpredictability to the felt.

He has served as an ambassador for both PokerStars and PartyPoker, taking part in major tournaments across the globe. In 2017, he entered the $100,000 Super High Roller at the PokerStars Championship in the Bahamas, before upping the stakes even further by joining the $300,000 Super High Roller Bowl in Las Vegas. In that event, he not only held his own but also eliminated 16-time WSOP bracelet winner Phil Hellmuth before bowing out on Day 2 in 24th place.

Hart’s style of play mirrors his comedic persona—bold, daring, and unpredictable. He has created some unforgettable moments at the tables, including a now-legendary televised hand where he called a huge bluff with a weak holding, accidentally misreading his cards, only to win a $40,000 pot. Poker pro Daniel Negreanu described it as “the greatest televised hand in the history of poker.”

Win or lose, Hart plays with infectious enthusiasm, ensuring that every table he sits at becomes both competitive and entertaining.