Fantasy sports is very much a game of chance and luck, where your skills combined with that element of surprise can leave you victorious.

Picking the right players at the right time is part of the attraction, but nobody can legislate against an unforeseen injury, a rough bounce of a ball or a bad call by a referee. Whether you are dabbling in NFL and MLB, the two most popular fantasy sports, or something we have tried such as basketball, you can only go so far on skill and judgement. Sometimes, you need lady luck to shine on you, too.

The same can be said for poker. In fact, poker has been likened to fantasy sports in some sections of the media, and it is clear to see why. In poker, you can be as skilled as you like, but if the cards don’t fall your way, then you might not be a big success. It is an interesting comparison, and this fall it is one you might wish to test out.

Former NBA Player Enters the World of Poker

Once upon a time, Tony Parker was a favorite of Fantasy Sports fans everywhere as he won four NBA Championships. The most recent came in 2014 and saw the Belgium-born point guard achieve his sixth NBA All-Star place. Whilst fans were eager to pick him for their side back then, seven years later they can back him in another way – at this year’s World Series of Poker.

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) usually takes place over the summer and is one of the most prestigious poker tournaments anywhere in the world. In the past, top sports stars such as Paul Pierce and Richard Seymour have performed well, and the very first qualifier for this year’s event, to be held in Las Vegas in November, is the former San Antonio Spurs man Parker.

It is reported that Parker, who retired in 2019 after a short spell with the Charlotte Hornets, qualified by winning The PM Group’s Texas Hold ‘Em Charity Poker in January. Gregory Chochon, director of the World Series of Poker for Caesars Entertainment, confirmed that Parker was delighted to be able to take part.

“He is very excited to play the Main Event for the first time. Because of his career, he never had the time to participate but he is ready for the challenge. We always promote poker as a sport, so Tony’s qualification is great news!”

Parker follows in some fairly illustrious footsteps when he takes to the felt at the end of the year. In 2015, former Boston Celtics star Paul Pierce almost made the money rounds of the WSOP, whilst three-time Super Bowl winner Seymour has made a significant impact on the poker world, too. He was another Fantasy Sports favorite in his career, but after finishing third in the elite $25,000 Roller event at the PCA he gained fame for his card skills too, outlasting poker legend Daniel Negreanu.

Parker will be hoping to emulate those former sports stars, and fans of both Fantasy Sports and poker might want to keep an eye on his progress as others are added to the WSOP roster as the year progresses.

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