Brazilian soccer star Neymar da Silva Santos Junior entered a World Series of Poker event in June 2026 following Brazil’s elimination from the FIFA World Cup [1].
The move highlights the athlete's transition from international competition to high-stakes gaming during a period of professional disappointment. It also underscores the growing intersection of professional sports and the gambling industry in the U.S.
Neymar, 34 [2], participated in the No-Limit Hold’em 6-Max event, which featured a $10,000 buy-in [1]. He said he did not want Brazil’s World Cup exit to stop him from competing, noting that he turned to poker for both recreation and competition [1].
His activity in Las Vegas extended beyond the tournament circuit. He was seen playing a live cash-game at Hustler Casino alongside other high-profile athletes, including NBA player Jimmy Butler and boxer Ryan Garcia [3].
In addition to live play, the soccer legend engaged in a marathon digital session. Neymar participated in a 24-hour online poker binge during a day off [2].
These diverse gaming activities, ranging from structured tournament play to casual cash games and online sessions, show a broad engagement with the poker community. The variety of formats suggests a pursuit of different types of competitive pressure after the conclusion of his World Cup campaign.
“Neymar entered a $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em 6-Max event of the World Series of Poker.”
Neymar's pivot to professional poker immediately following a major sporting failure suggests a psychological need for competitive stimulation to cope with the loss. By engaging in high-stakes environments like the WSOP and Hustler Casino, he maintains a public profile of risk-taking and competition even when absent from the soccer pitch.
