Play poker against the pope?

The biggest stars of poker are becoming household names all over the world. Players like Doyle Brunson, Phil Ivey, Chris Moneymaker, and Greg “Fossilman” Raymer are recognized and admired where ever they may go. Moneymakers amazing accomplishment in 2003, when he qualified for the WSOP through a $40 satellite, and went on to win the championship event, is the main reason for this development. Thanks to this newfound stardom, the best poker players don’t have to rely on their playing skills alone for financial security. They get huge endorsement deals, and get paid to play in special poker events. Many of the biggest stars are associated with different online poker rooms , and draw large crowds when they sit down to play at a table.

However, there is still room for “normal” celebrities in the poker world. TV shows like “Celebrity Poker Showdown”, where actors and rock stars match their poker skills, are certainly proof of that. Some celebrities, like comedian Gabe Kaplan, and Hollywood actress Jennifer Tilly, have actually gained respect as solid poker players.

In a recently published online survey 20,000 people were asked “Which world leader would you play poker against?” The Pope Benedict XVI topped the list with 23% of the votes. United States president George W. Bush came in second place with 22%. Vladimir Putin (Russia), Nelson Mandela (South Africa), Fidel Castro (Cuba), Ariel Sharon (Israel), Tony Blair (UK), Akihito (Japan), and Hamid Karzai (Afghanistan) were other alternatives to vote for in the survey.