For a while now, snooker and poker have been closely linked through sponsorship. When tobacco companies were no longer allowed to sponsor events, many prominent poker sites were quick to fill the void by sponsoring major tournaments and having their logos displayed on the clothing of top snooker players.
However, the association goes beyond just a superficial link. In the 1970s and 1980s, prominent players were often spotted smoking the sponsor’s product while waiting to make their move. Today, many players actively participate in poker tournaments, as evidenced by the upcoming examples, showing that their involvement goes beyond simply adding a touch of celebrity glamour to the events. This article was written by the WorldPokerDeals team, and I hope you enjoy it.
Steve Davis
While Hendry and O’Sullivan may have won more tournaments, Steve Davis was the most dominant player on the snooker table in the 1980s. With his stoic demeanor, he remained unfazed whether he was winning or making mistakes. It’s unsurprising that his success has translated to poker, where he has earned $118,000 in live games and participated in multiple WSOP main events. Davis believes that the strategies in poker are similar to those in snooker, with different players choosing different approaches.
Jimmy White
“The Whirlwind” is a natural talent, continuing to compete in professional snooker at the age of 60. He has also made a splash in the world of poker. In 2003, he and Steve Davis participated in the Poker Million tournament and shocked everyone by reaching the final table. Even more surprising was when White emerged victorious in the tense final match, earning $150,000.
Mark Williams
Stephen Hendry, a respected authority, regards the Welsh Potting Machine as the top snooker player in terms of poker skills. Rather than competing in major live tournaments, he opts to play online. If you happen to visit US poker sites recommended by Tight Poker, you may have the chance to compete against him. He is easily identifiable as the Welsh player who doesn’t wear clothes while playing.
Ken Doherty
It has been 25 years since Ken Doherty won his only World Snooker Championship. Since then, he has had a successful career as a commentator and has also won prizes in poker tournaments. In 2007, he won first place in the Sports Stars Challenge and later placed in a World Poker Tour event in Dublin. Doherty credits Steve Davis for sparking his interest in poker, as Davis would play backstage during snooker events. He also mentions that he and other professional players often play poker during downtime at snooker tournaments.