Neymar’s on-field bluffs garnered a lot of attention when during the FIFA World Cup in Russia and now the Brazilian football sensation has sneaked out some time for trying his hands at poker.
Neymar finished an impressive sixth among 288 participants of a Brazilian Series of Poker event.
The 26-year old signed up for the tournament with five of his friends on Monday, but he was he only one who stood through to the final table on Wednesday in Sao Paolo.
Neymar turned his R$7,000 entry stake into R$79,440 before getting eliminated in the final of the High Roller event.
Nine players were scheduled to play in the final table and compete against each other on Tuesday night but the participants agreed to delay it by a day as Neymar had to attend a friend’s wedding.
“I am very happy to play this tournament as I am playing it for the first time and to reach the final with some great players,” Paris St Germain forward said.
He returned to participate in the competition on Wednesday but he hit the rail after betting big on two consecutive losing hands after almost four hours of play.
Footballers have grown fond of poker over the years as the sportsmen find poker a great way to relax and take some time off-the field.
Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus and former Paris St Germain striker Nene played in Brazilian Series of Poker competitions this week and Ronaldo is also an avid player and spokesperson for a digital poker firm.