While poker is one of the most popular card games played across the world, it was only last year that it was finally recognized as a mind sport. Eugene Katchalov, a former poker pro, wrote that poker is now considered in the same category as bridge, chess, and esports.
Today, there are 100 million players globally, and the game continues to expand and attract new players from all backgrounds, including professional athletes. Poker’s recognition as a sport is why many sports stars have turned to poker during and after their professional careers. These stars can apply many of the skills they acquired at the top of their respective sports to the card table, such as strategic thinking, a competitive attitude, and the ability to perform under high pressure.