Sports and gaming might seem like very different worlds, but they share a lot more in common than you might think. Both require quick reflexes, strategic thinking, and an intense competitive spirit. It’s no wonder that many professional athletes, who spend their careers chasing victory on the field or track, also find themselves drawn to the thrill of gaming off the clock.
From the locker room to their offseason downtime, gaming has become a popular pastime among athletes looking to unwind or even stay sharp between games.The types of games that capture pro sports people’s attention are as diverse as the sports they play. Some gravitate toward action-packed video games, like Call of Duty and Fortnite, which are staple adrenaline-pumping games. Others enjoy the strategic depth of games like NBA 2K and FIFA, where their in-depth knowledge of sporting tactics stands them in good stead.
Even games outside the traditional console sphere, such as online poker or chess, have found their way into the routines of athletes seeking a mental challenge. In fact, Texas Hold’em poker in its online format is a favourite among elite competitors in everything from Formula 1 to soccer. Some sports pros have even managed to build up impressive careers at the felt, winning prestigious poker events and prizes.
Gaming is more than just a casual hobby for many sports stars. Through streaming platforms and social media, they can also share their digital adventures with a global audience, which brings further visibility to their teams and disciplines.
So, who are some of the world’s greatest sportspeople who are also building profiles as talented gamers? Let’s take a look.
From the Pitch to the Poker Tables
Let’s kick things off looking at pro sportspeople in poker. Athletes are often drawn to this card game because it mirrors many of the skills and mental attributes they develop in their sports careers. At its core, poker requires strategic thinking, discipline, and the ability to stay calm under pressure—qualities that athletes regularly rely on during competition.
Gerard Pique
The Spanish footballer has led a charmed life. Whether it’s his decade long dating history with Colombian superstar Shakira, his incredible career that’s seen him represent Spain at an international level, or his global renown for being one of the best defenders of his generation. He even owns two football clubs and a fantasy football game.
In addition to his investments in eSports, Pique is a formidable poker player. Over his career so far, he has won almost $1 million in live earnings, including over €350 thousand at the EPT Barcelona. His interest in the game lies in the experience of playing poker, which he has said “is the same as before playing a match”, with challenge and decisive strategy at the heart of both.
Teddy Sheringham
A true football icon, Teddy Sheringham has played for leading clubs including Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham during his 24 year career. Easily one of the best players to ever hold the position of forward, few in the soccer world have left as much of a mark on the sport as Sheringham.
Being such a famous figure in the sporting world, Sheringham really caused a stir when he first began playing poker games. Since his retirement from pro sports in 2008, he’s been able to spend more time at the poker table and has made quite a name for himself doing so. Sheringham’s all-time winnings now stand at over $329,000 , boosted by wins in elite poker events such as the World Series of Poker World Championship and the EPT.
Sports Pros and eSports
Just as some athletes are drawn to playing poker, others find a creative outlet in the world of eSports. Competitive video games really do mirror the intensity and excitement of pro sports, offering up plenty of mental stimulation and strategy. Then, there’s the strategic element of games like FIFA and League of Legends, which require tactical planning, teamwork and adaptability… all things you’ll find in professional sporting disciplines.
Demetrious Johnson
AKA Mighty Mouse, Johnson became a household name as a ONE Flyweight Champion. He’s also made quite the notable transition from battling it out in the octagon to the digital realm, where he now enjoys a global platform under the alias MightyGaming.
Johnson is a lifelong fan of video games, so by no means did he become a pro gamer overnight. His skills in titles ranging from Street Fighter V to Starcraft are watched by over 170,000 gamers around the world who flock to his Twitch channel for the latest streams and game-specific tips.
Erica Bougard
You’d be forgiven for thinking that it’s just the male athletes making strides in gaming. However, track and field Olympian Erica Bougard is smashing gender stereotypes on the field and in the gaming realm.
Bougard, a Team USA heptathlete, is a regular streamer on Twitch and TikTok, where she showcases her talents in Call of Duty Warzone to a captive global audience. Not only is she one of a handful of elite female athletes to turn her hand to pro gaming, she also heavily advocates for diversity and inclusion in the gaming world, particularly for female and LGBTQ+ gamers.
