Poker is all about competition.  Its rush stems from the risk, reward, guile and ultimate satisfaction from conquering an opponent and, of course, the money.

It sounds an awful lot like professional football, so it’s not a great surprise that footballers would peruse the top poker sites or know where to find the best poker rooms.  One such player is former striker (and current Times curmudgeon) Tony Cascarino.

The 46-year-old Irishman scored 248 goals during an 18-year career, with notable stints at Gillingham, Milwall, and Olympique de Marseille.  He also published a critically acclaimed autobiography detailing his exploits off the pitch, notably his passion for gambling, poker in particular.

After retiring from football, Cascarino’s poker playing has become more than just a hobby.  Active as a professional since 2004, Cascarino has earned 13 cashes at No Limit Hold’em tournaments, earning a total of $259,205, including a $99,078 win at Grosvenor UK Poker Tour (GUKPT) Leg 7 on Sept. 4.  He finished sixth at the GUKPT Grand Final on Nov. 27, earning $54,795.

Cascarino currently holds a ProRank 1 Position of 399.  He was also a Season 1 finalist on the British television show Celebrity Poker Club.