Warnie to play for 888
January 18, 2008
Cricket's greatest spin bowler, Shane Warne has signed on to play poker tournaments around the world for 888 Pacific Poker.
He's fooled plenty of batsmen on the pitch, and it'll be interesting to see how many poker players are able to get a read on him over the felt.
Warne is excited at his new challenge, which will see him travel to the US, UK, New Zealand and possibly South Africa with 888 this year with more dates possible around the world.
"Nothing will replace the 20 years of cricket in my life but there are a lot of similarities," he said.
"It's a game of skill that has a lot of analogies to cricket. You have to be very, very disciplined."
"I'm really excited. Hopefully this will replace the competitive spirit that I had with cricket."
Warne's interest in poker developed from playing with mates over the past five years to a professional career after becoming good friends with Joe Hachem and his brother Tony.
"Joe and Tony have taught me a lot, and what excellent teachers to have," he said.
"But my attitude is I've got a lot more to learn about the game."
Warne, who quit cricket last year after two decades on tour, said part of the enjoyment of retirement was not being away from home and family and friends for months.
His poker career won't have the same travel demands.
"The travel is different. It's obviously not like a cricket tour and will be in small stages," Warne said.
Warne's first hit-out with 888 was at the Aussie Millions at Crown Casino in Melbourne where he made it to the second day of play.
You can play against Warnie at 888 Pacific Poker.
