Most poker players dream of having the opportunity to have a career in the game. What could possibly be better than playing poker and actually earning a living doing it? You could travel the world, meet new people and enjoy the game in a variety of casinos. The life of a poker pro is quite enticing and one that many players would love to be able to enjoy.
There are several ways you can begin a career in the game of poker, though it is not an easy road. In most cases, players have to grind for years, hitting the felt every chance they get to build up a solid bank roll to be able to compete in major events. Such tournament events as the World Series of Poker have led to prominent careers of many a poker pro. Consider Chris Moneymaker, he won his WSOP bracelet in 2003 after qualifying online. That one step led to Moneymaker earning millions of dollars and becoming a top pro who still enjoys poker today as his career.
When earning big wins in events such as the WSOP, one can earn a sponsorship from top poker rooms such as PokerStars. The online poker giant is known for finding new talent and signing poker amateurs to lucrative deals based on serious game play. PokerStars is constantly adding new players to the roster and not only provide players with deals but has signed sports stars to bring in a new fan base. The online poker room has signed many a sports star over the years, offering unique promotions and opportunities online based on the star signed.
Just recently it was reported by several news outlets that PokerStars tried to sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic, a famous football star, to be an ambassador for the site. PokerStars allegedly wanted Ibrahimovic to represent their French site but were turned down by the football player.
It is quite odd to see a sports star or anyone for that matter, turn down a sponsorship from the online poker room. Not only are sponsorships lucrative, but they also can be a building block for bigger and better things. According to reports, Ibrahimovic decided to decline the offer because he was not happy with the financial terms of the agreement offered by PokerStars.
Sources that have not been confirmed are alleging that the deal would have given Ibrahimovic a payday of €3 to even €4 million each year. The football player already earns millions with his sporting career so apparently he felt the amount offered was not worth his time or efforts. Tens of millions are earned by the pro each year in his sport, so the ‘small’ offer from PokerStars was apparently not worth it at this time.
Reports have stated that VIP-Consulting was part of the negotiations between PokerStars and Ibrahimovic, with the company already having convinced several football players to compete in events that would promote PokerStars.fr. Such players as Anthony Lopes, Eric Di Meco and Andre-Pierre Gignac have worked with PokerStars thanks to the help of VIP-Consulting.
So far, no concrete evidence has been put forth by PokerStars, Ibrahimovic or VIP-Consulting as to if any of the reports are true. It does make sense that the footballer would turn down the deal when he makes so much money with his sport, but the amount seems too good to be true to the common man. It will be interesting to see if any additional information will be released on the subject and if Ibrahimovic really did turn down such a lucrative offer and his official reasoning’s as to why.