Celebrities playing poker on TV is nothing new, with everyone from Hollywood royalty to internet viral stars getting in on the game over the past few decades. Now PokerStars has announced a new name for its The Big Game on Tour show later this year, and it’s none other than four-time Superbowl champion Rob ‘Gronk’ Gronkowski.
The former tight end has been retired for a little over two years, but even in his playing days was not averse to appearing on TV in non-sporting roles. Gronk has played himself in shows such as Family Guy, The Simpsons and Entourage, as well as appearing in Wrestlemania, The Masked Singer and Shark Tank.
“I’m always up for a challenge,” Gronk announced, “and diving into the world of poker is going to be an amazing new adventure for me.”
Save a seat for Nick Wright
Joining Gronk at The Big Game on Tour cash tables in November will be sportscaster Nick Wright, co-host of First Things First on Fox Sports 1, and creator of the What’s Wright with Nick Wright podcast.
Unlike Gronk, Wright has prior experience with televised poker, having taken part in shows including No Gamble, No Future and Poker After Dark.
“I’ve loved playing poker since my grandfather taught me,” Wright shared, “and playing in The Big Game, one of my all-time favorite poker shows, is truly a dream come true.”
Who will be the ‘Loose Cannons’?
Part of the appeal of The Big Game on Tour comes with the addition of ‘the loose cannon’ - a qualifier who is bankrolled to play in the game and may keep any profit they have made after 150 hands.
Loose cannons are selected through a qualification and audition process, with both auditions and filming scheduled to take place this November in Las Vegas during the North American Poker Tour (NAPT).
PokerStars’ sister brand FanDuel Daily Fantasy Sports is currently running contests to award winners NAPT Gold Passes worth $10,000. These comprise not only entry to the $5,300 NAPT Main Event (November 5-10) plus expenses, but advance the winners to the audition phase of the loose cannon selection process.
Images courtesy of Fox Sports/PokerStars
