Brazil Football Legend Ronaldo Hits Poker Fest

Ronaldo, the hero of Brazil's 2002 World Cup win, showed off his poker skills last week when he participated in an invitational charity poker tournament in Barcelona.

Ronaldo at Spanish Poker Fest

The Brazilian legend was in Spain to participate in a charity tournament as part of the country's biggest annual poker festival, the European Poker Tour. He competed in the 5,000 euro Phenomenon Table free roll against Spanish online poker stars and Team PokerStars pros.

Although the tournament was won by PokerStars pro Vanessa Selbst, Ronaldo was pleased with his performance: "I always look to give my best in everything, in football and in life Poker is another challenge that excites me. There are a lot of similarities between football and poker: it takes a lot of mental discipline, practice and training."

European Poker Tour

The European Poker Tour is owned and operated by the Rational Group, the parent company of PokerStars. It took place this year for the tenth consecutive season, running from August 26 to September 27 at Casino de Barcelona's luxurious quarter at the Hotel Arts Barcelona.

In addition the charity event, almost 3000 players from around globe were in the Catalan capital for last week's poker festival. More than 14 million euros were awarded in prize money throughout the festival. The Estrellas Main Event attracted a record 1,798 players, making it the largest 1000 euro event ever held outside of Vegas.