Footballer tries his luck as poker pro
28th December, 2007
A footballer has ditched the pitch to try his luck at one of the biggest poker games in the world, it has been reported. Craig Hopkins, who used to play for Matlock FC, is heading to the PokerStars' Caribbean Adventure poker final having taken up the game two years ago, theDerbyshire Times says. Despite looking forward to a successful career as a sportsman, 33-year-old Mr Hopkins has decided to hedge his bets at the felt tables instead.
Describing the decision to go pro, he told the newspaper: "It can be tense because there is so much at stake but my wife Lindsey is very understanding and supportive and it's a lot less stressful than my last job and far more enjoyable."
Mr Hopkins now looks set to take on some of the best poker players in the world having qualified over the internet back in October.He will head to the Bahamas in January for the tournament's grand final having won an winning an all-expenses paid $12,000 (£6,000) place at the event where he will play for a stake in the of $9.6 million prize pool.
