Poker fans are in for a thrilling weekend as Benjamin “Spraggy” Spragg, PokerStars Ambassador and long-time Gloucester City FC fan, steps into the spotlight at Brazil’s most prestigious poker event. On December 21, Spraggy will go head-to-head with Brazilian football superstar Neymar Jr. in a high-stakes cash game at the BSOP One Poker Show.
The Star-Studded Showdown
Spraggy’s journey to Brazil marks the beginning of a highly anticipated weekend of poker action. He will face off against Neymar Jr., boxing champion Chris Eubank Jr., and fellow PokerStars Ambassador Alejandro “Papo MC” Lococo in a cash game with blinds set at R$100/R$200. With a minimum buy-in of R$20,000 (around $3,000), the stakes are set high, and so is the excitement.
Neymar, who is known for his exceptional football skills, may have an edge on the pitch, but Spraggy is ready to challenge him in the poker arena. “Neymar may have the upper hand on the football pitch, but I’m confident I can hold my own on the poker felt,” Spraggy said. “It’s going to be an entertaining evening for both the players and everyone tuning in to watch.” Fans around the world are eagerly anticipating this unique clash of sports and poker, where the action promises plenty of drama, bluffing, and strategic play.
How to Watch the Action
The BSOP One Poker Show will be live-streamed globally on December 21, with the action kicking off at 6 PM BR/4 PM ET/9 PM GMT/10 PM CET. Fans across the world can tune in to watch the star-studded event with commentary available in multiple languages:
- Portuguese: PokerStars Brasil Twitch and YouTube channels
- English: Spraggy’s Twitch and YouTube channels
This global live-stream allows fans to be part of the excitement, whether they are watching from Brazil, the UK, or anywhere in between. The action will be delayed by 30 minutes to ensure fair play, giving fans time to react to the unfolding drama.
Exclusive Prizes and Fan Engagement
But that’s not all. PokerStars is offering fans a chance to get involved in the action and win incredible prizes. For viewers in the UK, there is a special betting opportunity where fans can place wagers on who will win the most chips in the cash game—Spraggy, Neymar Jr., or Eubank Jr. The winner will receive two tickets to a DAZN Boxing event and £250 in travel expenses.
Brazilian fans have a chance to compete in their own way, with a $4,500 freeroll tournament taking place at 8 PM BRT/6 PM ET. The top prize is a Silver Pass worth $2,500, which can be redeemed for live or online PokerStars events. These unique opportunities provide an added layer of excitement for fans, letting them engage with the event beyond just watching.
What’s Next: A Tournament and More Prizes
The excitement continues into Sunday, December 22, when Spraggy will once again face Neymar Jr. and other sports icons in a tournament with a R$25,000 (around $5,000) buy-in. This event will see some of the world’s most famous athletes and poker players battling it out for glory and high stakes.
And the fun doesn’t stop there. On December 23 at 7 PM GMT, PokerStars will host a special “centroll” event, offering more chances for fans to win prizes. Players can compete for DAZN Boxing tickets and Spin & Go prizes ranging from £100 to £5, making this the perfect way to cap off a thrilling weekend of poker action.
Brazil Nears Online Gambling Regulation: What’s Next?
As poker enthusiasts flock to Brazil for this exciting event, it’s important to note the growing conversation around the regulation of online gambling in the country. With the potential for major shifts in the landscape, the future of poker and online gaming in Brazil is poised for change. Could this event serve as a tipping point for greater acceptance and regulation of online gambling? Only time will tell.
For now, fans are encouraged to tune in, enjoy the high-stakes action, and get ready for a weekend full of drama, sports, and, of course, poker. Whether you’re rooting for Spraggy or Neymar Jr., one thing’s for sure: it’s going to be a Christmas treat for poker fans worldwide.
