PokerStars signs Ronaldo as brand ambassador
Signing forms part of the operator's plans to double the size of the online poker market over the next five years
PokerStars has signed football mega-star Cristiano Ronaldo as a brand ambassador as the operator pushes ahead with plans to double the size of the global poker market over the next five years.
The partnership will see the flamboyant Real Madrid striker promote PokerStars in advertising campaigns, and make special appearances in major live events and online poker tournaments as the firm looks to reach out to mainstream consumers.
“Ronaldo is one of the most famous names in the world and PokerStars is thrilled to partner with him,” Michael Hazel, PokerStars interim CEO, said.
“We look forward to him spreading his love of the game worldwide by sharing his PokerStars experiences with his huge social following and fan base,” he added.
Ronaldo is the second major signing by PokerStars in as many weeks after the operator revealed Brazilian striker Neymar had joined its roster of global ambassadors.
PokerStars parent company Amaya reported a 2.6% decline in the number of real money unique players in Q1 2015, which was partially due to a drop in purchasing power in some core markets due to currency changes in relation to the US Dollar.
But the firm said at the time it would continue to make strategic marketing investments to help grow the global poker sector, “including the sponsorship of new poker pros, celebrities and athletesâ¦who we anticipate will help attract new players to the game”.
Ronaldo, who captains Portugal’s international side, announced the partnership yesterday via social media, with a video posted to his 103 million Facebook fans and 35.5m followers on Twitter.
“I started playing poker a few years ago and I love the competition, strategy and fun,” Ronaldo said. “I’m looking forward to taking my game to the online and live poker tables and meeting my fans head to head,” he added.