Several times already today I've written that we'll get to Ronaldo "later". Later is now.
Sitting in this room at the feature table, approximately forty feet to my left, is one of the greatest strikers in the history of soccer. He's younger than I am (which, truth be told, is a little depressing), he's more athletic than I am (that's not hard), and he's being paid to play poker, something only people who hate money would ever pay me to do.
Hey, at least we both go by our own first names. That's a point of similiarity, right?
The newest addition to Team PokerStars Sportstars is Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima. "Ronaldo", if you prefer. He is one of the greatest footballers that Brazil has ever produced. And he's created quite a buzz around the Tivoli Hotel. More than 100 people showed up at a press conference this morning to introduce the Brazilian footballing legend to the poker world. At least 20 brought tripod-mounted video cameras.
When the LAPT staff called "Shuffle up and deal!" just after 2pm local time, there was a mad crush of press trying to take photos and video of the feature table - and Ronaldo wasn't even in his seat yet.
Ronaldo stands alone in this part of the world. He's a game-changer, a world-class competitor with a brand and image that resist tarnishing. It's no accident that PokerStars put Ronaldo on his own banner at the front of the tournament room, standing by the Red Spade by himself. The other Team Pros on display, including Andre Akkari, Vanessa Selbst, Angel Guillen, Nacho Barbero, Liv Boeree and Jason Mercier, have been relegated to the back of the room despite being great poker competitors on their own merits.
I'm sad to report that my own first brush with the legendary striker wasn't great for first impressions. You see, Ronaldo didn't arrive to the tournament floor until about 15 minutes after play started. I was already wandering among the tables, with my head buried in my iPad as I took notes. If one of Ronaldo's bodyguards had not gently steered me aside, I would have walked headlong into the footballing star.
At least Ronaldo flashed a smile as he barreled past me.
There's no denying that the man has the charisma that comes with someone accustomed to spending long stretches of time in the spotlight. He had the media laughing at his jokes at this morning's press conference (although since the jokes were in Portuguese, my laughter was only the laughter of politeness, rather than the laughter of understanding). All heads seem to follow him as he enters and leaves the tournament room.
Unfortunately, Ronaldo's first LAPT event didn't end well. I didn't see the hand, but he busted off of the feature table about fifteen minutes ago, while I was writing this post lauding his addition to PokerStars. When he left, a little bit of air seemed to deflate from the room.
He left his seat in good hands though. It's now occupied by Team PokerStars Pro Cristian de Leon.
Dave Behr is a freelance contributor to the PokerStars Blog.
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