An independent report for 888.com, the world's number one online casino and poker room, reveals the top ten personality traits needed to become the ultimate poker player. Based on a report compiled by Dr Mark Griffiths - Europe's only professor of gambling and member of the International Gaming Research Unit at Nottingham University, 888.com unveils the celebrities that do and don't have what it takes to be a poker millionaire based on the findings of the report. Dr Griffiths' identifies the top ten traits as follows:
- Problem Solving;
- Numeracy;
- Self-Control;
- Practicality;
- Flexibility;
- Strategy;
- Deception;
- Self-criticism;
- Self-awareness;
- Learning skills
The US poker tournaments always have A-list film stars always trying to become poker millionaires such as Leonardo Di Caprio, Matt Damon Ben Affleck, Edward Norton, so 888.com have identified the best celebrities who would give Leonardo & co a run for their money.
Problem Solving - The ability to identify different strategies and approaches
Best: Sir Clive Woodward - His unorthodox methods helped England land the Rugby World cup after five unsuccessful attempts.
Worst: David Blunkett - Now regretting his attempts help his
ex-lover's nanny obtain a VISA.
Numerical - The ability to handle constant numerical and statistical information
Best: Gordon Brown - Britain's longest serving Chancellor for 180 years.
Worst: Nick Leeson - The investment banker lost over £1
billion derivative futures.
Self-control - The ability to act cool and make rational decisions under pressure
Best: Arsene Wenger - The Arsenal manager is famous for his ice-cool demeanor.
Worst: David Beckham - For his alleged 'textual relations' with
Rebecca Loos.
Practicality - Applying commonsense to a situation
Best: Joe Pasquale - Comedian turned 'King of the Jungle'.
Worst: Jennifer Lopez - The singer is famous for her Diva demands.Flexibility - Adapting to any situation and grabbing an opportunity
Best: Ben Elton - As writer, comedian and an actor, has many strings to his bow.
Worst: Rio Ferdinand - For not canceling a shopping trip to
take a drugs test, which led to an 8 month ban.
Strategic skills - To formulate the right game plan quickly
Best: Davina McCall - For juggling her TV career & motherhood.
Worst: Tony Blair - Has come under increasing pressure over
the war in Iraq and neglect on the NHS, now has to try and salvage his
job as Prime Minister.
Deception skills - Knowingly deceiving an opponent through face management
Best: Lord Lucan - Would make a great poker player - if you can find him!
Worst: Ashley Cole - A quiet venue for Chelsea players.
Self-criticism - The ability to say, "Did I play that right?"
Best: Cherie Blair - Admitted, "I am not Superwoman" after house-buying scandal.
Worst: Gerald Ratner - His jewelry empire collapsed after describing
his products as 'crap'.
Self-awareness - To play to your strengths and acknowledge your weaknesses
Best: Jordan - The glamour model is famous for maximizing her "assets".
Worst: Boris Johnson - Caused offence in Liverpool by saying
the City was 'hooked on grief'.
Learning skills - not resting on laurels, continually learning
Best: Britney Spears - Learning from the mistakes of her first 48 hour marriage, the pop starlet married for a second time and has recently picked up a new religion - Kabballah and also got pregnant.
Worst: Charlotte Church - Can't help but go out with boys who kiss and tell later, Kyle Johnson, Steve Johnson, Gavin Henson texting a naked picture of her to the world!, will she ever learn?
The findings indicate that poker, both on and offline, allow players to acquire skills that can be utilized to bring about success in various areas of their lives, particularly in their careers and personal life. Gordon Brown, may well be a better poker player than Tony Blair. As the longest serving Chancellor in over 100 years, Brown is known for his numerical skills. As for the PM, criticism over Iraq may show that he needs to improve his knack for strategy.
The report also reveals that even the most amateur of players possess a natural ability to emotionally manipulate their competitors and soon develop an aptitude for strategic planning. Furthermore, the deceptive techniques used in gambling can be applied in the workplace and ultimately can aid promotion.
Matt Robinson, 888.com UK Marketing Manager commented, "This report shows that poker is a game of skill rather than luck. The report reveals that some celebrities just wouldn't be able to hack it in the high-pressured atmosphere of a poker."