JUE 28 DE MARZO DE 2024 - 13:47hs.
Three new ambassadors

PokerStars officially joins UFC in special event in Rio de Janeiro

In a special press event, Christopher Coyne, Director of Marketing at Stars Interactive Group, more than formalized the partnership, announced the launch of UFC Spin & Go, the first co-branding product between PokerStars and UFC. He also welcomed the three new ambassadors: Daniel Cormier, current light heavyweight and heavyweight champion; Bruce Buffer, broadcaster known as “the voice” of the UFC; and Brazilian promise, Johnny Walker.

An exclusive press event brought together journalists from around the world last May 11th in Rio de Janeiro. Together with Andre Akkari, the website's top player, international figure Daniel Negreanu also welcomed the three new PokerStars ambassadors: Daniel Cormier, current light heavyweight and UFC heavyweight champion; Bruce Buffer, broadcaster known as “the voice” of the UFC; and Brazilian promise Johnny Walker, who in his three UFC fights won by knockout and also took home the night performance award.

Akkari welcomed the trio: "For me and many Brazilians, poker and MMA are passions," said Akkari. "It's exciting to give this chance for poker fans to interact with the UFC as well as for MMA fans to have more ways of interacting with the sport they love. It's an honor to be able to count on incredible athletes in our corner. "

Bruce Buffer, who has always played in the WSOP tournaments, also expressed his happiness in representing PokerStars: "This partnership brings together two heavyweights from the entertainment world and, fortunately for me, two of my great passions. I've played poker all my life. I'm a regular at the tables in my hometown, I play the World Championship and I remember watching Moneymaker's legendary performance in 2003 shortly before he became a member of the PokerStars team. It’s an honor to join him alongside renowned athletes and poker professionals."

As a way of embracing Brazilian culture in preparation for UFC 237, PokerStars took UFC right into the heart of Rio de Janeiro, working with famous local street performers to create iconic "lambe-lambs."

Rose Namajunas, Jessica Andrade, Jared Cannonier and Anderson Silva were also portrayed in an exclusive series of deck cards created by Marcelo Ment, Carlos Bobi, Cazé and Lidia Viber, who were "hidden" by the Marvelous City. The artwork took fans to a "hunt for Rio" in a competition that was worth VIPs from PokerStars and UFC for UFC 237.

The celebration also featured a sand sculpture on the iconic Copacabana beach, done by the talented Rio sculptor Rogean Rodrigues, the 3D construction portrayed Jared Cannonier and Anderson Silva, protagonists of the main event.

Source: GMB / Card Player