Usain Bolt signs up with PokerStars

Amaya-owned PokerStars has secured a partnership with eight-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt.

The Jamaican sprinter will represent PokerStars in marketing campaigns and live appearances as part of an effort to attract new audiences to poker.

Bolt will work alongside film star and close friend Kevin Hart, who also joined PokerStars earlier this year in a similar role.

“[Poker] is a challenging game that’s fun, social and competitive so I’m pleased to be able to introduce it to my fans and to people around the world,” Bolt said.

Eric Hollreiser, vice-president of corporate communications at PokerStars, added: “Usain Bolt is a fierce competitor who pushes his game to the limits, but he's also one of the most-liked athletes in the world.

“His strong global following and winning personality will help us to introduce poker in a fun, social and fast way

Bolt’s personal best of 9.58 seconds in the 100 metres is the fastest official time in the history of the sport.

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