[PLEASE EMBED IMAGE: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0c/Justin_Timberlake_Cannes_2016_-_2.jpg]
Credit: Georges Biard under License CC BY-SA 3.0. No changes were made to the image.
It’s been nearly 30 years since crooner Justin Timberlake first hit the mainstream as a musician with the iconic boy band *NSYNC, but he still remains one of the most in-demand celebrities.
Just this March, the 44-year-old was even announced as a headliner for this year’s much-anticipated Lollapalooza music festival in Berlin. Set to be held later this July, Timberlake will be joined by other relatively newer artists, such as Gracie Abrams and J-Hope, underscoring his enduring star power.
Interestingly, though, it would seem that no matter how successful Timberlake is, some people are immune to his status and charms. In a recent episode of the Chirp and a Chair Podcast, poker player Chris Moneymaker shared an interesting story about how the pop singer entered his orbit and why he ultimately turned down an offer most Timberlake fans would do almost anything for.
[PLEASE EMBED IMAGE: https://www.instagram.com/cmoneym21/p/DEdlAiRpXCO/]
Credit: @cmoneym21 on Instagram
When a WSOP legend connects with a Grammy sensation
For those who are unfamiliar with the poker circuit, the name Chris Moneymaker may not carry a lot of weight. Among those with even a minor interest in the classic card game, Moneymaker is a living legend who made history at the 2003 World Series of Poker (WSOP). Considered the most prestigious poker tourney in the world, the WSOP carries such importance that its intellectual property rights alone were valued at $500 million. This is per a recently sealed sale of the brand.
Following his unexpected win, Moneymaker was credited with sparking the first poker boom, quickly making him one of the most popular figures in the industry. His influence carries on today in his capacity as a poker pro for ACR Poker. This operator is seen as the US’ top online poker site, largely thanks to the credibility offered by its respected poker ambassadors, which also include other pro players like Ebony Kenney and Nacho Barbero. Each of these players inspires their own fans, which in Moneymaker’s case seems to include Timberlake.
According to the aforementioned podcast, the singer’s and the poker player’s circles officially converged in 2018. Moneymaker said it started with an unexpected call from his lawyer in the middle of the night, inviting him to join a poker game he was currently having. After Moneymaker initially disagreed, stating he was already in bed, his lawyer then explained that Justin Timberlake was there and had personally requested that Moneymaker come and play. In his words, Moneymaker allegedly said, “Buddy, I love you, but I’m not getting out of bed. I don’t care who’s there.”
[PLEASE EMBED VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6xUgawDQB0]
Timberlake’s Super Bowl poker plans
Not one to be deterred, Timberlake reportedly requested to borrow Moneymaker’s WSOP bracelet instead. Apparently, Timberlake had planned to wear the bracelet during his Super Bowl Performance, held that same year. Fans will recall that Timberlake is only one of a few performers who have been part of multiple halftime shows. In fact, two of his previous appearances, one as a part of *NSYNC and another with Janet Jackson, are considered among the best Super Bowl halftimes ever. Moneymaker shares that Timberlake had planned to wear the bracelet in homage to Memphis, being that both the poker player and musician have roots there.
Unfortunately, it seems that the cards were just not on Timberlake’s side. Though Moneymaker did agree to lend him the bracelet through a mutual acquaintance, the same lawyer mentioned earlier, Timberlake ultimately had to scrap his initial idea. The reason being that the WSOP bracelet is large and cumbersome, truly meant more for display and actual wear. Although Timberlake was said to have tried it on for a bit, it proved too unwieldy for all the singing and dancing he would be doing.
Despite this, Moneymaker says it took him another two weeks to get his property returned. While he did have Timberlake’s number and would contact it to ask for his bracelet back, the two never got to speak directly. Considering that Timberlake is known to be an avid poker fan in his free time, only time will tell if his next pursuit of Moneymaker will be in his favor.
To read more about your favorite musicians, please check out the rest of our articles.
Leave a Reply