Thursday, 28th March 2024 17:40
Home / News / Neymar Jr shakes up poker with the launch of the Cultural Collective and exclusive cards for the PokerStars Community

Earlier this year, Brazilian football star Neymar Jr announced his new role as PokerStars’ Cultural Ambassador.

His plan was to work closely with PokerStars on a series of creative projects inspired by the world of culture – from art and design to music and fashion.

By bringing his passions and interests to the table, he will be shaking up poker with the Cultural Collective, who will work with him on a series of exciting experiences and one-off activities which will reward the PokerStars community.

Well today we can reveal details of the first of those projects, featuring a unique artistic collaboration with three artists from the UK, Brazil, and France.

The result is three unique and visually stunning decks of playing cards.

These limited-edition decks of cards are available exclusively to select markets in the PokerStars community.

Only a handful of decks will be available, and they will be awarded to the community through surprise and delight giveaways, as well as activations across PokerStars social platforms.

Three decks have been created, in partnership with artists in the UK, Brazil and France…

Laurie Vincent, UK

“Cards are the centre of every poker game so this collaboration with Laurie felt like the perfect way to shake up the game, said Neymar Jr. “He’s not afraid of bold designs – much like myself – and I’m excited to gift these to the PokerStars community”.

As well as being an artist, Vincent, is a painter and guitarist and vocalist of English punk duo Slaves, whose debut album Are You Satisfied? was nominated for a Mercury Music prize in 2015.

The deck of cards designed by Laurie Vincent

“I love applying my artwork and style to different products. So I jumped at the chance to design a pack of playing cards when I was approached by Neymar Jr to be part of the PokerStars Cultural Collective,” said Vincent.

“I was inspired by Neymar Jr’s bold style on and off the pitch and included that strong identity in my designs. I don’t think there is a much bolder animal than a cheetah, a fur of yellow and black spots. Iconic.”

Pedro Gomes, Brazil

Speaking about the recruitment of Pedro Gomes to the Cultural Collective, Neymar Jr said

“As people know, I’m a huge fan of tattoo artistry and love that we can bring this into a poker game to really shake things up,” said Neymar Jr. “Pedro really captured my interests in his artwork.”

The deck designed by Brazilian artist Pedro Gomes

“It was amazing to create this deck for PokerStars.net and Neymar Jr and was probably one of my favourite jobs, said Gomes. “Adapting my usual style from tattooing to designing a pack of cards was a really cool process and I’m really pleased with the results.”

KASHINK, France

“KASHINK’s colourful and unique style is what drew me to their art,” said Neymar Jr. “In my role as Cultural Ambassador for PokerStars the aim is to shake up the world of poker and combining street art with poker felt like the perfect way to do just that. So, I’m really excited to gift these cards to the PokerStars community”.

Designed by KASHINK

“I really enjoyed the creative experience of adapting my art onto a deck of cards, as it’s usually seen on huge surfaces and walls,” said KASHINK. “I was inspired by Neymar Jr’s passions for poker and football, as well as making the character designs look inclusive and diverse to be true to my values.

“I’ve loved seeing my fantasy characters becoming a joker, king and queen and feel hugely honored to have been part of the Cultural Collective, recruited by Neymar Jr”.

 

The collaboration coincides with the launch of a new poker product, Neymar Jr Kick Off, combining his passions for poker, football, and innovation, to create a football-inspired poker experience that is unique to PokerStars and provides players with the chance to win up to $50,000. Try Neymar Jr’s Kick Off here.

And if you’re interested in more from the Cultural Collective, Neymar Jr curated a series of music playlists in partnership with PokerStars, providing the ultimate soundtrack for every type of poker game. Listen to Neymar Jr’s favourite songs here, from artists including The Weeknd and MC Niack.

This is only the start of the journey with more to be revealed at Neymarjr.pokerstars.net/en.

18+ only. BeGambleAware.org. Play Responsibly! For more information on responsible gaming please visit our website at  https://www.pokerstars.uk/about/responsible-gaming/

Study Poker with Pokerstars Learn, practice with the PokerStars app