Brazilian poker pro and WSOP bracelet winner Andre Akkari was selected to carry the Olympic Torch. Akkari was picked to represent the host country of Brazil in the mind games. The Olympics will be held in Brazil starting next week on August 5.
The 2016 Olympics have been getting a ton of heat in the media, but there's one positive story to come out of all the fear mongering. Poker pro and WSOP bracelet winner Andre Akkari was selected to carry the Olympic torch as a mind game ambassador. As far as I know, this is the first time a poker player has ever given that prestigious honor. What is even more amazing, is that Akkari's skills a poker player were recognized. Maybe poker is finally getting to the point when it could be considered as a legit Olympic sport?
The 2016 Olympics start in a couple of days, but this summer has had lots of negative news stories coming from Brazil. Between the Zika Virus scare, unfinished venues, and overall political corruption… the lead-up to the 2016 Olympics has been a borderline horror show. Most recently the security company contracted to handle all security for the Olympics was fired and the military police were brought in to ensure the Olympic Games are safe.
Despite all of the bad stories coming out of Rio, one of my Brazilian friends put it best, “Yes, things are always messy when it comes to money and corruption. However, Brazilians love a big event and party. They might start slow and late, but they always getting things ready in the 11th hour. And you can guarantee, it's going to be one fun party!”
Many high profile athletes opted out of the games, including multiple NBA stars. Some of them cited nagging injuries, but the recent Zika Virus scare was the final straw.
But how about a good story? That's where poker pro Andre Akkari comes in. Akkari was chosen as a mind sports ambassador to carry the torch. Quite an honor for the Brazilian to carry the torch in the host country, but it's also a historic moment in the poker community. One of our own was officially recognized by one of the oldest and most prestigious international sports organizations on the planet. Maybe it's only a matter of time before poker becomes an Olympic sport! But, that's a story for another time.