Poker isn’t just a game for professionals and casino enthusiasts—it’s also a favorite pastime for some of the most powerful people in the world. From U.S. presidents to international leaders, many politicians have been known to enjoy a game of cards, not just for fun, but as a way to sharpen their strategic thinking and competitive skills. Here are some of the top politicians and world leaders who love to play poker.
1. Barack Obama
Before becoming the 44th president of the United States, Barack Obama was known for playing poker with his colleagues during his time as an Illinois state senator (source). Obama often played Texas Hold’em and was described as a thoughtful and calculating player. His cool demeanor at the poker table mirrored his approach to politics—measured, patient, and strategic. In fact, some of his peers believed his poker skills contributed to his ability to remain calm under pressure during his presidency.
2. Richard Nixon
Former U.S. President Richard Nixon didn’t just play poker for fun—he used the game to fund his political career. While serving in the Navy during World War II, Nixon played poker with fellow servicemen and was so good that he reportedly earned a sizable amount from his winnings. These funds helped finance his first congressional campaign. Nixon was known for his bluffing abilities, a skill he may have later applied in the complex world of Cold War diplomacy.
3. Winston Churchill
British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was known for his sharp wit and iron will, qualities that also served him well at the poker table. Churchill was a fan of card games, including poker, and enjoyed using strategy to outsmart his opponents. For him, poker wasn’t just a game—it was a reflection of leadership, where reading the room and making bold decisions were key to success, much like leading Britain through the trials of World War II.
4. Franklin D. Roosevelt
The 32nd president of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt, was another politician who loved playing poker. Roosevelt enjoyed unwinding with a game of cards during his presidency, even hosting poker games in the White House with close friends and advisers. His affinity for poker was part of his broader enjoyment of social games and group activities, which he used to build camaraderie with those around him.
5. Harry Truman
Following Roosevelt, Harry Truman, the 33rd president of the United States, continued the tradition of poker in the White House. Truman was known for being an avid poker player, often hosting games with political allies and close friends. He viewed poker as a way to relax and bond with others. According to reports, Truman once lost a bet that resulted in him cooking breakfast for his poker buddies.
6. Dwight D. Eisenhower
Dwight D. Eisenhower, the five-star general turned U.S. president, was a serious poker player during his military service. Poker was a popular pastime among officers, and Eisenhower’s discipline, patience, and tactical mind made him a formidable opponent. His poker skills mirrored his approach to military strategy—calm under pressure, methodical in decision-making, and always keeping the bigger picture in mind.
7. Vladimir Putin
While Russian President Vladimir Putin is better known for his judo and outdoor sports, it has been reported that he enjoys poker as well. Though not much is public about Putin’s poker habits, his interest in strategy and mental games suggests that poker may appeal to his competitive nature. Like many world leaders, Putin’s ability to read opponents and remain calculated under pressure would serve him well in any high-stakes poker game.
8. John McCain
Senator John McCain was well-known for his love of poker. On the campaign trail and during downtime in Washington, McCain frequently played video poker on his phone. His passion for the game once even got him in a bit of hot water when he was caught playing poker on his phone during a Senate hearing. However, McCain’s love for the game was evident, as he saw it as a way to unwind while staying mentally sharp.
9. Lyndon B. Johnson
Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th president of the United States, was not just a poker player—he was known for high-stakes games. His love for poker was so deep that he sometimes used it as a political tool to build alliances. Johnson’s poker style was reportedly aggressive, often taking risks and pushing opponents to fold, much like his political style of pressing forward with his ambitious policy agendas.
10. Bill Gates
Although Bill Gates is better known for his tech empire and philanthropy, he’s also a big fan of poker. Gates was introduced to the game during his time at Harvard, where he would play with fellow students. His analytical mind, honed by his work in programming, gave him a strong edge at the poker table (source). Gates has continued to enjoy poker over the years, appreciating its strategic depth and competitive nature.
