When I'm not covering Formula 1, I'm apparently moonlighting as a bodyguard for Neymar.
At least, that's what some of the images of the Brazilian football star taken at a lavish Saturday night event in Monaco would have you believe. I had been invited by PokerStars to attend the Tag Heuer party, held at the floating Red Bull Energy Station moored next to the F1 paddock entrance.
It was only when there that I learned that Neymar, an ambassador for the brand, was scheduled to show up. What's more, I was told that the plan was for the Paris Saint-Germain football star to play a few hands with our group later in the evening.
Brazil, along with the US and the UK, is one of the key markets for PokerStars and so having someone of Neymar's stature in that country on board is a no-brainer. It also made sense for the PSG forward to be called in to attend this event, given PokerStars is a sponsor of the Red Bull Racing F1 team.
Even without all that, F1's popularity spurt on a global scale has made it that much more attractive to big name celebrities and stars from other sports. That especially seems to be the case with footballers. This weekend in Spain, for example, there were loads of them on the grid now the Premier League season is complete.
Neymar also made the trip to Barcelona for that race, making it a double-header for the Brazilian. No doubt he had forgotten all about the overweight Yorkshireman he had shared a game of poker with a week earlier – it was always likely to be more memorable for me.
It took a while for that portion of the evening to get going. The star of the show was around 90 minutes late to the table as he had been enjoying the rest of the party in his VIP booth on the top level of the Energy Station. But he was in great spirits and posing for photos with fans when he did come down for that main event.
I watched the first few hands he played from the sidelines as other had their turn to try to beat him. That's where the photos in which I look like his bouncer come from. I think it looked natural – maybe if this writing gig doesn't work out in the future, a career switch will be on the cards.
Speaking of cards, it was soon my turn to be dealt a few. Experienced poker pro Andre Akkari was the one handing out the cards and was the one who pointed out that, with my eight and nine of different suits, I had the winning hand with two pairs. As a poker novice, I'll admit I hadn't even realised I'd won until he spotted that.
To my even greater surprise, Neymar then stood up, turned to me and gave me a strong smile and firm handshake. And he made similar gestures to others who won hands on the night as well, giving them a memorable experience.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for him – whether it be another season in Paris, a move to Manchester United or perhaps another destination. Neymar will play his football and he'll keep his fame and wealth, but every time I hear his name or see his face I'll be able to recall that one thing I got the better of him at.
Actually, two things. I reckon I'd make a better bouncer than him as well.
PokerStars have just launched this year's Red Spade Pass – a money can't buy experience which will take you to Las Vegas this November. Head over to PokerStars to find out more.
