Boris Becker: How the Tennis Player Paid Off His Poker Debts in Prison

Find out how tennis legend Boris Becker dealt with his poker debts to dangerous inmates during his time in prison.

Boris Becker: How a Tennis Legend Paid Off Poker Debts in Prison Boris Becker’s Journey: From the Tennis Court to the Poker Table Boris Becker is one of the most famous German athletes, renowned as a three-time Wimbledon champion and six-time Grand Slam winner. After ending his tennis career in 1999, he found a new passion—professional poker. Over the years on the poker scene, Becker gained a certain level of recognition: he participated in major tournaments such as the World Poker Tour (WPT) and PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) , and also served as an ambassador for leading poker rooms— PokerStars (2007–2014) and PartyPoker . Becker not only played in tournaments but also regularly took part in cash games around the world. According to The Hendon Mob , his total live tournament winnings amount to $111,000 . While these sums don’t compare to his tennis prize money, he was a notable and respected figure in the poker community. Legal Troubles and Prison Sentence However, the athlete’s life was far from easy. Back in 2002, Becker was found guilty in Germany of deliberately providing false information about his residence to evade taxes totaling more than €1 million . He avoided prison at the time, getting off with a fine, although the court sentenced him to two years’ probation. Serious problems caught up with Becker in April 2022 , when a London court sentenced him to 30 months in prison for concealing assets worth £2.5 million as part of a bankruptcy case. Despite the harsh sentence, Becker spent only 8 months behind bars before being released. However, while incarcerated, he faced unexpected and dangerous situations related to his passion for poker. Poker in Prison: A Dangerous Game During his time in a British prison, Becker didn’t give up his favorite game. In an interview with the German publication Süddeutsche Zeitung , timed to the release of his memoirs, he revealed that he continued playing poker even behind bars. According to him, this decision turned out to be extremely reckless: “I played poker professionally after tennis, so I thought nothing bad would happen. But in prison, my opponents were real criminals who would come to my cell and threaten me if I didn’t pay my debt.” In one such game, Becker owed £500 to a group of inmates he refers to as “Romanian criminals.” While this amount might seem insignificant to a professional player, in prison it took on a whole new weight. Becker recalls that these people could use force without hesitation: “They would come into my cell and hit me in the face.” At the time of his incarceration, Becker’s fortune was estimated at £40 million , but in prison he had no access to his funds and couldn’t pay the debt himself. To avoid dangerous consequences, he had to turn to a friend on the outside, who transferred the money and helped settle the debt. Becker admits that without this support, his life could have been at risk. Reflecting on his experience, the athlete calls playing poker in prison “foolish,” but explains that the desire to feel a bit of excitement and escape the harsh reality was stronger than caution. Psychological Consequences of Imprisonment Becker candidly shared that even nearly three years after his release, the effects of his prison experience still impact his psyche. He admits: “In bed, I lie so close to the edge that I almost fall off. Even the biggest bed feels like a narrow cot. I’m not a psychologist, but I can say that a lot has changed since prison.” This experience was a severe ordeal for Becker, leaving a mark on his life and worldview. Nevertheless, he continues to build a new life: he now lives in Italy and is expecting his fifth child—the first with Lilian de Carvalho Monteiro, a political risk analyst. The couple was recently seen at the Sport-Bild Awards ceremony in Hamburg. Boris Becker’s Poker Career Stats Total live tournament winnings: $111,000 (according to The Hendon Mob) PokerStars Ambassador: 2007–2014 PartyPoker Ambassador: (exact years not specified) Major tournaments: World Poker Tour (WPT), PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Maximum net worth: nearly £40 million (before bankruptcy) Prison poker debt: £500 (to Romanian inmates) Prison sentence: 30 months (served 8 months, released in 2022) Results and Key Events 2002: Found guilty in Germany of providing false information about his residence to evade taxes of over €1 million. Received a suspended sentence and a fine. April 2022: Sentenced in London to 30 months in prison for concealing assets worth £2.5 million. Released after 8 months. During imprisonment: Owed £500 in a poker game to inmates, paid off the debt with help from a friend. 2024: Living in Italy, expecting his fifth child, attending social events. What This Means for PPPoker Club Players Boris Becker’s story is a vivid reminder that even experienced players can find themselves in difficult situations if they don’t consider their environment and the risks associated with playing for money. It’s important to remember: regardless of status or past experience, in any game—especially in informal or closed groups—there’s always a chance of encountering dishonest or dangerous opponents. For PPPoker club players, this case highlights the importance of choosing reliable platforms and honest opponents. In PPPoker online clubs, you are protected from such risks: all transactions are transparent, and the administration ensures that rules and participant safety are upheld. Nevertheless, even online, you should pay attention to your bankroll and avoid debts that could lead to unpleasant consequences. Finally, Becker’s experience shows that poker is not just a game of luck and skill, but also a test of responsibility and the ability to control your decisions. Playing in PPPoker clubs is a great opportunity to develop your skills in a safe environment, where every player can focus on strategy and enjoy the game without unnecessary risks.