It was a weekend of exclusive access, VIP passes and epic experiences, as PokerStars Ambassadors and Red Spade Pass winners enjoyed a once in a lifetime trip to the Brazilian Grand Prix.
PokerNews took time to sit down with PokerStars Ambassadors Steve Enriquez and Ramon Colillas to talk about a weekend of “sick” experiences and where the PokerStars and Oracle Red Bull Racing partnership goes from here.
An Epic Weekend
Both Enriquez and Colillas, along with all Red Spade Pass winners, had access to all practice, qualifying and race sessions while at the Brazilian Grand Prix, as part of PokerStars’ partnership with Oracle Red Bull Racing, with both Spaniards were in awe of the size of a Formula One weekend.
“It’s one of the sickest experiences I’ve done with PokerStars”
“I’ve never had the opportunity to experience a race so closely before and all the preparation that goes into it,” said Colillas.
“I would never imagine how big a Formula One weekend is. It’s definitely something quite new for me at least,” Enriquez said. “It’s one of the sickest experiences I’ve done with PokerStars. There have been a bunch of very fun activities and other things to do while we’re here.”
Epic Scenes as Formula 1 Car Drives Through Vegas Casino
Red Spade Pass Experience
Enriquez said that he had enjoyed spending time with Red Spade Pass winners, who won their way to Brazil in a number of different ways — including giveaways, home games and mystery bounty tournament prizes. All the winners were treated to a once in a lifetime experience of epic proportions.
“It’s been great finding out the story of how the people won their Red Spade Pass,” said Enriquez. “One guy won his in the Barcelona Mystery Bounty and another in Rafael Moraes’ home game.”
“Being able to do these things: travelling by helicopter, staying in a luxury hotel — you wouldn’t be able to do that without this giveaway,” said Colillas. “The possibility to play poker and win prizes to live this Formula One experience is unique to PokerStars and Red Bull.
“I feel fortunate to be able to share all of these moments with the Red Spade Pass winners.”
Are You Ready To Become the PokerStars Chequered Flag Freeroll Champion?
Formula One and Poker
The trip also allowed Enriquez and Colillas, along with all other guests, to observe the many similarities between poker and Formula One, and notice firsthand where the two overlap.
“It’s just a sign that he’s just as fast, no matter what he’s doing”
“We saw Sergio ‘Checo’ Perez playing in the charity tournament earlier in the trip, even knocking out Ramon in the first hand!” said Enriquez. “It’s just a sign that he’s just as fast, no matter what he’s doing. Who knows if we’ll see Ramon driving in Formula One!”
What an amazing night with @redbullracing! # Thanks to @SChecoPerez, @Ronaldo, and everyone who played our Charity… https://t.co/k9Pml9T6HW
“I think there are many things in common, more than people may think,” said Colillas. “There’s the excitement, competition, adrenalin and sportsmanship. Players and drivers always have the ambition to be number one in their respective fields. There is passion and drive for players and drivers — the same mentality is evident across both things.”
Enriquez says that he was able to feel the connection between Oracle Red Bull Racing and PokerStars.
“The thrill of being fast while playing Spin & Gos. The concentration needed while driving a racecar and playing at a final table. The partnership is really, really good. It’s clear this promotion will be running for a long time!”
Join PokerStars for a $600 Welcome Bonus
Those of you who do not already have a PokerStars account can download the excellent software via PokerNews. Make your first deposit safe in the knowledge that PokerStars matches your deposit 100% up to a maximum of $600. In fact, your first three deposits in the first 90 days after creating your account are matched 100% up to a combined maximum of $600.
Executive Editor E.U.
Will Shillibier is based in the United Kingdom. He graduated from the University of Kent in 2017 with a B.A. in German, and then studied for a NCTJ Diploma in Sports Journalism at Sportsbeat in Manchester. He previously worked as a freelance live reporter, and video presenter for the World Poker Tour.