Tycoon Hobbies: What Games do the Rich Play?

When it comes to the ultra-wealthy Tycoon hobbies, you might picture jet-setting lifestyles, lavish yachts, and private islands. But even billionaires need ways to unwind, and for many of them, games are the perfect outlet.

These aren’t your average board games or casual online gaming sessions, though. The rich and famous often gravitate towards games that are high-stakes, intellectually stimulating, or exclusive to their social circles.

Poker

Poker has long been the go-to game for the rich and famous. It’s a mix of strategy, psychology, and skills. It’s the perfect game for those who enjoy testing their wits while keeping a poker face (pun intended). High-stakes poker tournaments are often filled with billionaires, celebrities, and elite poker players who are not shy in placing large sums of money on the table.

Take, for instance, the World Series of Poker. It’s a massive event where professionals and amateurs alike compete for a prize pool that regularly tops millions of dollars. Many wealthy individuals are drawn to poker because it’s more than just a game of chance. It’s about understanding people, analyzing situations, and knowing when to take risks—skills that align well with the mindset of successful business tycoons.

Rich people are familiar with playing poker in the online world as well. According to poker expert Filip Jovchevski, at online poker sites, people can find poker tournaments where they can compete against each other. Or they can just play regular poker games for real money.

Famous billionaire poker players like Bill Perkins and Guy Laliberté have been known to enjoy poker games with equally wealthy peers. They don’t enjoy winning money only. They also like the thrill of competition, the camaraderie, and the ability to exercise their strategic thinking. Perkins, a hedge fund manager, has spoken about how poker hones his decision-making skills, which he uses in his professional life.

Chess

Often regarded as the “game of kings,” chess requires foresight, patience, and strategic thinking—qualities that many of the rich have sharpened through their careers. What makes chess so appealing is its simplicity in design but complexity in execution. Each move can determine the outcome of the game, much like in business, where one decision can impact an entire enterprise.

Billionaires like Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal, are known to enjoy a good chess match. In fact, Thiel credits chess with helping him develop a structured way of thinking, something that clearly contributed to his success in Silicon Valley. Chess is a perfect game for those who enjoy challenges in outsmarting opponents.

It’s a game that trains the mind to think several steps ahead—exactly the kind of skill that’s needed to manage empires worth billions of dollars.

Golf

Golf is the game of choice for those who like to be strategic in nature. Or at least outdoors. Golf has always had a reputation as the “gentleman’s sport” and was often associated with wealth and luxury.

This sport is particularly popular because it offers an outdoor exercise in the company of golf lovers, so it’s perfect for networking. Many business deals have been brokered on the golf course. The relaxed environment seems to be ideal for negotiations.

Golf courses like Augusta National and Pebble Beach are famous for their exclusivity and they attract the wealthiest players. Bill Gates and Warren Buffett are two billionaires known to spend their downtime on the golf course. Both have spoken about how the game offers a blend of relaxation and focus, which helps clear their minds after long days of managing their business empires.

Yacht racing

For those who enjoy a bit more adventure, yacht racing is another popular hobby among the wealthy. Owning a luxury yacht is already a sign of affluence, but participating in competitive yacht racing takes that to another level. The sport combines physical endurance, strategy, and a love for the sea.

Larry Ellison, the billionaire founder of Oracle, is a well-known yacht racing enthusiast. He has even participated in the prestigious America’s Cup, one of the oldest and most coveted trophies in competitive sailing. Yacht races also offer an opportunity to socialize with other affluent individuals, as they tend to attract an elite crowd.

Backgammon

Though not as physically demanding as yacht racing or golf, backgammon is another favorite among the rich. This ancient board game has been played for centuries and continues to be a popular choice for those who enjoy games of strategy and chance. It’s simple enough to play casually but offers enough complexity to keep players engaged.

Bridge

Another intellectual game that the rich enjoy is bridge. Often played in exclusive circles, bridge is a card game that requires teamwork, memory, and strategy. It’s a game where you need deep concentration and analytical skills, which is why it has remained popular among business tycoons and political leaders.

Bill Gates is famously a fan of bridge and regularly plays with fellow billionaire Warren Buffett. Both men have talked about how the game helps sharpen their mental acuity and decision-making abilities. Bridge tournaments attract a highly skilled, competitive crowd, and many wealthy individuals find the game a great way to socialize while exercising their brains.