Good God almighty! Talk about versatility!

After virtually dominating the recently held 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aquaman himself proved that not only can he make his mark on water, he can also go toe-to-toe with the best of them on the poker tables.

You read it, multi gold medalist Michael Phelps proved that he can also play poker after scoring a final table appearance at Caesars Palace. Sure, we all know that the guy can swim like a freaking fish and he can win gold medals in effortless fashion in the Olympics, but if we’re going to judge him based solely on event No.2 at the Caesars Palace Classic, yes, apparently, he can play awesome poker as well.

The American swimmer, who as everyone knows, holds the distinction of having his face plastered all over the world for being the world record holder for most medals won in a single Olympics event, is no longer just a fish, at least not on the poker tables.

Phelps used some of his hard-earned endorsement money to buy into a $1,500 buy-in tournament and ended up finishing in ninth place in a field of 150 players. Not a bad payday for Phelps. He won over $5,000 for his feat.

It wouldn’t be fair to think that Michael Phelps is a total newbie when it comes to poker. Amanda Beard, another U.S. Olympic swimmer, revealed in an interview that Phelps is known to play online poker 10 hours a day. Furthermore, it was rumored that Phelps took poker lessons from poker legend Todd Brunson himself during a weekend visit to Las Vegas.

Phelps has also revealed that he wants to play the main event of the World Series of Poker. I won’t be surprised to see this guy next year when the WSOP starts from scratch all over again.

And if this is indeed the case, Phelps is off to a great start in his poker career.

During the Caesars Palace Classic event, Phelps busted out when his A-K didn’t hold up against his opponent’s A-J. A Jack hit the river showing everyone that even the great Michael Phelps isn’t immune to bad beats.

As for who won event No.2 at the Caesars Palace Classic, the question is, ”who cares?” Aquaman has invaded the poker tables!

Want more odds? Visit Bodog for more poker betting odds. Want to watch poker live? Get sporting events tickets online now.

2008 World Series of Poker WSOP Bracelet