A testament to the popularity of poker among top tier executives is a survey taken of 500 CEOs who when asked if they would prefer playing a full day of poker to golf, 65% responded they would prefer poker.

When asked why poker over golf: 73 percent stated the thrill of winning, 20 percent claimed to enjoy the competition while seven percent cited networking.

Golf for many years was the sport of choice by executives in order to network - now poker is stealing the limelight. There is even a new tournament exclusively for CEOs.

"Poker is definitely the new golf," says Maria Gomez, President of CEO Poker. "If you are a male or female you can compete in the game. It is a level playing field, and only your ability to bluff, fold, and win, separates the men from the boys. Another reason poker is so popular among CEOs is the game itself. There is an element of constant danger that CEOs thrive on, where you can go out on any one hand."

The quick response that CEO Poker had when it launched the poker tour is also a testament to the popularity of poker. Over 300 CEOs have applied to play in CEO Poker in only 10 days and the online reservations are on the rise.

"Thanks to the popularity of poker on television, poker is so hot right now among CEOs," says Gomez. "They see professional poker players doing what they do every day: analyse the odds, review all the options, and make split second decisions. CEOs are naturals at poker."

Instead of a new breed of golf players, a new breed of poker stars are going from the boardroom to the poker room: day traders, dotcom millionaires, high powered women, online poker hotshots, and mathematical geniuses.

"Poker is both math and instinct, and CEOs understand the bottom line and the odds," says Gomez. "But knowing the numbers is not enough, they have to know how to read people, something they do every day in the boardroom."

CEOs who are ready to try their poker luck against other CEOs can apply to CEO Poker online by logging on to www.worldceoentertainment.com. All submissions will be reviewed. Buy ins start at ($1 500 - $10 000).