Announced earlier this week, Team PokerStars Pro member Vanessa Rousso has signed an endorsement deal with EQ Labs, makers of EQ Energy Drink. Rousso, who is also a spokesperson for Go Daddy, joins a roster of international celebrities that are currently enjoying the benefits of “The Smart Energy Drink.”
For those who don’t know, EQ is a tablet that can be dissolved in any beverage to provide instant energy. It consists of a blend of essential vitamins, Gingko Biloba, and less caffeine than a cup of coffee. The flavors come in Mo Apple, Strawberry Dream, and Lemon Lime.
Rousso, who is currently at the World Series of Poker (WSOP), commented about the deal from Las Vegas: “I’m so happy to be part of the EQ Energy team! I have been working with the CEO for a few weeks and really believe in the product and the company. The energy tablets are awesome. They taste great, are super portable, and of course, give me a real energy boost.”
Rousso mentioned that she’s been using the EQ tablets at this year’s WSOP and loves them: “As a professional poker player, my energy levels and mental acuity are of the utmost importance. If I lose my focus for just one second, it could cost me a tournament and millions of dollars. EQ keeps me alert and focused when my opponents are ready for bed.”
The agreement between Rousso and EQ Labs began on June 15th and will last at least one year. As compensation, she received restricted company shares.
“My deal with EQ is going to be across the board,” added Rousso. “I will do promotional events, commercials, and business development with my existing businesses and business relationships. I’ve always been an entrepreneur and can’t wait to start being involved in EQ marketing and promotion.”
Maurice Owens, Chief Executive Officer of EQ Labs, stated, “We are extremely happy to be able to announce that not only does Vanessa enjoy our product, but she also used the product at the world’s premier annual poker event. This deal with Vanessa allows us to reach a national television audience.”
Rousso is a graduate of Duke University, where she studied game theory, which undoubtedly helped her to become the poker superstar she is today. Her first big cash came in 2006, where she took seventh in the World Poker Tour Championship for $263,625. She won the Borgata Poker Open later that year for $285,450. That final table included Cliff “JohnnyBax” Josephy and UB.com’s Joe Sebok.
Rousso’s largest score came at the 2009 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Grand Final, where she earned $1,021,713 by winning the High-Roller Event. In all, Rousso has more than $2.6 million in live tournament earnings, plus nearly $1 million in online earnings, placing her among the top five women all-time.
So far at the 2010 WSOP, Rousso has cashed twice. Her most recent in the money finish came in the $10,000 Heads-Up Championship at the WSOP, where she finished eighth for $94,956.
