It’s difficult to describe American millionaire Dan Bilzerian, who visited Armenia and who received Armenian citizenship, as someone who is a role model. He got his wealth through playing poker- a hobby that, I think, is strictly frowned upon. The rest of Dan’s hobbies- women, alcohol, and extreme sports- are, in the end, his personal business. Dan’s father, Paul Bilzerian, who also visited Armenia and who has been an Armenian citizen for several years, was trading on Wall Street and, according to some sources, was charged for his plots. (Trade money and commercial products are considered personal achievements).
It’s clear that, for people like Dan, everything is a show, PR, something to post on the Internet, and something to gain followers with. Receiving Armenian citizenship and registering in the Armed Forces is similar to taking pictures with military equipment or with a lot of models in that aspect (by the way, he came to Armenia with one of his models). Therefore, it’s not necessary to treat the “King of Poker”’s arrival as some sort of patriotic move. But, on the other hand, it shouldn’t cause anger, complaints, or especially outrage. The tourist came to Armenia legally, presented the appropriate documents, received Armenian citizenship (so did his brother, Adam, who also plays poker), and also registered in the army, as according to the law.
Having people like him come to Armenia is beneficial to advancing tourism in our country, even if it’s because Dan Bilzerian has 23.5 million followers on Instagram, and 1.47 million on Twitter. Therefore, those followers will hear about Armenia again, and I think in a positive manner. From that perspective, Dan is comparable to Kim Kardashian, whose visit also was somewhat beneficial to our country. I think that comparing them to Serj Tankian is not accurate, because the rock star is creating value, not just part of a high-level group.
It’s good that Dan went to Artsakh. That will allow Artsakh’s name to once again be heard throughout the world. It will be better if Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs declares Dan “persona non grata” since that will show our neighboring country’s ignorance one more time. Different people visit the Republic of Artsakh. Eduard Limonov or German Sterligov do not have a reputation in their homeland, but their visit to Artsakh, in my opinion, was beneficial.
Aram Abrahamyan
