Some hobbies cost little to nothing, whilst others can cost thousands of dollars. You might be able to build an art collection without spending vast amounts, but if looking to own a Monet or a Damien Hirst, the costs are huge. Here we look at thetop three most expensive hobbies in the world that will require you to have wealth orknow someone willing to support your passion. These interests have the potential not just to empty your bank account, but for some amazing adventures and thrilling future storytelling.

Poker

High stakes poker can be one of the most expensive hobbies in the world, as an average pot consistently exceeds $1,000, which is fine if you come away the winner. This may not sound ridiculously expensive, but with an average of 25 hands per hour, the wins (or losses) add up fast. 

There are other card games that require no skill at all. Games such as baccarat.net can be enjoyed at a casino without any anxiety of making the “wrong call”. Baccarat can be a fun night out with friends with no financial hangover the next morning.

Playing poker online offers less of a risk than a casino tournament, but there is less chance of a big win. You could start at a smaller tournament of 50-80 people or larger tournaments closer to 500 or 1000 participants which take place over a few days, but means you are less likely to be the overall winner. 

Yacht Racing

Owning a racing yacht will cost you around at least $10 million to about $20 million just for the base boat.  A J Class yacht is considered the peak racer at the top end of the richest person’s budget. They are a single-mast sailboat built to period plans from the early 20th Century or one from that era, though there are only nine of those left in the world. With the potential for accidents and the yacht being out of action for a while, you may need access to two yachts. Due to the high risk of accidents, the cost of insurance is also high and with upkeep, the running costs can be at least $3 million each year. 

An uber-wealthy yacht racer will probably be looking out for one of the new sailing hydrofoils that fly above the water surface. These have wing-like foils mounted under the hull and as the craft increases its speed, the hydrofoils lift the hull up and out of the water, decreasing drag and increasing speed. 

Equestrianism

Owning a horse does not belong in the same rarefied atmosphere of yacht owners, but it is probably one of the most popular of the expensive hobbies. Equestrianism can be fun, relaxing and good for your health, but it can be very expensive. Unless you own a ranch, the costs of keeping a horse can spiral. 

This sport can be affordable if considering casual horse riding, but for those who are passionate about horses and dream of becoming a racehorse jockey or a professional equestrian, a significant investment of money will be needed in equipment for the horse and the rider.  

The big expenses come from buying a horse, which can cost thousands. If you retire a horse, it still needs to be cared for and the purchase of a yearling is an additional cost along with its training. Then you have bills to maintain the horse, from stabling to food, vet bills, hoof care and more, which explains the high cost of lessons if you do not own a horse.