| 2008 World Poker Tour Invitational Plans Revealed One of the poker world’s most prestigious events is the World Poker Tour Invitational – a glittering social evening where the elite of the industry rub shoulders with some of the top names in Hollywood.
Hundreds of celebrities and poker personalities traditionally come together under one roof at the Commerce Casino in Los Angeles to play head to head in an exciting Texas Hold ‘em poker tournament. With all winnings going to charity, the winner of the tournament also earns a seat in the World Poker Tour World Championship held later in the year.
It has been announced that this year’s exclusive invitation-only event will be held at the Commerce on March 1st, 2008. The evening will begin with a red-carpet arrival, followed by a Heineken-sponsored cocktail party, before players make their way into the ‘main event’ of the night – an exciting Hold ‘em party. Invitees will be given chips to play against each other throughout the night, and anybody with chips left over at the end of the evening will meet on March 2nd to continue the tournament.
The final ten celebrities who are left with chips at the end of the evening will have cash donated to the charity of their choice. The final six players left in the tournament will battle it out in a filmed event on the World Poker Tour set, with a $225,000 prize – sponsored by Commerce Casino - up for grabs. The lucky player who wins first place will walk away with $100,000 and a $25,000 seat in the WPT Championships in April 2008. WPT’s network home, GSN, will air the taped final event on June 2008.
John Groffo, Commerce Casino’s Director of Poker Operations said, "Being the world's largest poker casino and so close to Hollywood, Commerce sees many pros and celebrities come through its doors each week, but WPT's Invitational tournament is by far and away the most exciting event of the year. What's great about the Invitational is you see them all come together for one night where they aren't just playing for cash, but for charity, respect, and overall - fun.”
Some of the most famous faces to grace the World Poker Tour Invitational event have been Paris Hilton, Pete Sampras, Morgan Fairchild and Ben Affleck. Poker greats who have attended in the past include Doyle Brunson, Phil Ivey and Antonio Esfandiari.
Author: Renee Kingsley |
