Bodog released they have signed an exclusive deal with Jean-Robert Bellande to become the newest member of Team Bodog.

He will be joining the likes of Josh Arieh, Evelyn Ng & David Williams, with his first big appearance representing Bodog in the 2008 NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

The native New Yorker has been nicknamed “Action Bob” for his aggressive playing habits at the table along with his ability to talk just as quick as he plays. Some have referenced his personality to Mike “The Mouth” Matusow. Jean-Robert calls it the “ultimate psychological warrior”.

Bellande is also planning to take part in the 2008 WSOP at Harrah’s this summer and expressed to the media  saying, I'm planning to make a lot of noise in 2008 for myself and Bodog, starting with the National Heads-Up Poker Championship this weekend and at the WSOP this summer. "I'm completely thrilled to be on Team Bodog and to join my friends Josh, David and Evy,"

His biggest accomplishments came in 2005 when he was ranked 6th in the world for top card players. Ballande’s successes include an appearance on the 2005 WPT Bad Boys of Poker, and Poker After Dark along with final table finishes in the 2005 WSOP Circuit Event at the Rio where he took an impressive third place finish just behind Doug Lee and Jennifer Harmen. Other tournaments include the U.S. Poker Championship and Ballbreakers.  Ballande’s net wins as of to date total more than $800,000 US.

During a press release, Bodogs North American CEO Alwyn Morris was quoted as saying, "We're extremely excited to have Jean-Robert join our select team of world-class poker players. With his charismatic personality and his prowess as a poker player, Jean-Robert embodies the Bodog lifestyle. He is a perfect fit for Team Bodog."

Bodog also announced recently that they have started their satellites to the Main Event at Harrah’s in Vegas. They have guaranteed a minimum of 100 players will win packages to join Team Bodog. Players can qualify weekly for as little as $1.50 and a minimum of 3 seats will be given away each week from March 1st- April 30th. Come May1st, Bodog will increase that number to 4 WSOP Main Event packages available to be won.

For those who think this guy looks very familiar you may remember him from Survivor China, which is one of the top rated prime time shows in the US. With 15 other contestants, Ballande was voted out 8th and finished off the television show as part of the jury.