Love Nuke

Should poker celebrities be considered role models? It’s a question that many would answer, “Absolutely not!” And watching poker tournament pro Phil Hellmuth throw a temper tantrum at the poker table may not help the case much either. But before you rush to judgment, consider some of the other poker celebrities. For example, five time World Series of Poker bracelet winner Chris “Jesus” Ferguson earned a Ph.D. in computer science from UCLA before hitting it big in poker. He used his knowledge of game theory and computers to run simulations that helped him net the big bucks in poker tournaments. Not too shabby, and not usually what one would imagine when the thought of a poker player comes to mind.

Poker Celebrities

It is actually quite amusing that this dilemma only exists concerning poker celebrities players. You could be the most successful live blackjack player or the world champion at bingo, and probably almost nobody will have heard of you. Other than the fact that poker is more popular than both of those games, it probably has something to do with the fact that being one of the top poker celebrities really does require having very unique skills, and perhaps also a somewhat quirky character. Chris “Jesus” Ferguson is just one example.

Then there’s 23 year old internet poker celebrities sensation Tom “durrrr” Dwan, an engineering major who dropped out of college to pursue online poker games full time. He made over 5 million dollars playing online poker in 2008 alone. And let’s not forget poker tournament and cash game player Phil Laak, who has worked as a mechanical engineer and a day stock trader prior to his poker career. Not only that, but he is currently dating the beautiful movie actress and World Series of Poker celebrities bracelet winner Jennifer Tilly. Not bad, and in addition to all of that Laak also has his own television show that he co-hosts along with his best friend and fellow poker pro Antonio Esfandiari. And even the “Pokerbrat” Phil Hellmuth, whom we mentioned earlier, has launched numerous entrepreneurial endeavors in addition to his poker tournament career, including his own clothing line and energy drinks.

So as you can see, poker celebrities can come from many various and diverse walks of life. Gone are the days when poker players are only seen as macho, cigar chomping chauvinists. Today poker is for everybody and with options available to play free poker people are quickly able to learn it and shed their fear of getting involved with this game. And in many ways a poker tournament is an apt metaphor for life, teaching skills such as: being good at reading other people; being able to assess risk in relation to reward; and how to not just survive a situation, but how to thrive. All of these qualities that make poker great also make for an admirable set of skills when it comes to entrepreneurship and the pursuit of new ventures. Poker celebrities as role models you ask? It’s not as unlikely as you might think.

Names of few famous celebrities where making headlines last week for their alleged involvement in an illegal celebrity poker tournament. The name which was most dragged into the whole issue was Tobey Maguire who is facing lawsuit for his connections with former hedge fund manager Brad Ruderman. Apart from Tobey other celebrity names that were associated include Ben Affleck, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Matt Damon though none of them are facing any legal issues surrounding the controversy. The game, run by convicted con man and former hedge fund manager Brad Ruderman, attract a fairly well-heeled clientele of the Hollywood elite.

Tobey Maguire, star of the Spider-Man films, has hired a lawyer to argue that the poker gameisn’t illegal, as he’s being sued in connection with them and a $300,000 debt that was paid off with money Ruderman took from investors.

Reports now indicate that cocaine and hookers were also present at the games, with inside sources saying that

“It was known to a handful of us that one player would keep two hookers down the hall of the hotel in another room. He would disappear for 30-minutes at a time, leaving the main players in the game frustrated. In reality, he was getting to do blow (in a room with) two hookers.”

How Maguire plans to argue that a poker game run by a convicted con artist(a game in which Maguire himself is reported to have been winning over a million dollars a month in) ought to be interesting. But even more interesting than that is the unknown identity of the “one player”. No indication yet on who that might be, but it will probably be very newsworthy when it gets out, as it almost certainly will.

Peace made between Lady Gaga and Laurie Ann Gibson. Some had reported rumors of an impending split between the two: the pop star was accused of neglect because the choreographer ‘too busy with the preparations of “Dance Scene”, the reality show devoted to dance, after the United States, will debut’ in Italy June 12 at 20:30 on channel E!(124 Sky).The rumors of a possible rupture but are ‘already’ been denied by a spokesman for the singer.

Gibson has recently stated: “When I met Gaga she was still famous. I put all my determination, passion and professionalism ‘in working with her, because’ it was clear his stuff from a great artist.”Storm came back then.

Laurie Ann Gibson ‘was the author of some of the most’ important video clips of Lady Gaga, including “Alejandro”, “Poker Face”, “Love Game”, “Paparazzi” and the last “Judas” for which the choreographer has had to defend his client against charges of blasphemy.With “Dance Scene” Gibson back on camera after participating in the reality show “Making the Band” and the movie “Honey” (2003) with Jessica Alba.

Small-screen stars of the big screen in competition at the home of the best poker Foundation Celebrity Poker Tournament Casino Royale. Celebrities, and honestly did quite well.

Professional poker player Annie Duke has been a fan favorite, but the winner WSOP not get to the final table with “American Pie” star Shannon Elizabeth and “Off the Map” actor Nicholas Gonzalez.

But the true stars of the show were the two charities that benefited from the event, SPCALA and the I’m Too Young For This Cancer Foundation—well and of course Corey Feldman.

According to H.O.M.E., the Celebrity Casino Royale poker tournament was a success and the foundation is now well “on its way” to reaching its $200,000 fundraising goal for the two non-profits.

Congrats on a successful event!

Photos below are Shannon Elizabeth, Nicholas Gonzalez, Tiffany Michelle, Maria Ho, The Miz, Carl Weathers, Michael Gladis, Josh Henderson, Annie Duke, and Alexis Bellino.

All poker fans must be familiar with the guy, behind the WSOP – World Series of Poker; yeah I am referring to Jeffrey Pollack. Jeffrey Pollack has rolled out new poker league for poker celebs only., solely for poker celebrities and poker pros.

Well it was often preached by him that poker could be anyone’s game. He used to tell that one should always remember that if you have got the poker skills into you, you’ve got that potential to make millions out of nothing. Now, however, he’s changing his tune. No fish allowed!

Pollack is launching a pro league aimed at showcasing poker’s biggest names including Phil Hellmuth, Scotty Nguyen, Vanessa Selbst, Chris Ferguson, Phil Ivey and Daniel Negrenu. However, it’s not just poker celebrities that are going to be the stars of Pollack’s league. He is basing his league off of overall consistent winnings and cashes, which leaves out 2006 WSOP winner Jamie Gold. After Gold’s $12 million win, he struggled to earn cashes in the poker circuit.

“I think I coined, ‘Anyone can enter; anyone can win,’ ” says Pollack. “… That’s great, and that’s the mantra for every other poker tournament. …This is about celebrating the best live event tournament players in the world.”

The eligibility rules were set by poker pro Annie Duke, who will not be among the pros in the league, but will serve as commissioner.

“It’s not that I’m happy about giving up poker (in the league). It’s that I would make the trade in order to be able to be able to execute this concept. It’s something that I’ve wanted to do,” Duke said. “We put a lot of thought into it just thinking about what it is that would define one of the best live tournament players in the world.”

Players who meet the criteria will be given cards for the first season were announced, with cards awarded based on major titles, and cashes. Players have to have had a lifetime achievement of wins and to have won since 2008.

“We wanted to make sure that we were grabbing the best of the best today,” Duke said.

Therefore, also ineligible is Chris Moneymaker, whose 2003 WSOP win helped to reinvent the poker industry.

Duke acknowledges Moneymaker’s contribution to the poker world, however, adding, Moneymaker is “on the bubble.” The list will be updated after Aug. 1 following this year’s WSOP Main Event.

In this poker league there is a buy-in of $20K and it is going to be held at the Palms Hotel and casino. There will be four “Main Events” held in August, September, December and February. The top 27 players advance to the championship Feb. 13-14 where contenders will vie for the $2.6 million in prize money. At present, there are all in all 218 players with tour cards. Well we cannot be a part of it but off course we can keep an eye on updates..!

Kevin Thurston played for 38 hours and beat 300 players to secure the second Grand Series of Poker Live (GSPO), Seville, Spain.

27-year old debt, part of his winnings to Lady Luck, who is busy with his pair of aces – the best cards can be the beginning of the game – during the nail-biting final against the elite of the poker world.

Meanwhile, regulars at his local pub, The Cellar House in Eaton, followed his every bit as they watched the match live from their bar stools.

Now, the punter plans to spend his winning on a trip to Las Vegas to contend for a £10m prize at the Betfair World Series.

Mr Thurston, of Threescore, Colney, said he was close to not taking part in the competition because he did not want to miss the Champions League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid.

He said: “The whole experience was surreal – I was really buzzing. In the final game a player raised, a player went all in and I had pocket aces- I was clear second with half a million chips.

“At one point during the final I decided to buy four bottles of champagne and give everyone in the front row glasses to thank them for watching for such a long time.

“When I got to the final two we had a 20 minute break and I looked at my phone and got all the messages of support from people in The Cellar House. It made me think – ‘I can do this’.

“At the end I couldn’t help thinking how close I was to winning it, but I soon realised just how much I had won.”

Kevin Thurston was first introduced to poker when he began playing above his dad’s pub in Brighton.

Since then, he has gone on to compete in poker tournaments in America as well as winning competitions at the Norwich Poker Club.

He decided to take part in the GSPO competition with his friend Sean Rowe after the pair won places, worth £3,500 each, on an online gambling site.

The event was held at the Gran Casino Aljarafe where more than 300 people spent four days competing for the first prize jackpot worth more than £80,000.

Mr Thurston, 27, who is a call centre manager for PLT marketing based in Norwich, said: “I had a feeling I was going to do well, but when i heard people back at home saying it, I started to believe the hype.

“My Facebook just exploded when I was on the final table. The guy who beat me was a world series bracelet winner, which is the highest tournament you can achieve, so I felt I did well to get that far.”

Landlord for The Cellar House pub on Eaton Road, Paul Malynn, said he was thrilled to see Mr Thurston do so well.

He said: “I am delighted for him. His friends were watching him in the pub and cheering him on. He has always been keen on his poker and he has even given up five-a-side football so he could concentrate on getting better.”

But Mr Thurston hasn’t been the only big Norfolk winner at the poker tables this year.

Spencer Benjafield, 24, of Great Yarmouth took home $75,000 at poker competition in February.

The off-shore worker beat celebrities including Gun ‘N Roses guitarist Slash, German tennis player Boris Becker and former England striker Teddy Sheringham at an event in the Bahamas.

Meanwhile, a Norwich band also struck lucky when they won enough money to record an album after a trip to Las Vegas.

At the musicians Rapp and Pete Lee, the Black Sharks won $ 10,000 at the tables and made sure that the famous producer Nick Brine, who worked in the Oasis, Arctic Monkeys and The Stone Roses.

Bill that would legalize Internet poker Iowa state seems to have little or no chance of passing in its current form, making Iowa the last to reject state laws regulating gambling line.

However, calculations can be definitively dead. Instead of calculating Likely to edit the report calls rather than gambling on the Internet from Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, which could give tips on how to improve the bill, and how it might affect the current state of the gaming industry gambling.

According to supporters of the bill, somewhere around 150,000 Iowans currently play online poker for real money. If the state were able to regulate online poker and keep that play on an in-state network, it is estimated that such a site could generate as much as $30 million in new tax revenue for Iowa each year.

The Iowa bill was less expensive and more focused than bills in other states, such as the one that was eventually vetoed by Governor Chris Christie in New Jersey. The bill would only have regulated online poker, without legalizing other Internet casino games. As with most bills proposed at the state-level, the legislation would only have legalized intrastate poker, meaning Iowans would only be able to play against each other.

However, opposition to the bill was strong from the moment it was proposed. Some Iowa legislators opposed the further expansion of gambling in the state on moral grounds, either opposing to gambling in general, or fearing those minors and those with gambling addictions would be able to gamble more easily if it were available online. Others were more concerned with how the proposed online poker room would affect Iowa’s existing casinos, especially if the legislation were later expanded to include other casino games.

Iowa is just one of many states considering online gambling as a means of increasing tax revenue. Other states are considering legislation such as Florida, New Jersey, Nevada, Hawaii and California.

These Texas HoldEm Tips for you to play like a poker expert and rake in the cash properly. Texas HoldEm is probably one of the most common variant of poker.

The popularity of the game was due to a televised event is very popular in the World Series of Poker, namely the WSOP and World Poker Tour

All famous poker players from online gaming or in any casino come to join this event. There are even special poker events where famous celebrities show their own talent in playing poker.

Texas HoldEm Tips – How to Master the Game
The important thing to master in the game of poker is your game face or what they commonly call the poker face. You should be able to bluff other players or do not let other players read your face.

Most good poker players are very observant; not only focusing on the possibilities of their cards but also weighing in their chances against other players.

Texas HoldEm Tips – Position
Your position against the dealer could play an important role also. Analyzing the cards of other players will be easier if you know what position you are in.

The “Early Position” refers to the players on the left side of the big blind. They should be the ones to act first before a flop.

After the first position, the following three players are referred to as the “Middle Position” players. Then lastly, next to the “Middle Position” is the “Late Position”.

Texas HoldEm Tips – More Expert Strategy Tips
Patience is also a key virtue in winning this game. If you have good cards and you are seated in the early position, then you should take the opportunity to raise the pot.

Having a high pair such as two Aces or Kings is a good reason to rise. You should also know when to fold. Like when you are in the late position and holding a small pair or a high card with a different pair, then it is the perfect time to decide whether to call or fold when a raise was made before you.

After analyzing the position and possible cards in hand of other players, you should now concentrate with the flop. Always remember that once the blind is posted, it is no longer yours.

It is often a mistake of many players that they try to defend the blind they posted which is wrong especially if you are holding a bad hand.

This will only make you lose more money. Know your statistics and do not rely on luck alone in poker. Analyzing the game will give you better chances of winning.

I’m sure you are well aware that you can use these tips to improve your Texas Holdem, a poker game, and you’re probably realizing how important it is to read this article. Well, well, to continue to learn more about holdem at this time, because the truly great poker players have created.

Actress Jennifer Tilly – well, sort of actress Jennifer Tilly – is one of 64 players converged on Las Vegas over the weekend, the seventh annual National Heads-Up Poker Championship at Caesar’s Palace.

Tilly, who returns for her sixth year of competition, readily admits she is addicted to poker.

“When I served in the role of a TV show or movie, I always wonder how it will affect my time to poker,” said Tilly, who was nominated for an Academy Award for “Bullets Over Broadway” in 1994 and played Now “Family Guy” character. “I’m not kidding. I totally feel the love of poker has led to a downward spiral in my acting career!”

The buy-in for invited players has increased this year from $20,000 to $25,000, and the first-place finisher will receive $750,000. The event will be taped for broadcast on NBC over six consecutive Sundays in April and May, and will also be covered on poker site. The first-round opponents for the brackets will be chosen at random during a draw party Thursday night with the competition beginning Friday.

Returning to compete are several of the world’s top poker pros, including defending champion Annie Duke, Phil Ivey, Phil Hellmuth, Doyle Brunson, Chris Ferguson, Daniel Negreanu and 2010 World Series of Poker main event champion Jonathan Duhamel. Celebrities competing include Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith and actors Jason Alexander, Don Cheadle and Gabe Kaplan.

Tilly, who is currently dating pro player Phil Laak, has been playing poker for about 20 years. In 2005, she won a WSOP bracelet in the Ladies’ No-Limit Texas Hold ‘Em event, outlasting 600 players. So she is passionate about this sport.

“This is not like riding a bike,” said Tilly. “We play a lot of staying alive. And that’s what I do.”

Professional poker players and the face of reality TV is in support of Fort Collins for children participating in a March 26 night at the Four Deuces, and March 27 in Fort Collins Series of Poker, Celebrity Knockout charity event.

Celebrities are also Tiffany Michelle, Maria Ho, Jennifer “Jennicide Leigh, Linda Johnson, Jan Fisher and Jena Delk of” The Amazing Race, “” ER, “” Nip Tuck “,” World Poker Tour and World Series of Poker on ESPN . ”

A Night at the Four Deuces will begin at noon March 26 with tours of Odell Brewing Co. and New Belgium Brewing Co., dinner at Rodizio Grill and an evening of mingling with celebrities at a private residence. The event will be capped off with a professional poker demonstration and one-on-one poker instruction. Cost is $1,000.

The Fort Collins Series of Poker’s Celebrity Knockout event will begin at 10 a.m. March 27 at the Sunset Event Center, 242 Linden St. The event is a Texas Hold ‘Em tournament pitting players against some of the world’s top players and ambassadors of the game.

The events organized for the benefit of the realities for children Triumph Awards Endowment Fund, which was created to fund scholarships presented to children who have overcome past abuses.

10 years, the poker community comes together each year to great hall Aviation Club de France to attend the awards ceremony of the European Poker Prize, which rewards the poker players who performed well throughout the year.

The event this year was held in Queenie. The jury awarded eight trophies at the event in which five British celebrities. In fact, the French players are not lucky enough in the selection.

So the title of best player in the Liv Boeree went back to his invasions Circuit European Poker Tour has passed the ladies world champion Vanessa Hellbuyck.

James Edge has been voted best performance of the year by holding the title of WSOP Europe champion. And the reward for the player’s career was won by Nick Szeremeta for all the magnificent feats he accomplished throughout the year 2010.

As for the EPT Deauville champion 2010, Jake Cody, his talent and his performances earned him two trophies including the title of best player of the year and best newcomer of the year.

But the Lithuanian Tony G, best known for his exploits at the World Poker Tour Paris in 2005 and his virulent game mode also conquered the jury who awarded him the prize of the personality of the year.

The award for best lineman was given to the Norwegian and Spanish Torbergsen Retamero Andrew Gerard Serra was elected employee of the casino of the year.

Phil Hellmuth done nothing but beat the gums, causing a scene and make lots of money to feel.

Hellmuth, connected by a host of celebrities, NFL stars and poker pros will be played in tournaments to raise money for the Starkey Hearing Foundation and professionals from Africa, an organization of nonprofit support increased requirements basic children in Africa. Founded in 1984, the Starkey Hearing Foundation works to prevent hearing loss and has been around the world, offering almost 500 thousand hearing aids to the needy.

Yes, mark your calendars, “Hands up for Africa” Hellmuth and the World Poker Entertainment presents when Hellmuth, who will use his power for good poker player this weekend at the event Texas Hold’em charitable, to be held at Golden Nugget in Las Vegas.

If you’re interested in joining the likes of Hellmuth, along with Steve Martin, Annie Duke, Johnny Chan, Mini Me, Don Cheadle, Lou Ferrigno and Joe Reitman, you can register at starkeyhearingfoundation.org, where, for a fee of $2,000, you’ll get two passes to Friday night’s VIP reception and one guaranteed seat in the televised main event beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, as well as two passes to the post-tournament party.

If you’re a sports fan, 30 NFL stars will also be playing, including Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson and Cincinnati Bengals safety Roy Williams.
Those in the tournament will receive $ 2,000 in chips with another 2,000 chips available for $ 500 re-buys or add-on of $ 500. Blinds start at 25-50, with levels of walking for 15 minutes.

Ninety-six women began today in the Poker Stars $1K Ladies Event, satellite and 28 players who qualified for some tough competition. There are three Team Poker Stars Pros in the field also, and Vicky Coren Maridu Mayrinck as well as Team Poker Stars Sport Star Fatima Moreira de Melo. Other good ones are Kathy Liebert, money winner of all time high in women, Veronica Dabul and Lauren Kling, who cashed in several major tournaments in recent times between the fourteenth places in a WPT tournament.

In addition, Ana Marquez, who just missed the final table of the main event of the PCA, yesterday, when she finished tenth today so good, feel confident and relaxed after his recent success of other famous actors, including Beth Gains, Megan Milburn, runner-up in the EPT London Ladies and He Soljan, winner of the EPT Prague ladies.

Then to add more star power to the event, we have Ricki Lake playing at a table that includes several of the tough players mentioned above, and one satellite player who has never played a live event. The line up at the table includes Fatima Moreira De Melo; Beth Gains; Lauren Kling; Cathy Hong, serious player and girlfriend of Team Poker Stars Pro, Elky Grospellier; and finally Teija Halkosaari; a freeroll satellite winner who is playing her first live event. Teija traveled for over 30 hours to get here from Finland, and she is very excited about her first trip to the Bahamas. Although she has never played live, Teija has played thousands of hours online on Poker Stars before coming here, and is currently holding her own.

Like Teija, this is the first big buy-in tournament for many of the players, but for one player, the Atlantis is starting to seem like her poker home away from home. Elizabeth Bennett-Martin has played the Main Event as a satellite player for the last three years, and she has played the ladies event each year as well. She was last seen with a good sized stack and holding a stuffed animal given to her by one of her sons. Her son and the rest of the family are here for the third year enjoying the Atlantis, while she plays poker.

An early hand ended the tournament for satellite player Rose Genest when her full house (tens over jacks) was beaten by a bigger full house. Another satellite player from Finland, Veronica Engberg, pushed in with jacks over tens and Rose called with what is normally a lock hand. Rose, who has recently made poker a major focus in her life by logging several hours a day playing satellites and playing in the Poker Stars Women’s League, took the bad beat in stride, but the early end to her tournament was obviously a devastating loss. When she realized however, that she had the rest of the afternoon to relax and get ready for the party tonight, she seemed to brighten visibly.

For all players, today’s event will provide poker and exciting opportunity to learn some of the best in the world of poker. After all, getting beaten by people like Vicky Coren or Kathy Liebert is a story that, after a short time there will be a little bitter to say.

The World Poker Tour (WPT) Celebrity Invitational declared that Chrysalis will serve as the official charity for the second consecutive year. Chrysalis is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the lives of people through employment. Since the founding of Chrysalis “25 years ago, which helped over 35,000 people find jobs and escape poverty and destitution.

Mark Loranger CEO of Chrysalis, which is illustrated in the previous WPT Celebrity Invitational tournament, a huge success that cans Chrysalis remains vital tasks. “He said that it expects to repeat the WPT with what will undoubtedly be a successful and enjoyable tournament.

The WPT Celebrity Invitational is set to take place at the Commerce Casino in LA, California on February 19. The final table is to be played on March 2. Although all proceeds will be donated to Chrysalis, the winner of the event will receive free entry to the WPT Championship in 2011. The event will be hosted by Mark Steines (host of Entertainment Tonight) and Leanza Cornett (Steines’ wife and former Miss America pageant winner).

Although event organizers have yet to release the names of any celebrities participating in the tournament, the rosters from previous years give an indication of the quality to expect. Some of the brightest stars in entertainment, including Cheryl Hines, Jon Favreau, Don Cheadle, Ray Romano, Vince Vaughn, Jason Alexander, Jenny McCarthy, James Woods, Jennifery Tilly and Kathy Griffin, have played in past WPT Celebrity Invitationals.

Joe Lake and Bill Overton will be handling celebrity participation. The lake is known for having founded the Children’s Miracle Network, a nonprofit organization that raises awareness and funds for children’s hospitals around the world. The lake is the executive producer of the fundraising annual CMN telethon has raised more than $ 4.3 billion to children’s hospitals in the United States and Canada alone. Overton has worked as an actor, model and NFL player.

Since the Poker Stars Caribbean Adventure in 2011 is now history, has the attention of the poker-loving transferring to the Aussie Millions, the 2011th Martin Drewe, Sean Dunwoodie, and Jarred Solomon has already emerged as the winner of the first three events of the Aussie Millions, the 2011th

Crown Casino was dressed to receive a multitude of celebrity poker at home or abroad, who had arrived to attend the famous Celebrity Poker Challenge, part of the Aussie Millions.

Crown Casino’s Studio 3 literally glittered with DJs, show girls, and camera bulbs that flashed every now and then. A fancy dress station also formed part of the event; and professional poker player Billy “The Croc” Argyros got dressed up in over-sized glasses, a hat, and a wig for a photography session. On January 18, Tuesday, the hottest event of Aussie Millions 2011, the Celebrity Poker Challenge was inaugurated in the presence of professional poker players such as Joe Hachem, Gus Hansen, Patrik Antonius, John Juanda, Andy Roddick, Shane Warne, and Brooklyn Decker.

Tyron Krost, who emerged as the champion of last year’s Celebrity Poker Challenge, was also present, along with internationally acclaimed poker players such as Howard “The Professor” Lederer, Barney Boatman, and Mike “The Mouth” Matusow. A number of local talents had also arrived to participate in the event. Poker pro Matusow had a quick chat with Lynn Gilmartin of Poker Network that evening.

Scott Montgomery and Annette Obrestad, who are to the online poker world what Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are to Hollywood, were also present. Tony Hachem, who shuffled around the poker room on a crutch, was one of the highlights of the event; so were the complimentary snacks and drinks. The welcome address was delivered by Shane Warne.

The profits generated by the Celebrity Poker Challenge will be donated to Variety through the Shane Warne Foundation to help Australia’s flood victims. The participants wore blue ribbons in warm sympathy toward all those who were affected by the floods in Australia. Last year, the Celebrity Poker Challenge was a 16-table tournament; but this year it was a team showdown on four tables.

The excitement of the 2011 Aussie Millions will continue until 30 January. The poker tournament high stakes in the more lucrative, which has a buy-in of $ 100,000, will be played in 23-24, and the $ 10k main event will be held on January 23 to 29.

The red carpet was laid out in the tiara Casino in the evening for a mix of celebrities, international and local poker players for the Aussie Millions Poker Celebrity Challenge.

“Studio 3″ to the tiara has become a party atmosphere with dancers, DJs and flash bulbs of the camera. There was even a costume dress station. Not surprisingly, Billy “The Crocodile” Argyros did not hesitate to wear a wig, a hat and sunglasses oversized for an unforgettable getaway.

Last year’s Main Event champion Tyron Krost was happy to return to the scene of his triumph, while International players Howard “The Professor” Lederer, Mike “The Mouth” Matusow and Barney Boatman were also spotted with a slew of local players. Matusow caught up with PokerNetwork’s own Lynn Gilmartin for a quick chat during the evening…

Also in attendance was poker’s answer to Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt – “Moob”.   At least that’s what PokerNetwork has dubbed the power couple of Annette Obrestad and Scott Montgomery. Tony Hachem also impressively worked the room shuffling around on one crutch.

The complimentary food and drinks flowed as Shane Warne welcomed everyone to the event. All proceeds from the night were to be passed onto Variety (via The Shane Warne Foundation) to help children affected by the floods.   Blue ribbons were worn by all in recognition of the natural disasters that have been ravaging parts of Australia.

The event was changed from 16 last year table tournament with a showdown 4-team table. Good time was had by all for a good cause, and there was even a little poker tournaments!

If you’ve always dreamed of living a moment that changes your life, try this. Mother of Amanda De Cesare, 35, won the reality show Star Poker in 2009 and pocketed $ 100,000.

Show, hosted by the poker champion Joe Hachem a Channel Ten HD channel, it was a game version of The Apprentice, Donald Trump, a Talent contest, which allows a novice to hit the big time.

After beating 18,000 applicants and 11 finalists, the red carpet was rolled out for De Cesare. She spent a year travelling the world with Hachem as her mentor, competing in tournaments in Monte Carlo and Las Vegas.

The victory was one of those pinch-yourself moments. ”The show sounded like a bit of fun and I thought I’d give it a go,” De Cesare says. But never in her wildest dreams had she expected to win.

At the time, the chips were down in her personal life but soon her fortune was on the way up. De Cesare poured the winnings into the mortgage she took out on her house after buying out her ex-husband, Frank, when their marriage ended in 2008. The two remain friends and share custody of their daughters Sarah, 14, and Chloe, 9.

De Cesare, a speech pathologist, learned to play poker because of her ex-husband. Six years ago, while still married, he was short of a player for his weekly game with friends so she took a seat. She’s been showing her poker face ever since. And it was because of the separation that she had more time to play and hone her skills.

The first big tournament De Cesare won was the Joe Hachem Deep Stack Series at Crown in 2009, pocketing $72,304 – a week after winning the $100,000 on TV. Excluding the reality program, she has banked $190,716 from her tournaments.

The Aussie Millions poker championship, the largest in the southern hemisphere and the fifth-largest in the world, is under way at Crown and although De Cesare is not competing in the main event, which requires a $10,600 ”buy-in” – the entry fee – she’ll try her luck at smaller games.

During the 18-day event, which ends on Sunday, there are 20 tournaments with a prize pool of $20 million and from that; $2 million goes to the winner of the ”no limit holdem” main event. More than 3000 entrants are vying to be the last man or woman at the poker table, and players have jetted in from the US, Canada, Britain, South Africa, Israel, Estonia, Portugal, Russia and other countries.

De Cesare is a female player in an overwhelmingly male world where blokes sit transfixed, wearing caps and sunglasses, often listening to iPods.

She has noticed a cultural difference in the way she is treated overseas. While male players in Melbourne treat her same, she is the subject of more aggressive tactics from men in the US. ”They try and bully you out of the hand. They bet big and think you’ll get scared and fold.”

Although she previously didn’t consider herself competitive, De Cesare soon discovered when she started playing that she wanted to win, regardless of the prize money. ”Being a female, the boys tend to get a bit macho. I love to beat the boys at their game.”

But she says poker’s main appeal is the opportunity to broaden her social circle. ”Generally with the activity you choose, you find people very similar to yourself. Poker draws people from all over the place. You could be sitting next to students or doctors.”

After her whirlwind year playing poker with Hachem, De Cesare returned to work as a speech pathologist and now divides her time between the two pursuits. Working with children with special needs, she focuses on non-verbal communication, such as expressions, and found her expertise came in handy at the poker table.

”My biggest skill is reading body language,” she says, divulging some handy inside information for her competitors. ”I look at things like breathing rates; people will hold their breath if they are bluffing. If I touch my chips, what reaction do they have?”

Once the cards are dealt, players look down at their cards but De Cesare doesn’t. ”I don’t look at my cards until it’s time to act. I can tell which people have a big hand. People do things instinctively and they don’t know they’re doing it.”

Poker has been her financial saviour and a window into another world, but rubbing shoulders with celebrities still gives her a thrill.

Corona De Cesare was a day when the avid poker by the way Shane Warne, said:”Hey, Amanda”Aveva heard of him through his friendship with Hashem… De Cesare was blown away, thinking of the time: ‘Shane Warne has just said my name! Amanda is just the outskirts.”

LADY GaGa had a low-key New Year’s Eve celebration over the weekend.

The Poker Face hitmaker and her boyfriend Luc Carl dined with friends at West Village, New York, tapas bar Caliu, but left at about 11:30 p.m. once patrons started to recognize her in a long, tight, black dress with a train, according to New York Post gossip column Page Six.

Recent reports claimed GaGa has decided she’s desperate to teach fashion and art appreciation at a prestigious New York City university.

“She wants to be a college lecturer and has asked about a position at the famous Parsons School For Design,” a source told a British tabloid newspaper.

“She wants to use her fashion sense and avant garde art obsession to launch an academic career.

“She’s pitched to be an artist-in-residence.

“Nothing has been finalized yet, but she’d like to teach in the fashion design program.

“She wants to incorporate elements of music study, popular culture and media studies.

“If it goes well, she’d be interested in a more perm­anent arrangement.

“She thinks teaching would make people see she is much more than just a flamboyant pop star.”

LONDON: The pop diva Lady Gaga great singer Alicia Keys at the top of the list of the best charity for the year 2010.

The explicit support “Poker Face” singer of the rights of gays and their endless efforts in the campaign to repeal the U.S. military do not Ask Do not tell policy of its position in the first place with the following keys in it, who led the charge against HIV this year, reported contact music.

The ladies dominated the summit of ‘Celebs Gone Good’ countdown, compiled by charity teen DoSomething.org.

Meanwhile, country star Taylor Swift rounded, actor Matt Damon, celebrity couple Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore and Teenage sensation Justin Bieber the top 10.

Take a quick look at poker’s “List of all time money” and you’ll see that Allen Cunningham is currently in ninth place with earnings of $10,945,147 in live tournament.

Rated 33 years is cashing in tournaments since 1996 and is 5 times winner of the WSOP bracelet in Seven Card Stud, No Limit Hold’em and Pot Limit Hold’em. He also voted by his peers as ‘Best all around player fewer than 35 and in 2006 it was upgraded to Pro, sponsored by a full member of Team Full Tilt.

However, unlike many other highly successful poker pros Allen Cunningham is a polite and softly-spoken player who has managed to avoid much of the media limelight reserved for more flamboyant celebrities. So just who is Allen Cunningham and how did he get started in his prospective poker career?

For a start the Californian said he was fascinated with poker from a very young age after countless games playing with his family at the kitchen table, but only decided to give the game his best shot after turning 18. He then goes on to explain that it was a slow progression and only after playing for a year did he begin seeing some solid wins.

“At that time, I was in my first year of college and also had a part time job delivering pizzas which I used to fund my poker. Eventually I won two tournaments in a row, which paid $500 each, then I stayed and played cash games and won another $1k. It wasn’t exactly quick but I never looked back from there.”

Allen Cunningham said he first cut his teeth playing limit poker, which was the game of choice in California at the time but played many of the other poker variants in order to sharpen his all round poker understanding.

Cunningham further developed his skills by studying poker literature and developing an overall strategy for different situations, although he said he started out by playing tightly and only added more looseness and aggression as he evolved as a player.

Evolve as a player Cunningham soon did as all the elements of his game came together and as he explains:

“When you’re at the table you’re using intuition. You’re not figuring out any sort of math or strategy; you have to think about that ahead of time…When you add some more sophisticated plays, you’ve probably thought about the maths behind a lot of situations and now you’re thinking about how some of the players are playing and incorporating a few tells and whether people are playing looser or tighter than normal.”

As mentioned, the list of Allen ‘Clever Piggy’ Cunningham’s poker achievements include almost $11 million in tournament winnings, and 5 WSOP bracelets, with his biggest score to date coming at the 2006 WSOP Main Event, where he finished 4th for $3,628,513.

However well justified, Cunningham said he does not really suffer from large amounts of invoice, or interfere with your bets and make enough money to stay away from ultra-high stakes cash games. He also said that he does not rely on the limelight, and added: