Every years, stars from Hollywood and the sporting and music worlds get a chance to play with the best player sin the world in this special tournament.
This year will be no different with returning players 2005 WSOP Ladies Champion Jennifer Tilly, Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss, and Ante Up for Africa Co-Founder Don Cheadle.
Playing for their first time will be Ultimate Fighting Championship legend Randy “The Natural” Couture along with Oakland A’s center fielder Coco Crisp.
Musicians intending to play include R&B legend Chaka Khan, 2009 Country Music Association Hall of Fame inductee Barbara Mandrell, and members of Boyz II Men, Incubus, and My Morning Jacket.
Some returning veterans of the WPT Celebrity Invitational include “Chuck” star Zachary Levi, television talk show hosts Rikki Lake and Dr. Phil McGraw, and “Rules of Engagement” star Patrick Warburton. From the movie industry, you’ll find Gina Gershon (“Bound”), Mimi Rogers (“Austin Powers”), Michael Clarke Duncan (“The Green Mile”), and Mekhi Phifer (“8 Mile”).
Respected poker players in the field include Liv Boeree, Liz Lieu, Tony "Bond18" Dunst, with Kathy Liebert and Matt Jarvis still considering their arrival.
Executive director Matt Savage said “No more seats in the @WorldPokerTour Celebrity Invitational tomorrow night @CommerceCasino… Please don’t ask,” Savage Tweeted to his followers. This means there could be well over 500 players in attendance for the contest which will hold its six-handed final table on March 3rd following the conclusion of the WPT’s $10,000 Main Event.
The event plans to raise considerable funds for Chrysalis, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping economically disadvantaged and homeless individuals become self-sufficient through employment opportunities.
