The World Series of Poker and Refugees International have
teamed up again once again for the Ante Up for Africa charity tournament.
Celebrities and poker pros alike show up for the star studded event in an
effort to send aid to those that have suffered from political instability.
Hosted by poker pro Annie Duke and movie star Don Cheadle,
the tournament attracted some of the biggest names from both businesses’ making
a red carpet worthy of any Hollywood blockbuster.
Red carpet veterans Ben Affleck and Matt Damon gracefully
worked the line of reporters. Damon said, “This is a great event for everyone
to come out to. It’s great to see everyone here for charity.”
Cheadle said of the event, “We’ve been able to do a lot of
great work with the money that we’ve raised.” Last year’s winner, John
Hennigan, donated all of his winnings to charity.
Poker’s biggest names also walked the red carpet. Annie
Duke, Phil Hellmuth and Mike Matusow handled the throngs of entertainment media
with ease. Hellmuth and Matusow even stopped to take some jabs at each other –
verbally and physically.
Poker’s First Couple, Jennifer Harman and Marco Traniello,
were happy to be part of the event. “This event is a good way to relax and give
back before the Main Event,” said Harman.
Poker’s newest champions Jason Mercier, Brandon Cantu and
even Peter Eastgate seemed a little nervous and unsure of what to do on the red
carpet. Jennifer Tilly gave the boys some lessons on how to handle themselves
Other celebrities in attendance were Montel Williams, Mike
Tyson, Brad Garret, Jason Alexander, Nelly, Charles Barkley and Dean Cain.
Other poker players in the event were Dennis Phillips,
Daniel Negreanu, Hennigan, Phil Gordan and Greg “FBT” Mueller.