EVENT UPDATES
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Saturday, July 3, 2010 1:34 PM Local Time
There's a bit of pandemonium in the White Section of the Pavilion Room as players are making their entrance (through a side door) while Jack Effel is conducting today's bracelet ceremony for Event 53 winner Ryan Welch. Media are everywhere and celebrities are primping themselves, all while the Star-Spangled Banner blares out over the PA system.
Saturday, July 3, 2010 1:02 PM Local Time
The tournament is scheduled to start at 2pm. Given the celebrity nature of this event, it's no surprise that things are being delayed. We're now told there's going to be a bracelet ceremony at 2:15pm here in the Pavilion Room, and that the tournament will get started after that.
Saturday, July 3, 2010 10:40 AM Local Time
Welcome back to the Rio and the World Series of Poker for the $5,000 Ante Up for Africa Poker Tournament!
This is the fourth annual Ante Up For Africa Celebrity-Charity poker tournament. It is open to anyone that wants to sit down and battle it out with seasoned veterans or celebrities. It's generally expected that participants will donate a portion of any of their winnings to the Ante Up for Africa charity, which is dedicated to raising money and awareness for Africans in need. AUFA raises public awareness and funds to make a tangible impact on the ground in Africa through humanitarian assistance and policy work. The organization seeks lasting solutions to Africa's worst conflicts like the humanitarian crisis in Darfur, Sudan.
Some of the celebrities that will be in attendance include Don Cheadle, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Brad Garrett, Montel Williams, Ron Artest and Evander Holyfield. Throw in Annie Duke, Howard Lederer, Erik Seidel, Phil Gordon, Andy Bloch and Chris Ferguson, and you have a chance of playing with a truly all-star line up.
PokerNews will again be providing continuous live coverage from 2:00 pm PST, so don't go anywhere as we look to crown another champion while also trying to raise money and awareness for a great cause!