Extreme Poker

More than 50 members of the action sports industry paid $1,000 each to compete for the chance to represent their industry at this year's World Series of Poker. Trading their skateboards for poker chips, and snowboards for suited connectors, they expanded their repertoire of death-defying maneuvers to include more subtle moves, such as bluffs and check-raises.

On a poker scale, these players won't be confused with Daniel Negreanu or Doyle Brunson (although one player was doing a Phil Laak impersonation, with a grey hooded sweatshirt tight over his face). This was the first major tournament for some of these players, and they were still learning about string bets and minimum bets. Others had more experience, and quickly moved up through the field.

Steve Van Doren, of Vans Shoes Apparel, was the last person standing, earning $10,000 and an entry into the main event at this year's World Series of Poker. He takes that honor seriously, with plans to practice, study, and improve his poker game before the big dance.

The common denominator throughout the event was fun. Even though the room was filled with extreme competitors, the mood was friendly and relaxed, like a very large home game. This event will likely become an annual tradition for the action sports industry, but expect the first-time players to have much more experience under their belts, and a whole new crop of rookies looking to share in the fun.

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