Known as the "Poker Brat," Phil Hellmuth has no problem bringing attention to himself with his fashionably late entrances at world-class events, his berating of opponents, and his ability to "dodge bullets." Whether it is his larger-than-life personality or his undeniable talent (backed by his record-breaking accomplishments), Hellmuth is a huge attraction. On Saturday, Dec. 1, at the Palms Casino in Las Vegas, he will use his star power to host the Beauty and the Bet charity poker tournament benefiting the families of fallen law enforcement officers.
The event's title appropriately includes the word "beauty," since there will be appearances by Playboy Playmates, including Sarah Elizabeth, Stephanie Heinrich, Alison Waite, and Stacy Fusion. There are two no-limit hold'em events players can compete in. The first begins at noon and has a $500 buy-in. There will be unlimited rebuys for $500 each until the first break, with a one-time add-on for $250 at the end of the rebuy period . The High Roller tournament starts at 5 p.m. and has a $2,500 buy-in with rebuys available until the first break and one add-on after that period for $1,250. (Click here to preregister for events.)
Fifty percent of the money generated from the buy-ins, rebuys, and add-ons will go toward the player prize pool. The top three finishers of both events will go to the winner's table. These last six players will get to celebrate with Hellmuth and the Playmates at a VIP booth inside the exclusive Playboy Club, but only one will win the grand prize. The winner will receive two Super Bowl XLII tickets as well as entry for two into Playboy's Super Saturday Night Party.
The charity on the receiving end of this event is the TASER Foundation, whose mission is to provide financial and educational support to families of local and federal law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. In 2007, officer deaths are up 35 percent. To make a direct donation, or to find out more about this organization, click here.
