When I took a look at the initial WSOP schedule, I assumed that Thursday, July 5th would be an automatic day off. With no bracelet events scheduled and only one final table to play out, I laid out my finely crafted plans that involved one common theme: sleep.
Instead, the Gaming Life Expo opened today with tons of free schwag to be had by all. Also, the WSOP held a news conference at 2:00 featuring Q&A with WSOP commish Jeffrey Pollack--and Jamie Gold. The real news of the day, however, was when Don Cheadle and Annie Duke took the stage to talk about the Ante Up For Africa charity tournament.
I could not believe the masses of people assembled for what I somehow thought would be a day off. Media from every internet, print, and TV outlet imaginable were gathered to see the celebrities who would be donating $2,500 each and also playing for a cash prize in the tournament.
Don Cheadle and Annie Duke were followed down the red carpet by:
- Matt Damon
- Ben Affleck
- Ray Ramano
- Shannon Elizabeth
- Adam Sandler
- Kevin James
- Miami John Cernuto
- Charles Barkley
- Cheryl Hines
- Brad Garrett
- Montel Williams
I'm sure there's probably a few I missed in this list, but you HAVE TO check out Heather's photo gallery from the event for some of the action.
Naturally, Phil Hellmuth took some time out to introduce the throng to all of his friends. He took a break from the action to grab a microphone and make his way around the room. The first kind-of-elimination was Daniel Negreanu, but Annie Duke stood up and started cheering for Daniel to, "Rebuy! Come on, it's for charity!" I'm not sure it was intended to be a rebuy event, but Daniel was more than willing to oblige.
Next on the almost-but-not quite out list was the man responsible for the poker boom, Mike McDermott. Mike got it all in with AK on an A high flop but his opponent made a flush.
The railbirds are still piled ten deep just for a peek at the celebrities with only three tables remaining.
