During the Dark Age of poker when the reign of the UIGEA took poker in the US to the brink of extinction, things were looking bad with major poker stalwarts pulling out of the US and players being banned from playing at these sites.
Many thought the situation was irrevocable, until poker enthusiasts from around the world joined hands with Celebrities and US Congressmen to take down the Bill. They marked the Advent of risk free poker in the US with the setting-up of the Poker Players Alliance to counter the wrath of the UIGEA and sought refuge with Congressmen Ron Paul and Barney Frank to spear head their campaign against the devil. The PPA’s efforts did not go in vain, though the UIGEA is still in effect, Online Poker Providers are returning to US soil. The Poker Players Alliance is still pushing for the complete eradication of the bill so that they can, without a shadow of doubt, play on any poker site.
Now, the advent of free poker in the US is here, with a number of sites like Gold Strike Poker offering players a chance to play for free. They usually give players a chance to try their luck or learn the game before putting their money on the line. Players in turn are comfortable with the concept of playing poker for free as there is no risk of losing anything. In fact most sites even offer their valued and frequent customers a chance to win prizes and rewards as a token of gratitude for playing regularly at their tables. There is also the concept of cash free-rolls offered by the host site to encourage people to play and give them a feel of playing at a real money table. The concept of free-roll gives players a chance to enter into real money tournaments for free!
As a result this advent of free poker in the US through of free rolls and free tables, Poker has attracted a multitude of new followers and scores of fans around the world. Ironically the UIGEA only stimulated the hunger in Americans to play online poker.
Poker became one of the most favorite game of celebrity players today. Aside from their own career, they find enjoyment in poker games. Online casinos got the best variations of poker and other casino games, perfectly fit with their appetite of actions. Casinos is the place to be for celebrity poker players, whether they were just having fun, having a break to relax from busy schedules or interested to enhance their skills for more winnings. Celebrity poker players let themselves shine even in the poker world, not only for a mere play but for beating the professionals with their skills.
Here are the top celebrity poker players today. What you’re waiting for, choose your celebrity poker face to bet. Let see who among of them would build a big name in the next poker tournament.
Ben Affleck – Today, Affleck’s is one of the best celebrity poker players after he won the California State Poker Championship in June of 2004 (where he won $356,400). This win also qualified him for a seat at the 2004 World Poker Tour final tournament. Well, no doubt for the skills, he took poker lessons from two poker pros, Amir Vahedi and Annie Duke. Back then, we also find his screen career in Daredevil and Armageddon. Stand out in both career, do you bet he’s your Celebrity Poker Face.
Patrick Bruel – Do you believe that poker players around the world could instantly recognize Bruel’s face of poker? Why not? In 1998, Patrick picked up a World Series of Poker bracelet for winning the 1998 $5000 Limit Hold’em event. Being a poker player, he had placed in the money numerous times in WSOP events, and earned over $750, 000 in live play events. Aside from being a poke players, well, being an entertainer is a plus factor. Bruel is a well-known French singer and actor. He had performed in over 40 television and film productions and recorded numerous top-selling albums.
Jennifer Tilly – Pretty face in poker? Jennifer would surely be your bet. Aside from being an Oscar-nominated actress and a favorite in the most hits The Fabulous Baker Boys and Bullets Over Broadway; Jennifer show good interest in poker. This pretty celebrity not only got the look but also the skills and the strategy as a poker player. In June 2005, Jennifer outlasted 600 other poker players and won her first World Series of Poker bracelet (and $158,625) in the Ladies’ No-Limit Hold’em event. She has also won the World Poker Tour Ladies Invitational Tournament and competed in Poker Royale, Poker Superstars, and Celebrity Poker Showdown.
Josh Malina – No bet yet, well maybe you’re looking for a respected face both on the stage and screen. Yes, Malina gain acting credits in his acting career such as Sports Night and the West Wing. But aside that, he’s also an avid poker player. In some part of his life, he experience to play poker in order to have enough money to pay his rent. How nice! Well, now that he’s financially secure, Malina produced Bravo’s Celebrity Poker showdown to show his love of poker.
Matt Damon – We had starred him in the poker film Rounders. Seems to be an expert poker player even before huh? Well, Damon find his way around the deck of cards. He is a regular poker player entrant in the annual World Series of Poker. His interesting WSOP story occurred back in 1998 where both he and Edward Norton were entered into the 1998 WSOP by Miramax Studios in order to promote Rounders and Doyle Brunson got Damon kicked out on the first day.
That is my first five poker players. Celebrities like Tobey Maguire, James Woods, Mimi Rogers, Wil Wheaton and Gabe Kaplan also made up to the list. Popularity, pretty faces and marvelous poker skills – let me hear who’s your Celebrity Poker Face to bet.
