Bird on the Rail
PHIL HELLMUTH ON YOUR XBOX
Phil Hellmuth is going to be the main character in the next version of the WSOP video game by Activision. Activision also made World Series of Poker and World Series of Poker: Tournament of Champions, which used Chris “Jesus” Ferguson for the story line. The games operate on multi-platforms, including PlayStation®2, PSP® (PlayStation Portable®), Xbox 360, and Wii.
THE GRINDER IN URBAN OUTFITTERS?
Local Celebrity, the apparel company known for its vintage-style tees much-loved by hipsters from Hollywood to the Big Apple, has chosen Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi for an exclusive line of poker shirts. Some of the legends emblazoned across the shirts are “I would check-raise my own grandma,” “I don’t even fold my own laundry,” and “Trust me, I’m a poker player.” Oh, boy! Has poker jumped the shark? Local Celebrity shirts can be bought online (www.localcelebrity.net) and are often found in stores like Urban Outfitters.
CALVIN AYRE STRIKES AGAIN
The founder and CEO of Bodog is taking another stab at a poker TV show. Calvin Ayre Wild Card Poker Season II will be a reality show bringing twelve poker enthusiasts to Antigua to play for two million dollars. No pros; no celebrities; just one online qualifier and those applicants whose one-minute videos cut the mustard. Last season Josh Arieh beat out Daniel Negreanu for the $500,000 grand prize in Costa Rica. Stay tuned for the show later this year on ION Television.
NPL PUTS POKER IN HIGH DEFINITION
Watch the National Poker League’s first event on the INHD High Definition Network. The Paris Open in France from May 13-22 at the Cercle Gaillon Casino will kick off the NPL’s 2007 Global Circuit Tour. Following the Paris Open, tournaments will take place around the world, including the UK Open in August, the Asia Open in October, and the second annual Vegas Open in November. For those who don’t have HDTV, you can also watch the NPL on the WGN Superstation. Visit www.npltv.com for more info.
DAVID WILLIAMS BACK IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA
RawVegas.tv and David Williams are collaborating on a new internet television program featuring David’s rock star lifestyle in Las Vegas. Williams, who endorses Bodog and won his first bracelet in 7-card Stud at the 2006 WSOP, has won over $5.5 million over the past three years. RawVegas.tv is going to check out what Williams does with all that cash. The internetbased television network produces a variety of Vegas-centric shows, including the popular Prop Bets series starring top pros Gavin Smith and Joe Sebok.
REGULAR GUY WINS A MILLION BUCKS
Mortgage professional Rodel Tuazon from Des Moines, Iowa, had a storybook finish at the grand final of the MANSIONPoker.net Poker Dome. After winning three tournaments to get to the final table, he competed against five other players for the $1,000,000 prize, ultimately defeating poker pro Dennis Waterman heads up to claim the title. Tuazon, who had just married his fiancée in a small chapel in Las Vegas, signed a contract with his co-workers stating that he wouldn’t quit his job if he won the million. Interrogated about this after his victory, he wasn’t so sure, declaring he’d have to “see what happens.”
DON’T MESS WITH TEXAS
The state that claims poker as its own is doing its darndest to make it legal. Rep. Jose Menendez, a San Antonio Democrat, filed legislation with the Texas House of Representatives to regulate poker in Texas (Bill HB 3186). Sen. Rodney Ellis, a Houston Democrat, and Sen. John Carona, a Dallas Republican, are pushing for the bill even though they don’t gamble themselves. The bill would license and regulate poker, allow poker charity tournaments to be played by permit, and, above all, define poker as a game of skill, not a lottery. It would also fund $1 billion per year to a college tuition trust fund for 240,000 students.
LADIES ONLY POKER CAMP IN LAS VEGAS
The World Series of Poker Academy, led by notable instructors Annie Duke, former FBI agent Joe Navarro, and Alex “The Insider” Outhred, is holding the first ever ladies-only poker camp at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on June 8-9, 2007. The two-day WSOP Academy Ladies Event ($1,699.00) will teach participants how to be well-rounded Texas Hold’em players. The workshop will include in-depth seminars, live hand demonstrations, interactive workshops, and customized handbooks. Camp attendees will learn the importance of aggression, calculating pot odds, female-specific non-verbal behavior, and how to change gears. Ten students will win a seat in the World Championship Ladies No- Limit Hold’em Tournament at the 2007 World Series of Poker, worth $1,000 each. Call (800) 989-WSOP or visit www.wsopacademy.com for more information
