Las Vegas Weekly

May 13, 2009 · 9:26 AM

Don Cheadle lines up celebrities for World Series of Poker charity kickoff

By Robin Leach

Doyle Brunson, Don Cheadle and Annie Duke.

Photo: Stephanie Moore/NBC Sports

How often do you get to rub elbows -- literally -- with some of the biggest names in Hollywood and sports and be on a national ESPN show while doing it? Actor Don Cheadle’s 2009 Ante Up for Africa Celebrity Charity Poker Tournament gives you that opportunity. It starts July 2 at The Rio the night before the World Series of Poker.

Among those scheduled to participate with Don are Matt Damon, Jason Alexander, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Montel Williams, Herschel Walker, Hank Azaria, Brad Garrett, Reggie Miller, Marlon Wayans, Sarah Silverman and Casey Affleck, with many more in the process of being confirmed and expressing their interest to play. Also lined up will be poker professionals Howard Lederer, Andy Bloch, Erik Seidel and Phil Hellmuth, with many more to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

Photo: Scott Doctor/www.greatscottstudios.com

When not walking the red carpet with Shannon Elizabeth at Don Cheadle's celebrity Ante Up for Africa poker tournament, Charles Barkley has been making lucrative proposals.

This No-Limit Texas Hold ’em poker tournament has an entry fee of $5,000 and puts you side-by-side with Hollywood hotshots, superstar athletes and poker professionals battling it out in a charity tournament where you can walk away with a six-figure payday and also contribute to a great cause. It’s all to raise awareness and funds to support the victims of the humanitarian crisis in Darfur, Sudan.

Created by Oscar nominee and Iron Man 2 star Don and Celebrity Apprentice runner-up and WSOP bracelet winner Annie Duke, the Ante Up for Africa tournament launches the 40th Annual World Series of Poker. To date, Don and Annie have raised nearly $2 million for the cause. The opening night party will be at Pure in Caesars Palace, and ESPN will televise the tournament Aug. 11.

This event, as is every WSOP tournament, is open to the public for viewing for free and takes place the day before the start of the WSOP Main Event, the game’s most prestigious competition. Last year, players from a record 124 nations took part in more than $180 million in awards, the world’s richest sporting event.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

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