ESPN, WSOP Extend with a 7-Year Deal

Harrah's Entertainment - (August 18, 2009) – ESPN and Harrah’s Interactive Entertainment today announced they have reached a new seven-year agreement that will keep the World Series of Poker (WSOP) airing on ESPN through April 2018.

The WSOP, the world’s richest sporting event and longest running poker tournament, attracts a total audience of nearly 82 million U.S. viewers each year. ESPN has broadcast WSOP events every year since 2003 and was operating under an agreement set to expire after the 2010 WSOP.
Under the terms of the new deal, ESPN will telecast a minimum of 32 hours of event coverage from the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas annually, including WSOP gold bracelet events and the “November Nine” Championship.

"The WSOP is proud to call ESPN home for another nine years," said Jeffrey Pollack, President of Harrah's Interactive Entertainment and the World Series of Poker. "This long-term agreement ensures that our content will continue to reach sports fans around the world through a wide variety of platforms."

WSOP content will appear on ESPN, ESPN HD, ESPN2, ESPN2 HD, ESPN Classic, ESPN.com, ESPN360.com, ESPN Mobile TV and ESPN International platforms outside of the United States.

“We are very excited to continue our relationship with Harrah’s to deliver the largest, richest, and most prestigious gaming event in the world to fans across a variety of our platforms,” said Doug White, senior director of programming and acquisitions, ESPN. “Poker continues to be a solid ratings performer for us and allows us to continue offering diverse programming to our viewers.“

ESPN’s coverage of the 40th Annual World Series of Poker Presented by Jack Link’s Beef Jerky airs every Tuesday night on ESPN. Norman Chad and Lon McEachern call the action. Tonight at 8 PM ET, coverage of the game’s richest tournament, the No Limit Hold’em Main Event begins as 6,494 players compete for $61 million in prize money with the winner walking away with $8.5 million – more than the U.S. Open golf, U.S. Open tennis, Daytona 500 and Indianapolis 500 winners received combined this year. Main Event coverage continues each Tuesday through November 10.

* World Series of Poker and WSOP are trademarks of Harrah's License Company, LLC ("Harrah's"). Harrah's does not sponsor or endorse, and is not associated or affiliated with this blog or its products, services, promotions or tournaments.

http:blog.billbruce.info

Calvin Ayre Wildcard Poker re-broadcast

I worked on this project last year with Matt Savage. The series was filmed in Costa Rica and made for a great televised poker show. Here are the times it will air this week on the ION network (formerly PAX). There is a 3 hour finale on Saturday. Check your local listings.

Calvin Ayre Wildcard Poker	Thursday, May 31st, 10pm	ION
Calvin Ayre Wildcard Poker	Friday, June 1st, 10pm	ION
Calvin Ayre Wildcard Poker	Saturday June 2nd, 8pm	ION

Links:

• Calvin Ayre Wild Card Poker (Season 1) (bodog.com)
• Calvin Ayre Wildcard Poker

UFC 71 Liddell vs. Jackson

Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell vs. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at the MGM Grand Garden Arena

LAS VEGAS, May 26, 2007 – I am glad that my schedule allowed me to be in Las Vegas for this fight. I met Chuck Liddell for the first time last March, in Costa Rica, when we worked on Calvin Ayre Wildcard Poker together. Chuck is a very likeable guy as well as possibly being one of the baddest men on the planet. Chuck has won seven straight fights in the UFC. His last lost was in 2003 to Jackson. I know Chuck has been waiting for this fight for a long time and he is pumped to finally get a chance to avenge his previous loss.

Links:

• IcemanMMA.com
• UFC Official Website

Related Articles:

• Preview: UFC 71 (theClevelandFan.com)
• UFC 71 - Hype vs. Reality (Sprawl 'N Brawl)
• The Iceman cometh (SI.com)

UPDATE:

Jackson hit Liddell with a right hook, in the first round, that knocked Chuck to the mat. After several more strikes on the ground, the match was stopped by ref John McCarthy.

• Anything's possible (Yahoo Sports)
• Jackson KOs the champ for title (Press Telegram - Long Beach, CA

ESPN Announces Lineup For 2007 World Series Of Poker

11 Bracelet Events To Air; Main Event, HORSE Coverage Expanded

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ESPN announced plans to expand its coverage of the Main Event and the $50,000 buy-in HORSE mixed-game tournament at the 2007 World Series of Poker Presented by Milwaukee's Best Light.

"We're delighted that ESPN is bringing even more depth to its already superb coverage of the WSOP," said Jeffrey Pollack, Commissioner of the World Series of Poker. "No one produces poker better than ESPN, and its powerful audience of sports fans will see all of the thrills, drama and excitement that make us so unique."

Although the final schedule is subject to change, ESPN plans to televise 16 hours of coverage of the WSOP Main Event, as well as 10 one-hour programs covering other bracelet events. The $50,000 HORSE Championship will receive six hours of airtime and the format of the final table will include all five games of HORSE.

The schedule of events ESPN plans to cover includes:

June 1, Event No. 1: Mixed Hold 'Em World Championship, $5,000 buy-in.
June 2, Event No. 3: No-Limit Hold 'Em, $1,500 buy-in.
June 3, Event No. 4: Pot-Limit Hold 'Em, $1,500 buy-in.
OR

June 4, Event No. 7: Pot-Limit Omaha, $5,000 buy-in.
June 5, Event No. 8: No-Limit Hold 'Em, $1,000 buy-in with re-buys.
June 8, Event No. 13: Pot-Limit Hold 'Em, $5,000 buy-in.
June 17, Event No. 28: No-Limit Hold 'Em, $3,000 buy-in.
June 18, Event No. 30: No-Limit Hold 'Em Six-Handed, $2,500 buy-in.
June 19, Event No. 31: No-Limit Hold 'Em Heads Up, $5,000 buy-in.
OR

June 20, Event No. 33: Pot-Limit Omaha with Re-buys, $1,500 buy-in.
June 24, Event No. 39: HORSE World Championship, $50,000 buy-in.
July 1, Event No. 50: Pot-Limit Omaha World Championship, $10,000 buy-in.
July 6, Event No. 55: No-Limit Hold 'Em Main Event, $10,000 buy-in.

Air times for the ESPN coverage will be released in the coming months.

Link: Press Release (worldseriesofpoker.com)

World Poker Tour Signs New Broadcast Rights Agreement With GSN

WPT Season VI will air on GSN in North America in early 2008

LOS ANGELES, April 5, 2007 – Bringing together the leaders in casino gaming and poker entertainment, WPT Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: WPTE) and GSN, the premier cable network for interactive game programming, announced today an agreement to air Season VI of the World Poker Tour® (WPT). As part of the deal, GSN will broadcast 23 individual WPT Season VI poker events in two-hour episodes filmed in casinos and card rooms around the world. WPT will begin taping its new season in May 2007 which will debut in early 2008 as part of GSN’s Monday night casino lineup where the network has built a substantial following in the casino game genre.

The collaboration delivers an unprecedented platform for the best poker programming, providing poker fans with a dedicated casino gaming network that will air all-new action from Season VI WPT, as well as other exciting gaming programs, including the GSN’s cutting-edge cash game, High Stakes Poker (HSP).

“As we continue to expand the WPT brand and set new limits for poker programming, the move to GSN is the perfect next step for us,” said Steve Lipscomb, Founder, President and CEO of WPTE. “By moving to a network that is already dedicated to delivering innovative gaming and poker entertainment, we will be able to take WPT where we’ve not yet been able to go. After hitting a major television milestone with our fifth anniversary, we look forward to celebrating many more landmarks as we grow our partnership with GSN.”

“We are thrilled to be able to bring the World Poker Tour to GSN,” said Rich Cronin, President and CEO of GSN. “The WPT launched a global poker phenomenon. It not only increased poker rooms and activity in casinos, but it brought the great game of poker to living rooms around the world. In a short period of time, Steve Lipscomb and his team have built the WPT brand into a flagship entertainment entity recognized worldwide. By adding WPT to our existing lineup of compelling gaming entertainment, GSN will be at the head of the poker table.”

The WPT created a global phenomenon by making poker a televised spectator sport. Many poker programs have come and gone since the WPT began five years ago, but WPT remains the leader in poker entertainment. To date, the WPT has awarded over $300 million in cash prizes, crowned 69 WPT Poker-Made Millionaires™ and will tape its 100th episode this month. The WPT will air its fifth anniversary season on the Travel Channel, Wednesday nights at 9pm ET/PT. For more information or for a Season VI WPT schedule, please visit www.worldpokertour.com.

GSN began its foray into casino programming in 2004 with the World Series of Blackjack (WSOB). Still going strong today, WSOB’s fourth season premieres Monday, June 4. And, High Stakes Poker is GSN’s number-one rated original program in all key adult and male 18-49 and 25-54 demos.

For further media information: Visit GSN's corporate website at http://corp.GSN.com

Lyndsay LaGree/WPT PR
323 547 5827
llagree@worldpokertour.com

Cindy Ronzoni/GSN PR
310 255 6933
Cronzoni@gsn.com

About WPTE
WPT Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq: WPTE) is a company engaged in the creation of internationally branded entertainment and consumer products driven by the development, production, and marketing of televised programming based on gaming themes. WPTE is the creator of the World Poker Tour®, a television show based on a series of high-stakes poker tournaments that airs on the Travel Channel in the United States and in more than 150 markets globally. With the WPT in its fifth season, WPTE has launched a second series on the Travel Channel, the Professional Poker Tour™, which focuses on the play of poker’s leading stars. WPT also operates a real-money online gaming website, www.wptonline.com, which prohibits wagers from players in the U.S. and other restricted jurisdictions. WPTE currently licenses its brand to companies in the business of poker equipment and instruction, apparel, publishing, electronic and wireless entertainment, DVD/home entertainment, casino games, and giftware. The company is also engaged in the sale of corporate sponsorships. For show information, tools for improving poker play, and other WPT news, fans may log on to www.worldpokertour.com. WPTE is a majority owned subsidiary of Lakes Entertainment, Inc. (Nasdaq: LACO). Photos and media information can be found online at: www.worldpokertour.com/media

About GSN
GSN is the entertainment industry leader in multi-platform interactive game programs. As the premier television network for games, GSN features challenging word games, high intensity casino programs, live participation shows, reality series and documentaries. GSN’s programming includes original series such as “Chain Reaction,” “Lingo” and “High Stakes Poker,” as well as the classics “Jeopardy” and “Pyramid,” among others. The network also introduced participation TV to America and its “PlayMania” block airs in late-night six nights per week. Complementing the network, GSN.com features all types of game play: innovative Flash games for fun, skill cash game tournaments and downloadable games. The website also features GSN’s two-screen interactive play-along for prime time shows. Now reaching more than 63 million homes, GSN is distributed in the U.S. through all major cable systems and satellite providers. The network is jointly owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Liberty Media Corporation. For further media information, visit GSN’s press website at corp.gsn.com.

Source: GSN Press Release

World Poker Tour Has New Home On GSN

According to information obtained from an SEC filing today, Aptil 5th, 2007, The Travel Channel did not exercise it's option for the sixth season of the World Poker Tour television series. This allowed GSN to step in and obtain the license for the twenty-three (23) episodes of season six, with exclusive options for the seventh and eight seasons of the show.

The agreement provides for a $300,000, per episode, licensing fee by GSN to World Poker Tour Enterprises, INC (WPTE).

The Travel Channel had been the home of The World Poker Tour since it first aired in 2003.

GSN, for thier part, continues thier committment to poker. Other poker related programming by the network includes the Poker Royale series and High Stakes Poker.

Calvin Ayre Wild Card Poker

San Jose, April 8, 2007 – I will be working with Matt Savage on a new celebrity reality poker series. I will blog more about it later.

The Calvin Ayre Wild Card Poker series will begin airing on Fox Sports April 15th at 11:00 PM for six weeks. Check your local listings.

Links:

• Calvin Ayre Wild Card Poker 1 (bodog.com)

Related Articles:

UPDATES:

Veteran Poker Pro Dan Harrington Shows The Youngbloods Who's Boss

'Action' Dan wins Poker Royale: Battle of the Ages

In a fierce heads up match between “Action” Dan Harrington and Michael “The Kid” Gracz, time and experience was on the veteran’s side as he schooled the young blood on poker. After playing in three previous matches and the finale, Harrington took home the grand prize of $50,000, and the POKER ROYALE: BATTLE OF THE AGES crown.

Known for his “action” at the table, Harrington is one of the most recognized players on the poker circuit today. Gracz has also made a name for himself in his young career. Most recently, he won World Poker Tour’s PartyPoker.com Million IV in March of 2005.

Harrington and Gracz had tough company at the final table. They beat out veterans “Miami” John Cernuto and Wendeen Eolis and youngsters Jennifer Leigh, and Erin Ness. The stakes were high during the final hand. It came down to poker master Harrington having nearly a three-and-a-half-to-one chip lead over young blood Gracz.

Gracz raised with pocket jacks after Harrington called with king/queen suited, as both players tried to trap one another. Then, both players went all in and headed to the flop with eight/king/nine, giving Harrington a pair of kings. With the turn card an ace, and the river a queen. Harrington emerged victorious.

Other players for the veterans were TJ Cloutier (six World Series of Poker bracelets), Barbara Enright (best all around 2002 Legends of Poker) and Maureen Feduniak (1st Place 2003 World Poker Tour Ladies Night Main Event).

Other young poker stars were Dutch Boyd (tied for 11th place in the 2003 World Series of Poker main event), Evelyn Ng (2nd Place World Poker Tour Ladies Night) and Kasey Thompson (Associate Publisher of All In Magazine).

Source: GSN Press Release

http:blog.billbruce.info

FullTiltPoker.net Invitational live from Monaco

Looks like I'll be staying here in Monte Carlo for a few extra days.

I've been selected to stay over for a special $120,000 buy-in one-table tournament that will be broadcast live in prime time on FSN Thanksgiving night.

The seven pros are listed below, additionally, Howard Lederer will be doing the commentary.

FullTiltPoker.net Invitational live from Monaco Thanksgiving Day

FSN, the only U.S. network to ever televise poker tournaments live, is doing it again. The FullTiltPoker.net Invitational live from Monaco, a four-hour live tournament from the legendary Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco, showcases seven of the world's best players vying for the top spot in this $1 million purse tournament. The first hand airs at 6:00 p.m. local time on FSN Thanksgiving evening, Thursday, Nov. 24, and it is live on the east coast. Scheduled to play are Phil Helmuth, Chris "Jesus" Ferguson, John Juanda, Dave "The Devilfish" Ulliot, Phil Ivey, Gus Hansen and Mike "The Mouth" Matusow.

Phil “THE UNABOMBER” Laak Becomes Two-Time Champion

Phil 'The Unabomber' Laak Becomes Two-Time Champion In GSN’S Poker Royale: The James Woods Gang vs. The Unabombers

October 29, 2005 – Phil “The Unabomber” Laak has struck again in GSN’s THE JAMES WOODS GANG VS. THE UNABOMBERS IN POKER ROYALE. In a battle of strategy and luck, the hooded and sunglass wearing captain of “The Unabombers” team went heads-up against top female poker player Kathy Liebert for “The James Woods Gang” and took home the final grand prize of $50,000.

This marks Laak’s second win in POKER ROYALE. He previously placed first in POKER ROYALE: COMEDIANS VS. PROS, beating out 12 other players. Liebert, who is a GSN two-time champion on POKER ROYALE (THE WPPA CHAMPIONSHIP and BATTLE OF THE SEXES) went into the final round as the top point earner for her team.

In the final hand of the game, Liebert held pocket eights, with Laak sitting on ace and queen of spades. In usual “Unabomber” fashion, he raised his hood and moved all in, with Liebert following. The flop was 9-7-6 all spades, giving Laak the nut flush. When the turn was a king of hearts, the final card was meaningless.

Making it to the final table was no easy feat. The captain’s choice format meant that players had to perform in the early rounds and they also had to earn their team captains trust that they could do it under the pressure of the final table. Laak chose Hassan Habib and Cyndy Violette, and aside from Liebert and himself, Woods chose Ted Forrest.

Playing in previous matches for “The James Woods Gang” were Kathy Liebert (ranked in the top 20 players of all time, winner of POKER ROYALE: BATTLE OF THE SEXES), Bob Goen (Entertainment Tonight), Ted Forrest (five World Series of Poker bracelets), Susie Isaacs (two World Series of Poker bracelets) and Nicole Sullivan (Hot Properties, Mad TV).

Representing “The Unabombers” were Jennifer Tilly (2005 WSOP Women’s Final Table bracelet winner), Cyndy Violette (1st Place 2004 World Series of Poker Seven Card Stud), Danny Masterson (That 70’s Show), Hassan Habib (2nd Place 2004 World Poker Tour Championship) and Gail O’Grady (NYPD Blue, American Dreams).

THE JAMES WOODS GANG VS. THE UNABOMBERS IN POKER ROYALE is part of GSN’s Casino Night, airing every Friday at 10:00PM ET/PT. POKER ROYALE: BATTLE OF THE AGES premieres Friday, November 4th at 10:00PM ET/PT. The seven-episode series features six top players over 60 competing against six best players under 30 for a grand prize of $50,000.

Source: GSN Press Release

http://blog.billbruce.info

Veterans Vs. Young Aces Go Head-To-Head POKER ROYALE: Battle of the Ages

For Immediate Release

VETERAN POKER KINGS AND YOUNG ACES GO HEAD-TO-HEAD IN GSN’S POKER ROYALE: BATTLE OF THE AGES

Series Premieres Friday, November 4 at 10:00PM ET/PT Featuring Top Six Players Over 60 Against Top Six Players Under 30-Years-Old,/p>

(Santa Monica, CA) – The test of time and experience goes heads up against the hottest young poker players when GSN’s POKER ROYALE: BATTLE OF THE AGES premieres with two back-to-back episodes on Friday, November 4 at 10:00PM ET/PT. Hoping to send the youngsters into an early retirement, the veteran poker masters will showcase their skills against the newest faces in the game.

The seven-episode series features two teams of six players each. During each match, three players from each team play a game of No Limit Texas Hold ‘Em and earn points based on how they finish the game. The top three point earners from each team will battle it out at the final table in the two-hour grand finale, with the winner taking home a prize of $50,000.

Representing the poker masters are TJ Cloutier (six World Series of Poker bracelets), Dan Harrington (appeared at back-to-back final tables at the 2003 and 2004 World Series of Poker where he won over $2,000,000), “Miami” John Cernuto (three World Series of Poker bracelets), Barbara Enright (best all around 2002 Legends of Poker), Maureen Feduniak (1st Place 2003 World Poker Tour Ladies Night Main Event) and Wendeen Eolis (first woman to finish in the money at the World Series of Poker, 4th place at the World Poker Tour Ladies Night II Invitational).

Playing for the young poker stars are Michael “The Kid” Gracz (1st place 2005 World Poker Tour Party Poker.com IV and World Series of Poker bracelet winner), Dutch Boyd (tied for 11th place in the 2003 World Series of Poker main event), Erin Ness (second highest female in the 2004 World Series of Poker and 2nd place in POKER ROYALE: YOUNG BLOODS), Evelyn Ng (2nd Place World Poker Tour Ladies Night), Jennifer Leigh (22 year-old who has won five multi-tournaments), Kasey Thompson (Associate Publisher of All In Magazine).

Calling the action will be host John Ahlers. Poker analysis will be provided by professional poker player Robert Williamson III and sideline reporting by Lisa Dergan.

POKER ROYALE: BATTLE OF THE AGES is the seventh installment of GSN’s “POKER ROYALE” franchise which has included the WPPA CHAMPIONSHIP, BATTLE OF THE SEXES, CELEBRITIES VS. PROS, YOUNG BLOODS SPECIAL LIVE, COMEDIANS VS. PROS and THE JAMES WOODS GANG VS. THE UNABOMBERS. The program airs every Friday with two back-to-back episodes as part of GSN’s Casino Night.

GSN, the Network for Games, is the only U.S. television network dedicated to game-related programming. The network features game shows, reality series, documentaries, alternative sports programs and casino games. As the industry leader in interactivity, GSN has allowed viewers to play-along with on-air programming via their computers and GSN.com for some time. The recent launch of GSNi (GSN Interactive) has taken interactivity to the next level, affording viewers the chance to play-along with TV shows using only their remote controls. Reaching more than 57 million Nielsen homes, GSN is distributed in the U.S. through all major cable systems and satellite providers. The network is jointly owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Liberty Media Corporation. For further media information, visit GSN’s press website at corp.gsn.com.

Source: GSN press release.

James Woods Takes On The Pros In GSN’s New Poker Royale Series

For Immediate Release

NEW SERIES FEATURES WOODS AND POKER PRO PHIL “THE UNABOMBER” LAAK PREMIERING ON GSN FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7 AT 10PM ET/PT WITH BACK-TO-BACK HOUR EPISODES
Other Players Include Jennifer Tilly, Ted Forrest, Danny Masterson and Cyndy Violette

(Santa Monica, CA) – It’s an old-fashioned “choose up sides” poker showdown between Hollywood superstar James Woods’ team and poker pro Phil Laak’s team in THE JAMES WOODS GANG VS. THE UNABOMBERS IN POKER ROYALE. Premiering on Friday, October 7 at 10:00PM ET/PT, poker enthusiasts will now be able to enjoy two hours of the best poker players in action every Friday night on GSN.
In THE JAMES WOODS GANG VS. THE UNABOMBERS IN POKER ROYALE, veteran actor James Woods (“Pretty Persuasion,” “Rudy,” “Casino”) and Phil “The Unabomber” Laak (placed 1st in the 2004 World Poker Tour Main Event and host of E!’s Hollywood Hold ‘Em) choose their own teams to battle it out over seven episodes.

Filmed at Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, California, the series features a prize-pot topping $75,000 and bragging rights as to who captained the best team.

On Woods’ team are Kathy Liebert (ranked in the top 20 players of all time, winner of POKER ROYALE: BATTLE OF THE SEXES), Bob Goen (Entertainment Tonight), Ted Forrest (five World Series of Poker bracelets), Susie Isaacs (two World Series of Poker bracelets) and Nicole Sullivan (Mad TV, The King of Queens).

Playing for the Unabombers are Jennifer Tilly (2005 WSOP Women’s Final Table bracelet winner), Cyndy Violette (1st Place 2004 World Series of Poker Seven Card Stud), Danny Masterson (That 70’s Show), Hassan Habib (2nd Place 2004 World Poker Tour Championship) and Gail O’Grady (NYPD Blue, American Dreams).

In recent years Woods has taken the world of poker by storm, and is a force to be reckoned with not only on the big screen. He plays regularly in Hollywood home games and has respect among his poker peers.

Laak is known on the poker circuit as “The Unabomber” for playing in hooded sweatshirts and sunglasses. He is one of the most animated players at the table, jumping around and kneeling beside the dealer while waiting for the river. He coined the term “I felted him”--leaving the last person at the table with just the felt in front of them and recently finished second in the 2005 World Series of Poker Pot Limit Hold’Em event.

Returning as host is John Ahlers with sideline reporter Lisa Dergan. Providing expert analysis is professional poker player Robert Williamson III.

The team captains decide which players participate in each match at the coveted final table. All players play a minimum of three games, earning points based on where they finish, hoping to bluff, call and check their fearless challengers. First place in each match earns ten points, second place receives eight points, third place is six points, fourth place is four points, fifth place receives two points. The team with the highest points from the qualifying matches has a chip count advantage going into the finale.

THE JAMES WOODS GANG VS. THE UNABOMBERS IN POKER ROYALE is part of GSN’s poker franchise POKER ROYALE. The series airs every Friday at 10:00PM as part of GSN’s Casino Night and has included COMEDIANS VS. PROS, YOUNG BLOODS SPECIAL (LIVE), CELEBRITIES VS. PROS, BATTLE OF THE SEXES and THE WPPA CHAMPIONSHIP.

POKER ROYALE is produced by Jeff Mirkin Productions in association with ArmFitz Productions. Maureen FitzPatrick, Jeff Mirkin and John Faratzis serve as executive producers.

GSN, the Network for Games, is the only U.S. television network dedicated to game related programming and interactive game playing. The network features game shows, reality series, documentaries, alternative sports programs and casino games. As the industry leader in interactivity, GSN features interactive programming for every original broadcast, allowing viewers a chance to win prizes by playing along with GSN’s televised games via GSN.com. Reaching 57 million Nielsen homes, GSN is distributed in the U.S. through all major cable systems and satellite providers. The network is jointly owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Liberty Media Corporation. For further media information, visit GSN’s press website at corp.gsn.com.

Source: Press Release on GSN website

UPDATES

• Pictures from Poker Royale: James Woods Gang vs. the Unabombers

http://blog.billbruce.info

Patrick Warburton Wins Poker Royale: Celebrities vs. Poker Pros

For Immediate Release

PATRICK WARBURTON PROVES CELEBRITIES CAN HOLD THEIR OWN AGAINST POKER PROS BY WINNING 'POKER ROYALE: CELEBRITIES vs. POKER PROS'

GSN’s POKER ROYALE: CELEBRITIES VS. PROS finale came down to a competitive game of heads up No Limit Texas Hold ‘Em between Kathy Liebert, one of the top 20 poker players in the world and funnyman Patrick Warburton, star of ABC’s “Less Than Perfect.” Warburton, after battling it out with Liebert (GSN’s two-time POKER ROYALE champion) for two hands, settled the score and took home the final pot of $50,000.

“I am very pleased by the way things turned out. Kathy Liebert is a great player, obviously a better poker player than me. I initially made a weak bet and tried to make it look strong; doing everything I could to make it look like I was fighting for my life. Then, when she smiled and said all in I knew then that I had it.”

Warburton played all previous games aggressively, eliminating his final opponents, Morris Chestnut and Mimi Rogers, and professional poker players Paul Darden and Cyndy Violette. He got down to business with Liebert, going into the final hand with a two-and-a–half-to-one chip lead.

Liebert, holding ace jack, enticed Warburton to call her bet. Warburton holding queen-seven, contemplated the possibilities and called Liebert’s raise. The dealer flopped two queens, miraculously giving Warburton three of a kind. Liebert then went all in, falling for Warburton’s feigned weakness, and he immediately called and won the game.

POKER ROYALE: CELEBRITIES VS. PROS is hosted by John Ahlers (play-by-play voice of the NHL’s Mighty Ducks of Anaheim), with expert commentary by professional poker player Robert Williamson III and sideline reporting by Lisa Dergan. It airs every Friday night during GSN’s Casino Night along with WORLD SERIES OF BLACKJACK and CELEBRITY BLACKJACK.

GSN, the Network for Games, is the only U.S. television network dedicated to game-related programming and interactive game playing. The network features game shows, reality series, documentaries, alternative sports programs and casino games. As the industry leader in interactivity, GSN features over 84 hours per week of interactive programming, which allows viewers a chance to win prizes by playing along with GSN’s televised games via GSN.com. Reaching 56 million Nielsen homes, GSN is distributed in the U.S. through all major cable systems and satellite providers. The network is jointly owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Liberty Media Corporation. For further media information, visit GSN’s press website at corp.gsn.com.

Source: GSN press release.

Poker Royale: Celebrities Take on the Poker Pros

I have been contacted to help out with the Poker Royale television production. The celebrities are Traci Bingham, Patrick Warburton, Jennifer Tilley, Mimi Rogers, Morris Chestnut, and Lance Bass. The Poker Professionals are Cyndy Violette, Kenna James, Scott Fischman, Paul Darden, Kathy Liebert, and Roxci Rhodes. Below is more info from the press release:

For Immediate Release

IS IT A BLUFF? CELEBRITIES TAKE ON THE PROS ON GSN's POKER ROYALE

Are actors better bluffers or will the poker professionals sweep the celebrities in the high stakes game of No-Limit Texas Hold ‘Em? The question will be answered when GSN premieres POKER ROYALE: CELEBRITIES VS. POKER PROS, a seven-episode series debuting as part of GSN’s weekly Casino Night, Friday, May 6 at 9:00PM ET/PT. The announcement was made today by Ian Valentine, Senior Vice President of Programming, GSN.

The latest edition of GSN’s POKER ROYALE franchise sparked witty banter across the table between the pros and the representatives of the fastest growing group in the poker world, celebrity players. Not underestimating their opponents, the experienced pros put on their best game faces in an attempt to make it to the final table for a chance for the $50,000 championship grand prize.

“Our goal is to make our POKER ROYALE series better than other poker shows and this new format of the celebrities challenging the pros is totally cool,” said Valentine. “Viewers will enjoy the unpredictable action, great table talk and top notch poker on both sides.”

The third installment of GSN’s poker franchise will have sideline reporter Lisa Dergan who was named as the sexiest sportscaster by STUFF magazine and also appears on Fox Sports Net’s “Best Damn Sports Show.” Returning as color commentator is professional poker player Robert Williamson III.

In the first six one-hour episodes of POKER ROYALE: CELEBRITIES VS. POKER PROS three professionals and three celebrities face off. Every episode champion wins $10,000 and ten points. The player who finishes second receives eight points, third place receives six points, fourth place receives four points, fifth place receives two points and last place receives zero points. The players who make the final table will each receive $10,000 in chips to begin.

In the two-hour finale, the top three point leaders for both the celebrities and the pros take the top seats. Airing on June 17, the finale winner will take the $50,000 grand prize.

GSN, the Network for Games, is the only U.S. television network dedicated to game-related programming and interactive game playing. The network features game shows, reality series, documentaries, alternative sports programs and casino games. As the industry leader in interactivity, GSN features over 84 hours per week of interactive programming, which allows viewers a chance to win prizes by playing along with GSN’s televised games via GSN.com. Reaching 56 million Nielsen homes, GSN is distributed in the U.S. through all major cable systems and satellite providers. The network is jointly owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Liberty Media Corporation. For further media information, visit GSN’s press website at corp.gsn.com.

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9 On The Town

April 7, 2005 – I just received a message from our Public Relations Manager. If you missed the "9 On The Town" segement I was in, it will be re-airing on KCAL at 6:30 pm on April 15th.