|
The World Poker Exchange London Open and Player Race for a Guaranteed $2
Million Jackpot Begins With Electric Opening Party Featuring London
Socialites and International Celebrities, Entertainment and Poker Pros
World Poker Exchange (www.worldpx.com) last night
hosted a glamorous Opening Night Party for more than 1,000 people gathered
to kick-off The London Open, the first-ever lifestyle poker tournament. The
evening blended high octane Las Vegas-style glamour, a cool London party
atmosphere and rare performances by some of the world's most acclaimed
musical talent.
Party goers included London society notables and
Hollywood's Mimi Rogers, Jennifer Tilly, Nicholas Gonzalez and Willie
Garson. Rounding up the VIP guest list were Briton's racing pundit John
McCririck, Capital FM presenter Chris Brooks and comedian Dave Gorman. All
were treated to sets by "Queen of the Nightclub" Grace Jones, funk act Dirty
Vegas and uber club DJ's Guy Preston and Jason Moore.
The Open was launched with a Charity Tournament in
which celebrities and industry leaders alike battled it out to secure
$44,000 for the London Bombings Relief Charitable Fund. Phil Laak was
crowned the winner after putting on his best poker face to beat "Sex & The
City's" Willie Garson in the final round. Paul Cheung of Inside Edge took
third place, followed by Nicolas Gonzalez of "The O.C."
"I really enjoyed playing for a cause so close to
the hearts of Londoners. The atmosphere was electric -- and the London Open
poker tournament has only begun!" said Garson.
Today, the official lifestyle event begins in
earnest as professional poker players and celebrities from around the world
Texas hold'em and fold'em for a guaranteed minimum $2 million (US) prize
pool. Away from the tables, guests will enjoy exclusive wrap-around
activities for participants and 24/7 concierge services provided by
Quintessentially.
About the Celebrities
Television horse racing pundit John McCririck has
most recently appeared in the 2005 series of Celebrity Big Brother UK. A
keen poker player with an insatiable appetite for bluffing, McCririck is
also a racing journalist and Grandstand writer.
A documentary-comedian and humorist, Dave Gorman's
shows include Are you Dare Gorman? and Dave Gorman's Googlewhack Adventure.
This summer, Gorman will be taking part in Carol Vorderman's Sudoku Live and
will be recording episodes of the Radio 4's Genius. Formally a stand-up
comedian, Gorman is an avid poker player.
Chris Brooks is kicking up a storm on 95.8 Capital
FM as presenter for the weekend breakfast shows. He started at the station
in July 2002 and is already Foxy and Johnny Vaughn's main cover for "The Big
Drive Home" and the "Capital Breakfast Show".
New winner of the World Series Of Texas Holdem
Poker Ladies Event Jennifer Tilly, will also be competing at the London
Open. Tilly is known for her various roles in films, television and stage.
She was nominated for a Best Actress in a supporting role in 1995 for
Bullets Over Broadway and is also a familiar face in the horror genre as
Tiffany on Bride of Chucky and Seed of Chucky.
Among the other notable celebrities who previously
announced their intention to play the World Poker Exchange London Open
include actress Mimi Rogers who has recently appeared in films such as Stone
Cold, Dancing in Twilight and The Door in the Floor. She is also credited
with starring roles in Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery and "The
X Files." Her appearance on "Celebrity Poker Showdown" brought down the
house with her coy card-playing for The Dream Foundation.
Willie Garson, who has appeared in approximately 40
television series, is best known for his role as "Stanford Blatch" in HBO's
long-running series, "Sex and the City." His acting credits include
performances in Fever Pitch with Drew Barrymore, "CSI Miami," and "Monk." A
regular at the tables, Garson has made numerous appearances on "Celebrity
Blackjack" as well as "Celebrity Poker Showdown," where he plays for his
charity, La Casa de las Madres. Nicholas Gonzalez represents young Hollywood
to a tee. America has seen him play Mischa Barton's love interest on "The
O.C." Gonzalez has also appeared on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,"
"That '70s Show," and "Walker, Texas Ranger." This year he played in
"Celebrity Poker Showdown" for Friends of El Faro.
About the Entertainers
The GRAMMY-winning band Dirty Vegas (Best Dance
Single, 2003) has toured with Moby, Tears for Fears and Groove Armanda,
packing in fans at gigs from Singapore to Serbia, and Moscow to Milwaukee.
The South London-based Dance/Trance/Funky Pop trio continues to build
worldwide popularity with their single Walk Into The Sun simultaneously
reaching number-one status on the Billboard US Club Chart and number-two on
the Billboard Dance Chart. The song held its top position for seven weeks --
a rare feat.
Grace Jones, singer, movie star, fashion model,
provocateur and "Queen of the Nightclub" has released two albums, Portfolio
featuring hit single I Need a Man, and Slave to the Rhythm with singles Pull
Up to the Bumper and My Jamaican Guy. Her acting credits include
performances in Conan the Destroyer with Arnold Schwarzenegger, and
Boomerang with Eddie Murphy and a turn as a Bond Girl in A View to a Kill.
Sought-after celebrity DJ and creative mix master
Guy Preston has played VIP club dates at China White (voted Conde Nast's
Best Club in the World/2003), Panagae (Best Club of 2004), and Bungalow 8 in
New York City. A favorite among the trendiest of celebrities, Preston has
served as the centre attraction at private parties hosted by Jennifer Lopez,
Dennis Rodman, and Dallas Austin. Fans around the world follow Preston for
his party rock mixes of hip hop, R&B and "good grove." His only demo is the
one much-in-demand CD he made for Tom Ford, formerly of Gucci.
Old skool West London DJ, Departure Lounge
producer, Journeys by DJ ambassador, Jason Moore is the man behind many of
Heaven's most impressive billings in recent years and now guv'nor of the
hotly-tipped label Urbantorque (www.urbantorque.com). With a list of
collaborations that reads like a Who's Who of quality House DJs from
throughout the past 10 years, Jason has amassed the kind of respect that is
needed to break out onto the world stage. Moore has a bag of killer tunes
ready for summer 2005, including his new mix CD, "International Grooves
Volume One".
|
