Denny Crum, Phil Hellmuth & Robert Williamsonâ??s 2010 Derby Poker Championship presented by Jim Beam and Twinspires.com was a huge success! The event took place on Thursday, April 29th at The Palace Theatre in Louisville, Kentucky and over 600 guests enjoyed a star-studded poker tournament and party that lasted well into the night.
With over 100 players and a first place prize of $14,000 and a $12,000 World Series of Poker Package donated by UltimateBet.com, the competition was fierce and the excitement level was high! After 6 hours of play, the final two contestants declared a pot chop with $18,000 going to Rich M. from Union, Kentucky and $4,000 plus the $12,000 WSOP package going to Richard S. from Sellersburg, Indiana.
The celebrities were in full-force at the event giving the crowd plenty of star gazing opportunities while 11-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner, Phil Hellmuth emceed the tournament and interviewed both players and celebs. In addition to event hosts Hellmuth, Denny Crum and Robert Williamson III, other attendees (most of whom played) included Ryder Cup Captain Corey Pavin, Comedian Ron White, Chris â??Jesusâ? Ferguson, Robby Albarado (Derby Jockey), Tiffany Michelle (Poker Pro & Amazing Race), Jennifer Elise Cox (Brady Bunch Movie & Back-up Plan), Oscar Nunez (The Office), Ken Davitian (Borat), Paul Hornung(Retired NFL Star), Nora Roberts (World renown Author), Warren Moon (retired NFL Star), Beth Shak (Poker pro), Jessie Spencer (House), Mario Urrutia (Pro NFL Player), Prophet (Nappy Roots), David Michael Moore (Dodgeball & Avatar), Corey Lanerie (Jockey), BJ Hernandez (Jockey) and more.
Through the success of the event, approximately $40,000 was raised for the beneficiary charities, Kentucky Harvest: Blessings in a Backpack and The Health & Climate Foundation. All of the proceeds from ticket sales, donations, a portion of player buy-ins and rebuys and sponsorship money was all donated to the charities.
The 2011 event will be even bigger and better so be sure to mark your calendar for Thursday, May 5th, 2011!
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Here are some of our favorite pictures from the event! Enjoy!
