American celebrities visit LA casino for the WPT Invitational.
This year's World Poker Tour (WPT) Invitational attracted a record field of 433 poker pros and celebrity players.Taking place at the Commerce Casino in Los Angeles last weekend, the tournament raised over $112,000 (£79,487) for the Vine Group USA charity.
Poker pro Freedy Deeb was crowned champion, beating actor Nicholas Gonzales in heads-up play at the final table to win $34,000, which he then added to the charitable donations.
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"Everyone loved that they were able to play while giving back. We look forward to making this an even bigger and better element in years to come," said John Griffo, director of poker operations at Commerce Casino.
"To be able to give back in times like these is a very good feeling," added WPT founder and president Steve Lipscomb.
Celebrities such as Don Cheadle, Shannon Elizabeth, Ricki Lake and Mekhi Phifer took part in the WPT Invitational, alongside poker pros such as Phil Laak, Mike Sexton and Antonio Esfandiari.
The Vine Group works to provide educational scholarships, textbooks and teaching equipment to schools in various African nations.
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