Los Angeles, CA (May 26, 2020) – The premier name in poker, the World Poker Tour®, today announced a groundbreaking event and partnership with Budweiser, to produce and launch a new celebrity special event, all in the name of charity: The King’s Celebrity Poker Challenge on ClubWPT™. Poker fans and sports fanatics missing the thrill of competition in real-time on TV, can now tune in to WPT® and Budweiser’s celebrity charity poker series, The King’s Celebrity Poker Challenge on ClubWPT, to get their competition fix.
The King’s Celebrity Poker Challenge on ClubWPT will feature A-list celebrities and all-star athletes competing remotely in tournaments that will take online poker to a new level by integrating video conference technology and the WPT®’s sweepstakes-based online poker platform, ClubWPT, where you can play poker for cash and prizes with no purchase necessary*.
In the first episode, WPT and Budweiser bring together World Central Kitchen founder, Chef José Andrés, NBA all-star and champion Pau Gasol, Hollywood star Jon Hamm, comedian and actor Jason Alexander, comedian and actor Kevin Pollak, and 11-time surfing champion Kelly Slater, all competing at the same table.
Budweiser is donating $15,000 on behalf of each of the six players to World Central Kitchen, with an additional $35,000 donated in the winner’s name, to make up a grand total of $125,000 donated to World Central Kitchen, an organization that is delivering meals to families, seniors, frontline healthcare workers and more.
As with other WPT offerings, WPT Anchor Lynn Gilmartin and WPT Commentators Tony Dunst and Vince Van Patten will highlight all the exhilarating action and convey the feel of a WPT final table.
“This incredible partnership with Budweiser is a trailblazing step forward in charity poker initiatives and televised poker,” Adam Pliska, CEO of the World Poker Tour, said. “WPT is always looking to be innovative, and this partnership with Budweiser leverages our 18 seasons of world-class production and our ClubWPT online platform, to bring real poker into people’s homes during this unprecedented era without live events. We graciously thank our partners at Budweiser for their contribution of $125,000 to help those in need during this time.”
“Budweiser has had a long legacy of an association with competition. We, like everyone else, are missing the excitement of watching a live game,” said Monica Rustgi, Vice President of Marketing, Budweiser. “Bud wanted to give people chance to feel a little of that thrill of competition while staying safe at home, so with the World Poker Tour, we’ve assembled a cast of characters for a charity game for some light hearted fun and to make a positive impact by spotlighting the great work of World Central Kitchen.”
The King’s Celebrity Poker Challenge on ClubWPT™ will premiere on Twitch as a two-hour special on May 28 at 8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm PT and will be simulcast across multiple channels, including Budweiser and World Surf League. Check back in with Budweiser’s social channels (@budweiser and @budweiserusa on IG) for additional tune-in information and announcements.
For more information regarding the World Poker Tour, head to WPT.com.
WPT Media Contact
Matt Clark – [email protected]
About World Poker Tour
World Poker Tour (WPT) is the premier name in internationally televised gaming and entertainment with brand presence in land-based tournaments, television, online, and mobile. Leading innovation in the sport of poker since 2002, WPT ignited the global poker boom with the creation of a unique television show based on a series of high-stakes poker tournaments. WPT has broadcast globally in more than 150 countries and territories, and is currently producing its 18th season, which airs on FOX Sports Regional Networks in the United States. Season XVIII of WPT is sponsored by ClubWPT.com. ClubWPT.com is a unique online membership site that offers inside access to the WPT, as well as a sweepstakes-based poker club available in 43 states and territories across the United States, Australia, Canada, France and the United Kingdom. WPT also participates in strategic brand license, partnership, and sponsorship opportunities. For more information, go to WPT.com. WPT Enterprises Inc. is a subsidiary of Allied Esports Entertainment, Inc.
About Allied Esports Entertainment
Allied Esports Entertainment (NASDAQ: AESE) is a global esports entertainment venture dedicated to providing transformative live experiences, multiplatform content and interactive services to audiences worldwide through its strategic fusion of two powerful entertainment brands: Allied Esports and the World Poker Tour (WPT). Allied Esports Entertainment was created in August 2019 when Black Ridge Acquisition Corp. completed its business combination with Allied Esports and WPT Enterprises.
About Budweiser
Budweiser, an American-style lager, was introduced in 1876 when company founder Adolphus Busch set out to create the United States’ first truly national beer brand – brewed to be universally popular and transcend regional tastes. Each batch of Budweiser stays true to the same family recipe used by five generations of Busch family brewmasters. Budweiser is a medium-bodied, flavorful, crisp and pure beer with blended layers of premium American and European hop aromas, brewed for the perfect balance of flavor and refreshment. Budweiser is made using time-honored methods including “kraeusening” for natural carbonation and Beechwood aging, which results in unparalleled balance and character.
Forward-Looking Statements
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