Hollywood Hits the Tables for the 7TH Annual WPT® Invitational

WHAT:

The hottest names in Hollywood will square off against the biggest names in poker for the 7^th Annual World Poker Tour® Invitational. The three-day, freeroll, invitation-only Texas Hold ‘Em tournament kicks off with a star-studded Red Carpet followed by intense poker action. Players will compete for poker glory and a piece of the $200,000 prize pool, donated by Commerce Casino. This year’s event has a new twist—players who get low in chips or bust out can make a $200 donation to “re-buy” back into the tournament. One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit The Vine Group USA (TVG), a non-profit organization that provides educational assistance in Africa.

WHO:

Confirmed celebrities include Don Cheadle, Nicky Hilton, Nelly, Ray Romano, Brad Garrett, Zachary Levi, Oliver Hudson, Mekhi Phifer, Michael Vartan, Ricki Lake, Montel Williams, Camryn Manheim, Patrick Warburton, Donnie Wahlberg, Marlon Wayans, David Katzenberg, Vincent Kartheiser, Jon Hamm, Billy Baldwin, Kevin Pollack, Matthew Lillard, Jason Mewes, Kelly Hu, Billy Burke, Joel David Moore, and many others. Confirmed poker pros include Phil Hellmuth, Mike Matusow, Mike Sexton, Phil Laak, Antonio Esfandiari, Chip Jett, Andy Bloch, Gavin Smith, Jaime Gold, Jerry Yang, among others.

WHEN:

Saturday, February 28

-- 5:00 pm: Media check-in opens

-- 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Celebrity red carpet arrivals; VIP cocktail reception for celebrities, players & guests.

-- 7:00 pm: Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) announcer Bruce Buffer will announce “Shuffle up & deal” to start the tournament UFC-style. Filming & photography of tournament from floor perimeter; floor access via PR escort only.

Red carpet is located outside under covered area. Please dress accordingly.

INTERVIEWS:

Actor and Chairman, TVG Board of Trustees, Mekhi Phifer, as well as celebrity attendees, professional poker players, WPT and Commerce Casino executives.

PHOTOS &

To receive event photography, contact kburghart@worldpokertour.com or 323.682.2595.

FOOTAGE:

Event photos will also be available for download at www.jpistudios.com & www.image.net

To receive event footage, visit www.wireimage.com and click on the video tab. Video footage is also available through Image.net by Getty Images. To register:

1. Log on to http://www.image.net and click on 'register'

WHERE:

CONTACTS: