Night of a Thousand Stars

by Jan Fisher | Published: Aug 13, 2004

Recently I was fortunate to be invited to play in a poker tournament at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Called The Hard Rock Hotel Celebrity Pro-Am, it was no regular event, by any means. As you read this, you probably are wondering how an event could take place in Las Vegas and you didn't know about it. For one thing, the Hard Rock doesn't have a poker room, but this event was a first-rate extravaganza. Was it great poker? No. Was it a lot of fun? You bet! Poker pros and many Hollywood stars were there, as were many Hard Rock valued customers who were invited to play as a perk for the action they provide the hotel. There also were a few spots available for a $500 buy-in to the 135-player event. Card Player, Red Bull, PartyPoker.com, and Turi Vodka sponsored the tournament. Lisa Tenner produced the event, while Mark Tenner acted as the emcee/commentator and Tabb Monroe directed it.

It was a who's who of Neon Glitter meets Tinsel Town. Representing the world of poker were Card Player columnists/staff Barry Tanenbaum, Mark Gregorich, Linda Johnson, Tom McEvoy, and I, as well as notable poker players John Esposito, Kenna James, Randy Holland, Scott Buller, David Williams, Antonio Esfandiari, Phil Laak, Chris Hinchcliffe, Kathy Liebert, and Wendeen Eolis. Among these players I can't begin to count the number of World Series bracelets and other major tournament titles. Believe me, the PokerFish (my nickname) was but a tiny guppy in this exclusive group. Included among the "stars" were Gary Busey, Jennifer Tilly, Lou Diamond Phillips, Jerry Cantrell, Fat Mike, Chris Williams, and Joel Moore. I am sure I am omitting someone, but I think you get the gist; this was no ordinary poker event.

There were many individuals in the field who were playing in a poker tournament for the first time, yet they likely were sitting next to a seasoned veteran. The stars and pros were separated at the start of the event, with one at each table. That way, each guest got to have the chance to hobnob with someone famous, as well as shoot for a bounty. The implementation of bounties was a cool addition to the event. Each of the poker pros was issued two sets of dog tags, similar to those used in the military. The player's name and event information were engraved on them. When a player holding dog tags went broke, the player who busted him got one set of the tags, as well as a $100 bounty. The "bustee" kept the other set as a souvenir. If a pro busted another pro and collected his tags, his bounty was upped to $200, as he was ineligible to collect a bounty, and he had to pass on the tags to the player who busted him. With such a diverse assortment of players and poker skills, it was interesting and lots of fun.

There was one movie star who just didn't comprehend the idea of the blinds. He thought that if he went to the restroom, he would return and have the same number of chips as before he left! He also didn't understand things like normally accepted TDA (Tournament Directors Association) rules, or that if he was not at the table when the button got his second card, his hand would be folded. This caused quite a stir, and while he was having the rules explained to him for the umpteenth time, he was totally blinded out of the event! Of course, it took even longer to explain to him how he could have gone broke without even being at the table. Oh, the joys of the inexperienced, eh? I'll bet most of them don't read poker magazines – but then, most of us can't act!

The event began with a seminar by Barry Tanenbaum, followed by a cocktail and hors d'oeuvres hour that was semihosted by the pros at assigned tables. They were there to answer players' questions, talk poker, and generally help out in any way they could. Many photos were taken, autographs requested, and phone numbers exchanged. Congratulations to everyone who made the money. Earning $25,000 for first place was Dan Alspach. The runner-up was former Card Player part-owner Denny Axel, who took home $12,000.

On a more serious note, I would like to close with a dedication of sorts. Most everyone has heard by now about the passing of noted author, poker player, and all-around great guy, Andrew N.S. Glazer. He was a longtime supporter of Card Player Cruises and often wrote trip reports about cruises while sweating deadlines for his real literary duties. Andy was one of the finest men I have ever had the honor of knowing. I will miss him, his charm, his wit, his sense of humor, and his compassion. Rest in peace, my friend.

Class dismissed.