Ocean's Eleven Casino 'Sets the Bar' During the California Ladies State Poker Championship

"More and more women are infiltrating the world of competitive poker, and tonight, Ocean's Eleven salutes you … the future of poker!" stated Marketing Director Star McCormick at the opening ceremony of the California Ladies State Poker Championship.

Over the next four days, a salute to women in poker was exactly what transpired. This was not just another ladies poker tournament; it was an "event" unlike any other! More than 300 women from all over the world came to Ocean's Eleven Casino in Oceanside, California, to be pampered, fed, and thoroughly entertained, as well as to compete against each other in four separate poker tournaments. Each woman aspired to be the next California Ladies State Poker Champion.

General Manager Bob Moyer and owners Haig Kelegian and Dan Dreger were on hand most of the weekend to make sure the women were made to feel special. They recognize that women are fast becoming a force to be reckoned with in the world of poker, and during this event, they spared no expense when it came to showing them how much they are appreciated.

The event was themed "A Flash to the Past," and each day was set in a different era. The opening night "Welcome to the Millennium" cocktail party, followed by a $25 buy-in limit hold'em event, was attended by 176 women, all decked out in their evening gowns and cocktail attire. Ocean's Eleven kicked off the event with a fabulous dinner, wine tasting, and a comedian, and then it was on to the tournament. My good friend Valerie Steinsmith took down the first-place spot and $2,470.

The following afternoon, Star hosted a '70s and '80s variety show, which included her own rendition of Let's Make a Deal and lots of entertainment provided by volunteer participants of the event. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to get three of my closest friends (Valerie, Denny, and Jan) involved, so we each dressed up in wigs and tie-dyed costumes and billed ourselves as "Sisters Sledge" and choreographed a dance routine and lip sync to the song We are Family. That evening, after another delicious dinner, we took a step back in time to the '80s with entertainment by Michael Jackson and Joan Jett impersonators. Valerie captured an amazing back-to-back victory and took home the first-place trophy and $3,130 in the seven-card stud tournament!

The next afternoon, the ladies enjoyed a delicious lunch and fashion show. Following the show, there were plenty of shopping opportunities. The evening brought us back to the '70s with outstanding performances by casino employees and patrons of such legends as Lou Rawls, Tina Turner, Madonna, and the Go-Go's. Patty Gallagher ran over the final table and clinched the evening's limit hold'em event, earning $4,670, a trophy, and a shot at the championship.

The final day started with a tasty brunch, entertainment from the '50s era, and an Omaha eight-or-better tournament. This was the final event in the overall points race, and it made for plenty of excitement, as several contenders were still in the running. Kim Fontes edged out runner-up Renee Wexler and was crowned the new California Ladies State Champion. Ocean's Eleven will sponsor Kim in the World Series of Poker ladies event and all upcoming California ladies events. The evening ended with a fabulous '50s-style sock hop and awards banquet, including more fantastic entertainment. Ocean's Eleven presented a generous donation to Ivey Ranch Park, a facility for children with special needs, located in Oceanside. Additionally, more than $2,000 was raised from personal contributions during the weekend.

Congratulations to the staff and management of Ocean's Eleven, who went all out to ensure that everyone had a fantastic time. I'm definitely looking forward to next year's event.

Change of subject: An entire ship has been chartered to host the PartyPoker.com Million III. There are only a few cabins left for players who want to buy in directly, so e-mail me right away at [email protected] if you want to reserve a seat for this event. Unfortunately, we will not be able to take anyone who is not playing in the tournament, due to the shortage of cabins. The prize pool is estimated to be $3.5 million and first place is expected to be $1 million. The ship will be leaving from San Diego, so plan to spend a few extra days checking out some of the great Southern California cardrooms prior to and/or after your cruise.

Dealers needed: Card Player Cruises is accepting applications from experienced poker dealers for upcoming cruises. If you are outgoing and energetic, like to play poker, have good people skills and great poker skills, please go to www.cardplayercruises.com and fill out an application under the "Contact Us" section.

Now, let's play poker!