The blurb asks "Are actors better bluffers or will the
poker professionals sweep the celebrities in the high stakes game
of No-Limit Texas Hold 'Em?" in a press release this week.
The question will be answered when GSN premieres Poker Royale: Celebrities
vs. Poker Pros, a seven-episode U.S. TV series debuting as part of
GSN's weekly Casino Night, Friday, May 6 at 9:00PM ET/PT.
Shot on location at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, California,
the latest edition of GSN's Poker Royale franchise sparked witty banter
across the table between the pros and the representatives of the fastest
growing group in the poker world, celebrity players. Not underestimating
their opponents, the experienced pros put on their best game faces
in an attempt to make it to the final table for a chance for the $50,000
championship grand prize.
The team of celebrities include: Lance Bass (NSYNC), Tracy Bingham
(The Surreal Life, Baywatch), Morris Chestnut (The Best Man, Boyz
N the Hood, GI Jane, Ladder 49,), Mimi Rogers (The Door in the Floor,
Austin Powers), Jennifer Tilly (Liar Liar, Bound), and Patrick Warburton
(Less Than Perfect, Seinfeld).
The professionals include Scott Fischman (Two World
Series of Poker bracelets), Kathy Liebert (One World Series of
Poker bracelet), Cindy Violette (One World Series of Poker bracelet),
Roxci Rhodes (Ranked one of the top ten women players by Card Player
magazine), Paul Darden (Winner of the 2003 World Poker Tour Gold Rush
Tournament) and Kenna James (One World Series of Poker bracelet).
In the first six one-hour episodes of Poker Royale: Celebrities vs.
Poker Pros three professionals and three celebrities face off. Every
episode champion wins $10,000 and ten points. The player who finishes
second receives eight points, third place receives six points, fourth
place receives four points, fifth place receives two points and last
place receives zero points. The players who make the final table will
each receive $10,000 in chips to begin.
In the two-hour finale, the top three point leaders for both the celebrities
and the pros take the top seats. Airing on June 17, the finale winner
will take the $50,000 grand prize.