Do men have the advantage over women in the game of poker? GSN, the
network for games broadcast to 56 million American homes, will try
to find out by pitting twelve of the world's top professional poker
players together in an innovative, no-holds barred poker tournament
on January 21.
Poker Royale - Battle of the Sexes is the rather melodramatic but
eye-catching title for this seven episode invitational tournament
hosted by syndicated radio personality Tom Leykis, who is known for
defense of the male species. He is joined as host by Kennedy, the
sassy TV and game show veteran, who proudly represents the female
voice.
The play-by-play commentator will be Robert Williamson III, one of
the most respected and skilled poker players around.
The tournament will break new ground when it premieres on GSN's new
Friday Casino Night at 9:00 pm ET/PT. It's going to be a gambler's
night in, because immediately following Poker Royale is World Series
of Blackjack featuring the world's finest blackjack players vying
for their chance to win a $250,000 grand prize.
"Based on the success of our first poker series, we wanted
to follow with a second installment with a unique twist. Poker Royale:
Battle of the Sexes is entertaining and engaging for players at every
skill level," says Ian Valentine, Senior Vice President
of Programming at GSN.
"There's a real ongoing debate in the poker world as to
whether the women are as good as the men. We sit our viewers right
at the table to watch the play and hear the banter."
The player list includes the world's top players including Chris Moneymaker
(2003 World Series of Poker 1st place), Paul Wolfe (2003 World Championship
Online Poker final runner up), Greg "Fossilman" Raymer (2004
World Series of Poker 1st place), Amir Vahedi (2001 No Limit Texas
Hold'em Player of the Year), Layne Flack (5 Time World Series of Poker
Champion) and Antonio Esfandiari (World Poker Tour first place champion).
In the women's corner are Kathy Liebert (2002 Party Poker Million
champion), Jennifer Harman (World Poker Tour Bellagio 4th place),
Evelyn Ng (World Poker Tour Ladies Night 2nd place), Karina Jett,
Kristy Gazes (2001 World Series of Poker Shoe 5th place) and Clonie
Gowen (World Poker Tour Ladies Night champion).
In each of the first six episodes, three men and three women from
the teams of men and women will play a game of No Limit Texas Hold'Em.
Every episode champion wins $10,000 and six points. The player who
finishes second receives five points, third place receives four points,
fourth place receives three points, fifth place receives two points
and last place receives one point. In the seventh episode's final
match, the top three point leaders for the men and women will face
off for the championship.
The winner of the tournament takes home $100,000 and wins an extra
$30,000 to be split among the remaining team members.