PokerStars Is Hosting A Star-Studded Charity Poker Tournament This Saturday

The tournament was the brainchild of The Simpsons and This Is Spinal Tap star Hank Azaria and screenwriter Andy Bellin, and they've helped recruit stars from the silver screen, the small screen, and beyond.

PokerStars is putting together an all-star cast to take part in an online poker tournament and fight for the right to donate their share of a $1m prize pot to a charity of their choice.

It's a fun way to raise much-needed funds to help provide relief during the ongoing global crisis.

The event will be live-streamed online from 7PM this Saturday on Twitch, Facebook, and YouTube and fans watching the tournament will also have the opportunity to donate to do a bit of good whilst taking in the action.

There's some seriously big names taking part, too.

Names already on the list include Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston, and Superbad actor Michael Cera.

As well as that, we've got Edward Norton, Amy Schumer, Don Cheadle, Jon Hamm, Liam Payne, David Schwimmer, Eric Bogosian, Macauley Culkin, Jason Alexander, Casey Affleck, Gabriel Macht and Tony Yazbeck.

But wait - there's more.

Writer Brian Koppelman, comedians Jeff Garlin and Michael Ian Black, actor Kevin Pollack, and footballers Neymar Jr and Ricardinho are all on board as well.

So, 50 percent of the proceeds of the tournament will go to Care International, who will also receive the donations made by viewers, with the rest of the prize money being divided up between the winners' chosen charities.

Hank Azaria said: "This event is a great way to combine genuine giving where it's needed with a way to stay home and yet still connect with people from around the world. A friendly game of poker reminds us how life used to be, which hopefully we get back to soon.

"It's a way for people to interact for a good cause and enjoy themselves at the same time. The response has been really great, and I'll tell you, when PokerStars stepped up like that,

"I was actually kind of moved by it. We were hoping they'd put in some money, but to basically finance the whole thing to the tune of a million dollars, is pretty incredible."

The prize money has been put up by PokerStars, and will be distributed Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), a Charity Navigator Four-Star Charity that meets all 20 BBB Charity Standards.

To add a little extra spice, there will also be an opportunity for regular folks to pit their wits against the stars.

PokerStars Ambassadors, as well as streamers and celebrities will be holding giveaways after which the chosen few will battle it out in teams of players and celebrities to combine for the final showdown.

Celebrities who don't make the cut will go into a side-table at which the winner will chose where the final 10% is sent.

Rebecca McAdam Willetts, Associate Director of Public Relations at PokerStars, said: "This event began as a simple conversation between our team, Hank, Andy and the Entertainment Industry Foundation as a way to create positive entertainment and raise support for critical causes during these challenging times,

"We were thrilled that they came to us and have been blown away by the momentum it's gained.

"With people increasingly using our products to connect, compete and stay social while safe at home, we are delighted to show how the game we love can be used to bring people together and do good... with the added bonus of surprising some poker fans along the way."

Regina Miller, Chief Strategy Advisor to the Entertainment Industry Foundation, added: "We are honoured to serve as a partner to artists in our community to help raise funds - and spirits - during this time,

"With PokerStars setting the stage and Hank and Andy leading the charge, we are looking forward to a fun-filled night of fundraising to benefit people across the world."

Poker fans can also place a bet on which celebrity they think will take down the tournament in a special PokerStars Sports market. Professional poker player Erik Seidel is the 10/1 favourite, with Don Cheadle the top celebrity at 25/1. All money bet on the market will be donated directly to Care International.

And it doesn't stop there, viewers will be able to win autographed merchandise and a variety of special, surprise experiences during the Twitch stream.

Featured Image Credit: PokerStars

Topics: World News, UK News, TV and Film, US Entertainment

Tom Wood

Tom Wood is a LADbible journalist and Twin Peaks enthusiast. Despite having a career in football cut short by a chronic lack of talent, he managed to obtain degrees from both the University of London and Salford. According to his French teacher, at the weekend he mostly likes to play football and go to the park with his brother. Contact Tom on [email protected]

@TPWagwim