Whether you recognize poker as a “sport” or not, the World Series Of Poker is one of great annual traditions of Las Vegas and, in my opinion, of all of sport. Poker is a universal game, one that relies on the stamina of a player’s mind while navigating through almost 50 days’ worth of poker tournaments. This year’s WSOP features 57 events, starting from tomorrow’s $50,000 Poker Player’s Championship event to the Main Event‘s induction of the November Nine.

I’m especially excited because I’ll be covering the Main Event live and in person throughout the month of July. I’ll be migrating from my accommodations at the Hard Rock Hotel to the tournament floor at the Rio and delivering daily updates with awesome stories and ridiculous anecdotes that will make you wonder why you weren’t following poker from the onset.

I get it, some of you are sick of watching it on TV. But this isn’t TV. This is the Land of the Badass and gaming goodness will show its papers at the gate. This coverage will kick you in the balls and run off with your wallet. So be ready. It’s going to be badass.

This time I was at The Venetian for Jennifer Harman’s charity poker tournament benefiting the Nevada SPCA. I happened to be in the neighborhood (seriously) and they offered to buy me in if I told everyone what a wonderful time I had. Uh, so I get to brag to everyone about playing poker in Vegas and I get a post out of it? Well, that plan kinda went to Hell when I busted out of the tournament on the first hand. It’s hard to brag about anything when you do it worse than Carrot Top. Oh, and I walked down a red carpet with a wiener dog, if you haven’t heard that story yet.

I put together a video after the jump; I apologize in advance for using that JXL remix, but really, it’s hard to do a video about Vegas and not use that song. And by the way, Carrot Top actually was there and he was really cool, so I really shouldn’t be ragging on him. More celebs and poker players in the video after the jump. Read the rest of this entry »

Most of you that have read this site know that I will drag myself naked across broken glass for a poker game. Fortunately, I avoided that for this latest event, a charity hold’em tournament benefitting the Nevada SPCA No-Kill Animal Sanctuary, hosted by Jennifer Harman and featuring a slew of other pros and celebrities. I was happy to participate, and if you’re in the Vegas area today, you can find more info here. Just think of the chance to meet me as icing on the cake.

Also, I’m asking you to help Jennifer get into the WSOP Tournament of Champions, which for some reason decided to determine their field by popular vote. You can vote for Jen here. You will have to register with a valid email, but I don’t ask you guys for much.

That’s all for now. Enjoy the Axis of Awesome through tomorrow, because you’re stuck with me on Thursday. Read the rest of this entry »

I might have mentioned that I spent last weekend in Las Vegas for the Trash Talk Championship of the World, which to my surprise was neither full of trash-talk nor worldly. But it was a very good time, and I’m thankful for Victory Poker and Greasie Wheels for bringing us out there, and for the Hard Rock for having us. Since my travel schedule resembled something of an old Steve Martin movie, I’ll have more to say about the tournament and the Super Bowl party tomorrow, including the burlesque act I enjoyed before The Who went out for their set. But I couldn’t wait to share this.

Yep, that’s Dennis Haskins, aka Mr. Belding from “Saved By The Bell,” posing with me right after he signed my Bayside T-shirt. @Brandon_ROTU bought me that tee and had it shipped next-day-air in time for the tournament, so thanks to him as well. And here’s a short video shot and cut by Dan Levy; he has more on the trip at The Sporting Blog.

I don’t ask you people for much, only that you tolerate my love for pandas and offer the occasional indulgence when the situation dictates, such as now. For today only, you can cast a vote that will send me to Vegas for a charity poker tournament that’s being aptly called “The Trash Talk Championship of the World.” Go here and vote, or follow the jump for more info about the tournament. Read the rest of this entry »

Noted bloggerati Unsilent Majority and Sarah Schorno spent a weekend in Vegas to check out the new Lagasse’s Stadium. It’s a new restaurant and bar nestled squarely into the Palazzo hotel lobby, promising entertainment and food and over 100 HDTVs in case you hate everyone at your table. UM and Sarah wrote something up for their trip about the newest venture from famed TV chef Emeril Lagasse; their words are after the jump.

Read the rest of this entry »