Phil Gordon Wins Ante Up for Africa Charity Tournament

 The fourth annual Ante Up for Africa charity tournament was won by Phil Gordon, who earned a prize of $130,641 for finishing first. The tournament, held each year at the World Series of Poker to help raise money and awareness for the humanitarian situation in Darfur, Sudan, was a success, with 81 players (mostly celebrities) paying a $5,000 entry fee to participate.

While winners cannot be forced to donate the money they win because of Nevada gaming law, players are encouraged to donate as much of their winnings as possible – usually 50% or more – to the cause. This year, Phil Gordon donated the entirety of his winnings to the Ante up for Africa charity.

Several other famous names from the poker world were also found at the poker table, including actress Shannon Elizabeth – who finished second, winning $80,737 – and Erik Seidel, who came in 5^th.

But the Ante Up for Africa tournament attracted more than just poker players. Former NFL running back Jerome Bettis took part, and did quite well. Bettis made it to the final table before bowing out in sixth place, winning $22,624, all of which went to the Ante Up for Africa trophy. The other big name athlete at the tournament – WBF heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield – did not fare as well, failing to make the money.

The Ante Up for Africa tournament was hosted this year by Annie Duke and actor Don Cheadle. Over the four year history of the event, the tournament has raised nearly $4 million for the charity. Other celebrities and poker pros taking part in this year’s tournament included Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Phil Ivey and Chris Ferguson.

Ante Up for Africa organizes tournaments at the World Series of Poker and in other locations, as well as taking donations on their official website. Previous winners of the World Series of Poker event include Dan Shak and Brandon Moran (2007), John Hennigan (2008) and Alex Bolotin (2009).