Bodog, FSN Look for Next Poker Star
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica – (PRESS RELEASE) -- Bodog.net Founder and CEO Calvin Ayre is out to discover the next poker star -- and he will do it with the help of FSN (Fox Sports Net) plus numerous celebrity players and top poker pros.
Mr. Ayre will host the six-episode reality show that will be taped this week at the luxurious Bodog Compound in Costa Rica. The co-host for the "Calvin Ayre Wild Card Poker" show will be the 2003 Miss World Canada and Bodog Music artist, Nazanin. The episodes will air weekly on Saturdays from 11:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. EST, beginning April 15, 2006.
"We are on a mission to find the next poker star and eager to showcase the Play Hard aspects of the Bodog.net lifestyle," says Mr. Ayre, the billionaire gaming tycoon and the face of the lucrative online gambling industry. "Poker and television -- combined with Bodog-style entertainment -- will make for one heck of a show, and our next step into the world of television."
The series will detail the journey of 40 individuals -- celebrities, poker professionals and Bodog.net poker players -- who intend to use their card-playing skills to capture the US $500,000 grand prize. Each episode will feature a poker game, with each winner taking US $50,000, and securing a spot at the sixth and final table for a chance to win the half-million-dollar grand prize.
The celebrities who will play in the tournament include longtime Bodog.net friend "Boston" Rob Mariano (Survivor), noted celeb players Josh Malina (West Wing) and Willie Garson (Sex in the City), along with music stars Willa Ford and SR-71's Mitch Allen, Ultimate Fighting Champ Chuck "Iceman" Liddell, world-class surfer Jon Rose, and actress/comedian Cheryl Hines (Curb Your Enthusiasm). They will be joined by Hollywood beauties Kelly Hu (Scorpion King), and Michele Merkin (Foody Call) along with Extra correspondent Jon Kelley covering the event as well as playing in the tournament.
Bridging the celeb/pro player gap in Costa Rica will be Jennifer Tilley, who recently took home "Favorite Celebrity Player" honors at the Bodog-produced Poker Player of the Year Awards. She will join her boyfriend, Phil Laak, at the tables. Other pros will include the Team Bodog "Rat Pack" of David Williams and Evelyn Ng, plus, Josh Arieh, Jean Gluck, Michael Mizrachi, Lily Mizrachi, Humberto Brenes and Erick Lindgren.
Starring alongside the pros and celebrities in the series will be 20 reality-show hopefuls who have won the trip to Mr. Ayre's Costa Rican estate, called the Bodog Compound.
"Calvin Ayre Wild Card Poker" will showcase poker games, Costa Rican excursions, Bodog Music artists and the billion-dollar lifestyle of the show's adventurous host.
Last summer, the Bodog Entertainment Group produced its first television show, "Bodog Salutes the Troops," which aired on Spike TV, and in January, Bodog Music announced its expansion into Europe. Filmed during Super Bowl XL weekend, the Bodog Lingerie Bowl III will air on international Pay Per View throughout the year.
"Bodog continues to evolve into a world-class brand, and our television series marks yet another progressive step in our journey toward becoming North America's premier digital entertainment company," Mr. Ayre says.