The popular poker tournament will run online for the first time
The eighth edition of the popular Ed Asner Celebrity Poker Tournament will be held August 29. This annual event brings together the TV legend and 50 other celebrity friends who, besides playing a virtual game of poker, will also participate in an auction. The tournament is scheduled for that Saturday at 5 PM, and it includes over 250 guests who are expected to register to play. One of the goals of this event is to raise money for The Ed Asner Family Center (TEAFC), which helps individuals with diverse capacities like autism, developmental delays, or other special needs. This latest edition will be held virtually in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The tournament will be hosted in collaboration with the World Poker Tour (WPT).com, and it offers a very different presentation of "Live Online Poker." Besides a good poker show and the participation of at least 50 celebrities sharing their moments, there will be expert poker hosts, as well as many other surprises. The tournament will be streamed on social media, and it includes an exciting star-studded simulcast. Among the celebrities who will be coming together to play poker are Tom Hanks, Kim Cattrall, Ben Affleck, Anna Paquin, Don Cheadle, Rosanna Arquette, Jack Black, Howie Mandel, Darius Rucker, Rosie O'Donnell, Rob Schneider, just to name a few.
This is typically an in-person event but as with any other live event, the coronavirus pandemic changed that. However, this virtual format allows many more celebrities to participate in other countries while staying safe at home. "This is my favorite event of the year. Not just because the dollars go to helping keep the programs of the center running. But, because of the inclusive, 'leave your ego at the door' fun of it. It's unlike any other event that I can think of," said Asner, who has a son and grandson with autism.
