There are always odd little happenings at any World Series of Poker, interesting little tales set within the larger tableau of the multi-ring WSOP circus. One such recently involved retired NBA superstar Tony Parker, who choose the WSOP's private King's Lounge cash-game area inside the Paris casino to host a special invite-only poker tourney celebrating his venture into a notable French champagne company, Champagne Jeeper.
The future Basketball Hall of Famer brought a handful of friends and several poker-industry bigwigs to the get-together at the King's Lounge's most exclusive table, with flutes of the classic but revitalized line on hand for the invitees to enjoy. The Champagne Jeeper line dates to 1949, and this past March, Parker invested in the company headed by his friend, prominent European entrepreneur Michel Reybier.
Bringing the French champagne party to the WSOP brought together Parker's loves for champagne and poker. Parker has participated in a handful of events in recent WSOPs, and with the series making its move to the Paris and Bally's casinos for 2022, all the elements were in place for a special poker-and-champagne-themed event.
Yes, a small tournament was played, after a meet-and-greet and an appearance by another special guest, the 2022 World Series of Poker Main Event champion's bracelet, complete in its wood-and-glass presentation case. Parker could only handle it and admire it as most players do, as an unobtainable prize... at least for this year. He didn't make the money in the 2022 Main Event, but has already made plans to be on hand for the 2023 Main, where another World Champion's bracelet, likely every bit as glorious, will be on hand for the winner.
And who knows? Depending on how well Jeeper does, perhaps there'll be another special champagne-and-poker party as well.
Featured image source: World Series of Poker
