The 2023 World Series of Poker took another celebrity turn on Sunday with the start of Event #56 $500 Salute to Warriors - No-Limit Hold’em. The WSOP often arranges for notables to give events the traditional "Shuffle up and deal!" command, but today the the series hosted one of Las Vegas's most legendary entertainment names, Wayne Newton.
"Mr. Las Vegas," as Newton is widely known, has performed in Las Vegas for decades, dating back almost to his 1963 breakout hit "Danke Schoen". He still appears on stage, and his current gig at another Caesars property offered him a great opportunity to appear at the WSOP in conjunction with the Salute to Warriors event.
Newton has long been involved with service-related initiatives. He serves as the Chairman of the United Services Organizations (USO) Celebrity Circle, and as part of the charity theme of the Salute to Warriors event, the WSOP also announced its own $100,000 donation to the USO.
“Year over year, we always look forward to our Salute to Warriors event,” said WSOP Vice President, Jack Effel. “Giving back to the community is so important to the WSOP, and we are proud to present the USO with a $100,000 donation in Wayne Newton’s name. His unwavering support of the troops is admirable, and we are honored to have Mr. Las Vegas at the WSOP to kick off this annual charitable event.”
Newton's appearance to kickoff the Salute to Warriors tourney also included a Color Guard presentation with active service members from the nearby Nellis Air Face Base. Cameras were everywhere, including a video from PokerOrg's Instant team, showing how most players and onlookers viewed Newton's visit.
“Supporting our troops has always been a passion of mine, so this event holds a special place in my heart,” said Newton. “I am proud to help kick off this event, and I am sure the veterans participating will make me proud. Thank you to the WSOP for their generous donation to the USO. Let’s get ready to shuffle up and deal!”
The WSOP also offered its own video of Newton's Salute to Warriors ceremony:
