Resorts World Las Vegas performed host to the inaugural Big Deal for One Drop charity poker event on Friday, with large names from the Formula 1 world, the poker scene, and philanthropy all becoming a member of collectively to boost funds for the One Drop Foundation, which has the acknowledged mission of offering ‘safe water, sanitation, and hygiene to communities in need worldwide.’
“The Big Deal for One Drop is a testament to the power of community and collaboration,” mentioned Guy Laliberté, founding father of each Cirque du Soleil and One Drop. “It’s incredible to see so many people come together, not just for the love of the game but also to bring hope and opportunity to communities in need of access to safe water around the world.”
The occasion was run by One Drop and the WPT® Foundation, and featured a $10,000 buy-in. It got here within the coronary heart of the 2024 Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, and fittingly attracted large names from the racing group like David Coulthard, Martin Brundle, Mika Häkkinen, and Alex Wurz, and Otmar Szafnauer.
Poker was additionally properly represented, with the likes of Tony Dunst, Antonio Esfandiari, Jennifer Tilly, and the occasion’s emcee Phil Hellmuth all in attendance. The all-time World Series of Poker bracelet chief was sporting a customized One Drop jersey, with the quantity ‘17’ on the again representing the quantity of wins he has earned on the WSOP.
Hello
JenniferTilly</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/onedrop?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">onedrop pic.twitter.com/KYrGmRltbY— phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth) November 22, 2024
“We are very happy with how this inaugural event came together,” mentioned Adam Pliska, President and CEO of the World Poker Tour. “The Big Deal for One Drop showcased the perfect blend of fun, competition, and meaningful impact, creating an afternoon to remember.”
In the top, it was Derek Adamian who hoisted the trophy and secured the champion’s package deal. His haul included an unique Monaco Grand Prix Experience, with VIP tickets to the race and invites to the Prince’s Palace Reception, and a shocking limited-edition WPT chip set.
According to the press launch, One Drop has already impacted over 3,000,000 individuals since being based in 2007. The group has teamed up with the poker world for over a decade, with a number of huge occasions serving to elevate funds over time.
The $1 million buy-in Big One For One Drop charity occasion debuted in 2012 on the WSOP, and has been run 5 instances general, most just lately on the Wynn Las Vegas as a part of the WPT World Championship. Winners have included Antonio Esfandiari ($18.4 million), Dan Colman ($15.3 million), Elton Tsang ($12.2 million), Justin Bonomo ($10 million), and Mikita Badziakouski ($7.1 million).
There was additionally the $111,111 High Roller For One Drop that ran in alternating years, and was received by Anthony Gregg ($4.8 million), Jonathan Duhamel ($4 million), Fedor Holz ($5 million), and Doug Polk ($3.7 million). The WPT Alpha8 took over in 2023, with the 2 winners up to now being Jonathan Jaffe ($1.5 million), and Steve O’Dwyer ($1 million).
For extra details about One Drop’s protected water initiatives, go to OneDrop.org.
Photos offered by WPT.
