Watch Celebrity Poker Showdown

Celebrity Poker Showdown is a thrilling poker game show that features five celebrities competing against each other in a Texas Hold'em tournament for charity. The show aired on Bravo from 2003 to 2006 and was hosted by comedian and actor Dave Foley. Each episode of Celebrity Poker Showdown features five celebrities who are divided into a single table tournament. The celebrities are typically actors, musicians, comedians, and athletes who are passionate about playing poker. Some of the celebrities who have appeared on the show include Ben Affleck, Maura Tierney, Willie Garson, James Woods, and Jennifer Tilly.

The show's co-host is poker professional Phil Gordon, who serves as the show's poker analyst, commentator, and advisor. He explains some of the game's basic strategies and provides commentary on the celebrity players' poker moves.

The celebrities are coached by Phil Hellmuth, one of the most successful professional poker players of all time. Hellmuth works with the celebrities to help them improve their poker skills and adjust their gameplay accordingly. The celebrities' training sessions are filmed and shown to the audience, allowing viewers to see the strategic decisions and poker tips they receive from Hellmuth.

In each episode of Celebrity Poker Showdown, the celebrities compete in various games of Texas Hold'em, a variation of poker where each player is dealt two cards, and then shares five community cards with other players. The celebrities are given $10,000 in tournament chips, which they use to place bets and bluff their opponents into folding their hands.

Viewers are given an inside view of the competition with the help of an overhead camera that shows each player's cards, as well as their chip count. Three contestants are eliminated during the game, and the last two remaining players compete in a final head-to-head match. The winner of each episode earns a $100,000 donation to their chosen charity while the other contestants receive a $5,000 donation each.

The show's graphics and sound design create a feel of a high-stakes poker tournament. The lighting in the studio is designed to create a dramatic atmosphere while the sound of poker chips clicking and the commentary from Phil Gordon and Dave Foley build suspense.

Celebrity Poker Showdown is an exciting show that fans of poker and entertainment will enjoy. The show's mix of established poker professionals and celebrity amateurs provides a unique insight into the world of poker.

Overall, Celebrity Poker Showdown is a must-watch for fans of poker tournaments and celebrity culture alike. The show's mix of high-stakes, drama, and humor make it an addictive watch, and its charitable element only adds to the appeal. Celebrity Poker Showdown was a beloved series that has paved the way for other similar shows in its genre, and its legacy still lives on today.