Celebrities At The 3rd Annual Ante Up For Africa Poker Tournament

A crowd puller by the media in the red carpet as the Rio Convention Center became the center of the universe for both the celebrity world and the poker world last thursday, July 2, 2009.

The celebrities at the 3rd Annual Ante Up For Africa Poker Tournament at the Rio Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas. Some celebrities spotted in the event were:

Actor Ben Affleck arrives at the 3rd Ante Up for Africa celebrity poker tournament at the Rio Hotel and Casino last Thursday, July 2,2009.

Actor Matt Damon arrives at the 3rd Ante Up for Africa celebrity poker tournament at the Rio Hotel and Casino last Thursday, July 2,2009.

Actress Jennifer Tilly arrives at the 3rd Ante Up for Africa celebrity poker tournament at the Rio Hotel and Casino last Thursday, July 2,2009.

Actress and comedian Sarah Silverman arrives at the 3rd Ante Up for Africa celebrity poker tournament at the Rio Hotel and Casino last Thursday, July 2,2009.

Actors Dean Cain (L) and Jason Alexander arrive at the 3rd Ante Up for Africa celebrity poker tournament at the Rio Hotel and Casino last Thursday, July 2,2009.

Actor and a former WBF boxing champion Mike Tyson arrives at the 3rd Ante Up for Africa celebrity poker tournament at the Rio Hotel and Casino last Thursday, July 2,2009.

Actor and event host Don Cheadle arrives at the 3rd Ante Up for Africa celebrity poker tournament at the Rio Hotel and Casino last Thursday, July 2,2009.

Poker Icon and the Duchess of poker Annie Duke arrives at the 3rd Ante Up for Africa celebrity poker tournament at the Rio Hotel and Casino last Thursday, July 2,2009.

NBA analyst and former NBA player Charles Barkley (Left) and Actor and Comedian Brad Garrett (Right) arrive at the 3rd Ante Up for Africa celebrity poker tournament at the Rio Hotel & Casino last Thursday, July 2,2009.

Television personality Montel Williams (R) and his wife Tara Williams arrive at 3rd Ante Up for Africa celebrity poker tournament at the Rio Hotel & Casino last Thursday, July 2,2009.

Comedian and Actor Doug Benson arrives at the 3rd Ante Up for Africa celebrity poker tournament at the Rio Hotel & Casino last Thursday, July 2,2009.

Rapper and Actor Nelly arrives at the 3rd Ante Up for Africa celebrity poker tournament at the Rio Hotel & Casino last Thursday, July 2,2009.

11 time World Series Of Poker Tournament Phil Hellmuth arrives at the 3rd Ante Up for Africa celebrity poker tournament at the Rio Hotel & Casino last Thursday, July 2,2009.

"When we first conceived of the charity, we were thinking we'd just do a little event and raise like 20 or 30 thousand dollars," said Duke.

But Jeffrey Pollack, the Commissioner of World Series Of Poker Tournament had a vision for this event that we didn't have and he made us part of the World Series Of Poker Tournament.

"It's an amazing platform where not only are poker players involved here, at one place at one time, but media is also focused on poker this time of year right before the Main Event. It's so exciting to see everyone come out."

At the end of the day, Alex Bolotin won the $176,449 first place prize and promptly donated half of it back to charity.

Proceeds from the tournament will directly benefit Refugees International’s efforts in Darfur and Sudan. The 3rd Annual Ante Up for Africa Poker tournament has raised more than $2 million for the cause since its conception.

“It is important to me to show people that it is possible to make a difference for the people of Darfur, I am thrilled that this event has become such a success and that it will generate support for efforts by Refugees International, the Enough Project and others to end the crisis in Darfur.” said Duke.

"I am very pleased that we have raised almost 2 million to date and appreciative of everyone who has participated and donated to help us on our mission of bringing the plight of the refugees of Darfur to the forefront of people's minds," said Cheadle.

The event will also be televised in part by ESPN on August 11 from 8 – 10 pm ET.