The Celeb Poker Tour (CPT) accomplished its first season in 2024 and hosted eight occasions. the celebrities had been a mixture of conventional sports activities stars, comedians, and TV personalities, in addition to extra modern-day superstar streamers, vloggers, and web personalities.
On Might 2, the CPT will proceed with Sport Evening VI that includes the likes of Colby Covington, Alexandra Botez, and Zach Justice. PokerNews will probably be on-site for what’s certain to be a enjoyable night time providing up interviews and different behind-the-scenes content material.
Some of the valued members of the CPT workforce, and the most recent business insider to be featured on this sequence, is former NFL linebacker Hayes Pullard, who’s initially from Los Angeles. The 32-year-old graduated from the College of Southern California (USC) the place he performed school soccer as a four-year starter and two-time workforce captain whereas incomes his bachelor’s diploma.
In 2015, he was drafted into the NFL and performed for groups such because the Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Los Angeles Chargers. These days, Pullard is the Co-Founder and President of Expertise at CPT. So, how did the previous professional athlete discover his solution to poker?
“I’ve at all times been conscious of poker, however I by no means had a lot curiosity in studying tips on how to play,” Pullard informed PokerNews. “That modified after I moved to Vegas, the place a few of my shut buddies began inviting me to their dwelling video games. They’d say, ‘Hayes, simply come play—it’s a good time, and I guess you’ll be good at it.’ After a couple of video games and a few successful arms, I used to be hooked. Like anybody who remembers their first time enjoying poker, I shortly fell in love with the sport.”
He elaborated: “The technique, psychology, and aggressive nature drew me in—it jogged my memory of soccer in some ways, particularly the preparation and studying your opponents. However above all, it was the enjoyable and camaraderie on the desk that stored me coming again. After months of enjoying dwelling video games and bettering my abilities, poker turned much more thrilling. I’ll always remember sitting on the desk with Steiny, Bryce Corridor, and Alexandra Botez on one facet, and Austin Ekeler, Tana Mongeau, and lots of others and considering, ‘That is poker.’ The vitality, laughter, and competitiveness made these video games actually unforgettable, particularly being surrounded by such a dynamic group.”
In terms of the CPT, Pullard is targeted on connecting the worlds of poker and superstar tradition, bringing collectively personalities from various industries—athletes, entertainers, influencers, and creators—to share their love of the sport.
“My mission is to create an area the place poker turns into greater than only a competitors, however a platform for collaboration, storytelling, and unforgettable moments,” he mentioned. “By bridging these distinctive worlds, I goal to make poker extra enjoyable and thrilling for followers and gamers alike … As somebody new to the world of poker, I used to be drawn to the concept of creating the sport extra enjoyable, participating, and aggressive for everybody. CPT has supplied the right platform to show that imaginative and prescient into actuality.”
Pullard additionally shared what he thought units the CPT other than different poker excursions and occasions.
“What makes us much more particular is our give attention to storytelling and creating unforgettable moments, which makes CPT the true unicorn of poker.”
“CPT actually stands alone whenever you attempt to examine it to all different poker occasions as a result of we do issues in a singular means. Not like conventional tournaments, CPT isn’t nearly large names and high-stakes video games; it’s about creating an thrilling and inclusive ambiance the place anybody—whether or not a poker professional, athlete, streamer, or mannequin—can be a part of the enjoyable, expertise the fun, and have a shot at successful a handful of cool prizes together with bragging rights over a few of the best celebrities, athletes, and entertainers on the earth. What makes us much more particular is our give attention to storytelling and creating unforgettable moments, which makes CPT the true unicorn of poker.”
The CPT’s first season proved to be a giant success, and so they’ve already hosted their first occasion of Season 2. So, what’s Pullard most enthusiastic about for the CPT in its sophomore yr?
“I’m past excited to see the unimaginable progress we’ll expertise in Season 2,” Pullard shared. “The momentum is constructing, and it’s electrifying to observe CPT increase its attain to new heights. I can’t wait to satisfy new gamers, share the desk with recent faces, and reconnect with a few of my friends from sports activities and leisure. The vitality and dynamic that emerge when individuals from all walks of life come collectively by means of this sport is unmatched, and I’m thrilled to see this season unfold with much more unforgettable moments, epic performs, and thrilling new connections.”
For extra on the CPT, together with studying when occasions will happen and what celebrities will compete, be sure you comply with the CPT at @celebritypokertour on social media. You may also comply with Pullard at @HayesPullard.
*Photos courtesy of Celeb Poker Tour / Hayes Pullard.
Chad Holloway
PR & Media Supervisor
