Whereas destructive headlines typically dominate the poker information cycle – equivalent to Charlie Carrel calling out a scammer and SCOTUS lawyer Tom Goldstein getting in hassle for failing to pay poker taxes – you will need to keep in mind that the sport can be utilized for good.
Maybe the best instance of that’s the untold tens of millions raised through charity poker tournaments. There are high-profile charity tournaments like these hosted by the Charity Sequence of Poker (CSOP) and Jack Binion in Las Vegas, however all the world over there are occasions of all sizes for various causes.
Living proof, the Earl Holt–John Seaman Poker Match, which is getting into its seventeenth yr with an occasion on Saturday, March 29. The $125 buy-in event, which options re-buys and add-ons, is proscribed to 45 gamers, and it has already bought out – they stuffed all seats inside 5 days of sending out their Save the Date. Nevertheless, for these desirous to get in, there’s presently a ready listing!
“The event is held in reminiscence of Earl Holt and John Seaman, two beloved longtime residents of Ennis, Montana, and devoted supporters of Ennis Excessive Faculty,” Jerry Jacobs and event director Wanda Skinner instructed PokerNews. “They had been each keen about poker, and their passing—simply two weeks aside—was a profound loss to each the Ennis group and our poker household. To honor their reminiscence and their love for the sport, this event was created to convey individuals collectively, have a good time poker, and provides again to native college students.”
In 2024, the event contributed $15,050 in scholarships to 12 graduating seniors at Ennis Excessive Faculty, making an actual distinction of their futures. Gary Schild and Rod Clark chopped the highest two spots, Jill Pike completed third, and David Henderson took 4th place.
The event is held on the Silver Greenback Saloon, a traditional Montana saloon and on line casino that gives an genuine style of Montana heritage. With its historic attraction, it’s the right setting for a poker occasion that brings the group collectively whereas preserving the spirit of the sport.
“We’ve been lucky to have poker professionals Mikiyo Aoki, Nobu Aoki, and Jill Pike, all from Bozeman, Montana, attend the event,” mentioned Jacobs. “Their participation has helped elevate the occasion whereas conserving it a enjoyable and welcoming atmosphere for all.”
Aoki is a widely known poker grinder with practically $500,000 in event earnings in keeping with The Hendon Mob, which places her sixth on Montana’s all-time cash listing. That features a career-high $94,800 for ending runner-up within the 2014 World Sequence of Poker Women Championship.
For many who would possibly both need on the waitlist or to donate to the trigger, please contact Wanda Skinner at [email protected].
Montana’s All-Time Cash Checklist as of two/14/25
*Information courtesy of The Hendon Mob.
Chad Holloway
PR & Media Supervisor
