GREG MADDUX, JIM MCMAHON, AJ COLE AND MORE TO ATTEND BALLER DREAM CELEBRITY POKER TOURNAMENT AT CIRCA RESORT & CASINO, JUNE 7 & 8
Las Vegas Charity Poker Event and Gala to Raise Necessary Funds for Young Warriors Affected by Cancer
Baller Dream Foundation and baseball legend Greg Maddux are returning to Circa Resort & Casino in downtown Las Vegas for the third annual Baller Dream Celebrity Poker Tournament, June 7-8. This year, celebrities such as Jim McMahon, AJ Cole, Daniel Carlson, Wally Joyner, Rollie Fingers, Dalton Wagner, Fred McGriff and Steve Avery will join Maddux for a weekend featuring a $75,000 prize pool poker tournament and game show gala dinner.
“Last year, we raised more than $500,000 for Baller Dream Foundation, which made a tremendous impact on helping those facing cancer and its inevitable hardships,” said Maddux. “It’s inspiring to see the community and these celebrities rally around such a meaningful cause. We’re proud to continue building on that momentum and making a difference in year three.”
The tournament will include the following celebrities, with additional names to be announced in the coming weeks:
- Greg Maddux, legendary pitcher
- Jim McMahon, big game winning football quarterback
- Dalton Wagner, offensive tackle on Las Vegas
- Fred McGriff, former slugger with over 490 career home runs
- Steve Avery, former pitcher and world champion
- Wally Joyner, all-star with a 16-year baseball career
- AJ Cole, Las Vegas punter and team captain for Celebrity Feud
- Rollie Fingers, baseball hall of fame pitcher and MVP in world championship
The 2025 Baller Dream Celebrity Poker Tournament aims to generate vital funds to create unforgettable experiences and offer financial assistance to pediatric and young adult “Ballers.” The 2025 event will include a gala game show dinner, silent auction and paddle-raise on Saturday, June 7. Then on June 8, the Baller Dream Celebrity Poker Tournament will take over Circa’s 60th floor cocktail lounge, Legacy Club.
Derek Stevens, CEO of Circa Resort & Casino, said, “This is Circa’s third year of hosting the Baller Dream Celebrity Poker Tournament and each year is better than the next. Seeing the impact that these celebrities have on the lives of young warriors and their families is incredibly meaningful, and we’re proud to be part of something that brings tremendous hope and healing.”
Weekend Events
The weekend will include the following events:
- VIP Gala and Game Show Dinner – Saturday, June 7: The tournament weekend will kick off with a VIP dinner in Circa’s Galaxy ballroom. The dinner will feature a celebrity game show element where guests can watch two teams go head-to-head to answer survey questions; enjoy a plated dinner and open bar; participate in a silent auction featuring over 100 unforgettable prizes; and a paddle-raise, where attendees are invited to “raise their paddle” to pledge donations and earn additional chips prior to Sunday’s tournament.
- Main Event Celebrity Poker Tournament at Legacy Club – Sunday, June 8: The Baller Dream Celebrity Poker Tournament will take place on Sunday, June 8 at Circa’s rooftop cocktail lounge, Legacy Club. The tournament will feature a cocktail reception with breathtaking wraparound views of the Las Vegas skyline.
The tournament will have players competing for a chance to win a $50,000 first place prize and be a part of a $75,000 pool. The tournament is limited to 100 players, with celebrities seated at each table. Rounds are 10 minutes in length and cash prizes are given to the top three winners. All net proceeds raised from this event will stay local to Las Vegas and help Baller Dream Foundation provide community programming where cancer warriors feel supported and celebrated. Funds raised also will provide financial support to families experiencing a cancer diagnosis. Celebrities will be announced in the coming weeks.
Single Day Tickets & Packages
A variety of packages and single day ticket options are available for guests looking to either play in the tournament or just watch.
Sponsorship levels include:
- Hall of Fame: The exclusive presenting sponsor goes for $75,000 and includes poker tournament access for six players, buy-in included; suite accommodations for all six players for two nights; VIP 16-seat celebrity table at Saturday’s dinner; and a print and digital marketing package.
- World Series: The $50,000 package includes poker tournament access for six players, buy-in included; suite accommodations for all six players for two nights; VIP 8-seat celebrity table at Saturday’s dinner; and a print and digital marketing package.
- Championship: For $30,000, this level entails poker tournament access for four players, buy-in included; standard room accommodations for all four players for two nights; VIP 8-seat celebrity table at Saturday’s dinner; and a print and digital marketing package.
- Major League: The $15,000 deal provides poker tournament access for two players, buy-in included; standard room accommodations for two players for two nights; VIP four-seat celebrity table at Saturday’s dinner; and a print and digital marketing package.
Single day pricing includes:
- Single Day Ticket to the Gala Dinner on June 7:
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- $15,000 – VIP Celebrity Table at Dinner for Eight Guests
- $10,000 – Table at Dinner for Ten Guests
- $1,500 – Dinner Access for Two Guests
- $1,000 – Single Ticket
- Single Day Ticket to the Baller Dream Celebrity Poker Tournament on June 8:
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- $3,000 – Single Player Tournament Access with 10,000 Chip Buy-In Included
- $500 – One Spectator Ticket
- $500 – 5,000 Extra Chips
- Packages
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- $5,000 – Weekend Away Package featuring one poker seat with a spectator pass, two seats at Gala Dinner and hotel accommodations for Saturday and Sunday night.
- $3,500 – Local’s Package featuring one poker seat with a spectator pass and two seats at Gala Dinner.
Rebuys during the first hour of tournament play will be available up to $2,500. A total of $5,000 in rebuys is available to each player. $500 is equitable to a $5,000 tax deductible donation.
To reserve seats and inquire about sponsorship packages, click here. Custom packages are also available and can be reserved by contacting [email protected].
About Circa Resort & Casino
Get ready for the time of your life at Circa Resort & Casino, an adults-only casino-resort concept in the heart of downtown Las Vegas. The AAA Four Diamond Circa pays homage to Vegas’ Golden Era through vintage design, old-school hospitality and nods to the city’s history while introducing high-tech advancements and innovative amenities. The resort features upscale rooms and suites; the world’s largest sportsbook; Stadium Swim, a year-round pool aqua theater; a two-story casino; Garage Mahal, a high-tech transportation hub; the luxe Legacy Club rooftop lounge; an expansive local art collection; 35,000 sq. ft of meetings and conventions space and more. Guests can indulge at original restaurant concepts including premium steaks and seafood at Barry’s Downtown Prime from Chef Barry S. Dakake and Make It Happen Hospitality; Pan-Asian fare at 8 East from Chef Dan Coughlin; deli classics at Saginaw’s Delicatessen from restaurateur Paul Saginaw; authentic Carolina barbecue at Project BBQ; and all-star menus at Victory Burger & Wings Co. from the founding family of American Coney Island. Visit circalasvegas.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @circalasvegas to stay up to date.
About Baller Dream Foundation
Baller Dream Foundation supports pediatric and young adult cancer warriors, ages 0-29, through treatment, remission, and beyond. Baller Dream Foundation provides emotional and financial support through four primary programs. Dream Gifts & Experiences- they provide once-in-a-lifetime trips, celebrity and sports experiences, major gifts and more to our cancer warriors. In-Hospital Programming- from crafts & activities with in-patient Ballers to stocking the hospital’s birthday supplies or providing highly requested items to help make their days in treatment a little brighter. Financial Assistance- offering everything from gas and grocery cards, to rental support and stop-gap bill payment to help our families keep the lights on (literally!). Community Events- BDF provides fun events that are free for our Ballers and their families, giving them the chance to connect with others who understand the difficulties they are facing.