James Woods says, “deal me in.” The renowned actor and three-time Emmy winner will participate in “Poker Night in America’s” upcoming high-stakes cash game, taking place at the Golden Nugget in Atlantic City, January 16-19.
Woods, who is best known for his memorable film roles in The Onion Field, Once Upon a Time in America, Salvador, Nixon, Ghosts of Mississippi, Hercules, as well as the television series Shark, is a two-time Academy Award nominee. When he’s not working in front of the cameras, Woods can often be found playing poker in his spare time, one of his fondest passions. Given his strong political views, including a recent spat with Rev. Al Sharpton which made national headlines, Woods is sure to deliver another performance that’s well worth watching.
Woods will be joined by one of America’s most respected movie critics, Richard Roeper, who is making his second appearance on “Poker Night in America.” Roeper played previously in last year’s cash game filmed at Turning Stone in upstate New York. Roeper will join Woods in a film retrospective remembering the most famous poker scenes in movies, which will also be filmed in Atlantic City.
Yet another celebrity will join the game, as well. Craig Carton, one-half of the nationally syndicated “Boomer and Carton in the Morning” show (with Boomer Esiason) daily on WFAN Radio and the CBS Sports Network (TV), will be making his first appearance in poker’s only regularly televised cash game.
CORRECTION AND UPDATE: Carton is a total piece of shit. He appeared, and was so angry and unmanageable, he did not play. A wreck of a man with some real fucking issues.
In addition to James Woods, Richard Roeper, and Craig Carton, other notable players coming to Atlantic City’s Golden Nugget include the following:
Linda Kenney Baden — making her second appearance on the show after racking up a big win last year at the Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh. Kenney Baden, from New York City, is one of the country’s foremost criminal defense attorneys (she defended record-producing legend Phil Spector in his murder trial). She was portrayed in a movie about the trial by actress Helen Mirren.
Dan Shak — coming onto the show for the first time. Shak, a former hedge-fund manager, has nearly $7 million in live tournament career earnings and is one of the most popular players in the game today.
Jamie Kerstetter — playing for the second time, after participating in “Poker Night in America’s” first-ever “Ladies Night,” filmed recently at the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood/Ft. Lauderdale. Kerstetter, who earned her law degree at the University of Michigan and currently resides in northern New Jersey, has worked her way to becoming one of the most closely-watched up-and-coming players on the tournament poker circuit.
Wendeen Eolis — is a poker legend in her own right, with nearly four decades of experience on the green felt. Well known for her important legal work and intense dedication to various causes (she was instrumental in the fight to making poker rooms smoke-free), Eolis was the first woman ever to cash in the World Series of Poker Main Event Championship, in 1987. She’s the most politically-connected of the group, having worked with and for several major officeholders — including Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Gov. George Pataki. This marks her first time on the show.
Katie Stone — one of poker’s most passionate advocates, will be appearing on the show for the first time. She’s the creator of the “Grindettes,” a group of women who are breaking down old boundaries, which has inspired even more women to play the game. Stone is a professional player in her own right, having developed her skills online. She even moved to Mexico for a time, where she could continue to play legally, in order to pursue her passion.
Steven McLoughlin — will be coming onto the show for the second time, following a memorable appearance in Season 1 at the Reno Peppermill, where he was undoubtedly one of the stars. McLoughlin, known within poker circles for his nickname, “TT,” is one of the game’s most respected behind-the-scenes movers and shakers. He was previously the marketing director for the poker website 2+2, and for the past three years has been leading the charge for Poker Tracker software, which has revolutionized the online game.
Matt Stout — always entertaining, engaging while at the table, and talkative, the player with the nickname “All in at 420” will be making his first showing on the program. Stout, who grew up in Bayonne, NJ has been lighting up the felt for nearly ten years. He’s earned more than $1 million in WSOP-related events alone.
Other noted poker players who are making repeated visits to the “Poker Night in America” set include — Matt Glantz, Jared Jaffee, Travell Thomas, Mike Dentale, Ken “Teach” Aldridge, and others.
888 poker, which is “Poker Night in America’s” official sponsor will also provide an opportunity for someone new to be on television. Sponsored pro-Jessica Dawley (making her third showing on the program) will be joined by a newcomer, likely to be a player from New Jersey. The popular poker website now operating in New Jersey will be qualifying one player who will earn his or her way into the big game via online qualification.
“Poker Night in America” is now entering its second season on the CBS Sports Network. The upcoming attraction is part of a new tournament extravaganza, called “The Grand Poker Series.” Daily and nightly events will run Jan. 10-19. The championship event, a $1,000 (+125) buy-in No-Limit Hold’em tournament takes place Jan. 16-19. There will be four starting flights, with a re-entry option. Flights A and B take place on Friday, Jan. 16. Flights C and D take place Saturday, Jan. 17. The full schedule can be viewed here: THE GRAND POKER SERIES AT THE GOLDEN NUGGET ATLANTIC CITY
Cash game filming takes place at the Golden Nugget over two full days, Saturday-Sunday Jan. 17-18. Spectators are welcome and may come and watch the action. The cash games will also be streamed live (30-minute delay). In addition, the tournament championship final table (starting six-handed) will also be shown in its entirety, which can be seen at: www.pokernight.com