MMA Star Roy "Big Country" Nelson Takes Down Star-Studded Charity Poker Tournament

December 22, 2014

Chad Holloway PR & Media Manager

7th Annual All-In for Cerebral Palsy Celebrity Poker Tournament final table.

Last week, Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel & Casino played host to the 7th Annual All-In for Cerebral Palsy Celebrity Poker Tournament by One Step Closer Foundation. The event, which was hosted by 2006 World Series of Poker Main Event champ Jamie Gold, raised more than $50,000 for charity and saw MMA star Roy “Big Country Nelson emerge victorious to take down a $10,000 first-place prize.

More than 80 players participated in the tournament including rap star Coolio; baseball legend Jose Canseco; actor Erik Aude; Curb Your Enthusiasm’s Cheryl Hines; baseball player Reid Brignac; former Playmates Lauren Anderson and Sara Jean Underwood; and actress Jennifer Tilly, who of course is also an accomplished poker player.

Representing poker pros were players like 2009 WSOP Main Event champ Joe Cada; consummate high roller Cary Katz; grinder Noah Schwartz; Phil “The Unabomber” Laak; and WSOP bracelet winner Robert Mizrachi. In fact, Nelson had to take on the latter two at the final table, though it ultimately came down to him and poker fan Greg Feldman of Fishers, Indiana. Of course “Big County” won by knocking out Feldman.

“We would be remiss not to thank all the wonderful people at Bally's Poker Room. Jake and Chris, you were amazing,” One Step Closer Foundation said after the event. “And we want to thank Montel Williams for all of his help and support along the way. We want to thank Bally's and Planet Hollywood for being such wonderful hosts to our guests and Robert Earl for making it all happen.”

Noted poker photographer Eric Harkins was on hand to snap some photos of the event and red carpet. Here’s a sampling the One Step Closer Foundation posted to Facebook: