In 2024, the world of poker witnessed an unprecedented resurgence of celebrity involvement, marking a significant shift in the game's landscape. The Celebrity Poker Tour (CPT), founded by Blake Wynn, emerged as a groundbreaking platform that brought together a diverse array of personalities from various fields. From traditional sports stars and comedians to modern-day internet influencers, CPT has redefined how celebrities engage with poker. This new era of celebrity poker not only attracted massive viewership but also introduced fresh talent and excitement to the game. With Season 2 already underway, the future looks bright for this innovative tour.
The history of celebrities in poker dates back to the early days of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) when figures like Gabe Kaplan and Chill Willis made their mark. During the mid-2000s "Poker Boom," celebrities such as Jason Alexander, Kevin Pollak, and Jennifer Tilly became regular faces at poker tables. However, the poker landscape changed dramatically after the events of Black Friday in 2011, leading to a decline in televised poker shows. Despite sporadic appearances on ESPN's WSOP broadcasts, celebrities were no longer a central part of the game. That is, until 2024, when CPT revitalized the scene.
Blake Wynn, the 25-year-old CEO behind CPT, identified a unique opportunity to bring celebrities together in a competitive yet entertaining environment. The idea was born during informal poker games at his home, where he hosted a mix of athletes, entertainers, and influencers. These sessions were so engaging that Wynn realized filming them could create compelling content. The first event, the Enclave Celebrity Invitational in August 2023, proved to be a hit, leading to the official launch of CPT in February 2024. Over the course of its inaugural season, CPT hosted eight events featuring a wide range of personalities, including Arden Cho, Michael Ian Black, and Rob Gronkowski.
The success of CPT can be attributed to its ability to create a melting pot of diverse participants. Athletes, comedians, senators, and influencers all sat at the same table, resulting in unexpected conflicts and dramatic moments. The unpredictability of poker combined with the star power of the participants made for must-watch television. Viewers were not only entertained by the gameplay but also engaged through interactive platforms like the Fliff app, where they could place bets on outcomes. Even tech mogul Elon Musk tuned into multiple events, showcasing the broad appeal of CPT.
Season 1 saw several breakout stars, notably women who claimed five out of eight event victories. This outcome inadvertently attracted a predominantly female audience, signaling a positive shift for the future of poker. Figures like Tana Mongeau, Bryce Hall, and Aljamain Sterling also gained popularity through their consistent performances. While most participants were newcomers to the poker world, a few seasoned players like Maria Ho and Wolfgang added depth to the competition.
Looking ahead to 2025, CPT promises an even more exciting season. In response to fan demand for more content, Wynn and his team plan to expand their offerings across social media and YouTube. A new Summer Invitational event will coincide with the NBA Summer League, ensuring a strong presence of basketball stars. Additionally, over 100 new celebrities will join the tour, including emerging social media sensations. As CPT continues to evolve, it sets the stage for a thrilling year of poker entertainment.