The Celebrity Poker Tour (CPT) is set to launch its eagerly anticipated second season tonight with Game Night V, a high-stakes $10,000 winner-take-all Sit n’ Go event. The inaugural season of CPT, which ran from 2023 through 2024, witnessed remarkable performances by both seasoned poker players and celebrities alike. Among the notable achievements was the dominance of female participants, who claimed two-thirds of the tournament victories. The first season culminated in Maria Ho's historic win, making her the tour’s first two-time champion. As the second season begins, fans can tune in via multiple platforms including YouTube, X, Facebook, Twitch, and various streaming services.
Game Night V will feature an eclectic mix of personalities such as Shane Victorino, Waka Flocka Flame, Frazier Kay, Ethan & Hila Klein, Trent “BookItWithTrent” Attiyah, Bryce Hall, Jorge Masvidal, Mackenzie Dern, and Tana Mongeau. This lineup underscores the diverse appeal of the CPT, blending entertainment with competitive poker. The event will be streamed live, providing viewers with an inside look at the thrilling world of celebrity poker.
The first season of CPT showcased several memorable moments. One of the most significant highlights was the victory of chess grandmaster Qiyu “Nemo” Zhou in the inaugural CPT Invitational on August 27, 2023. Zhou, known for her strategic prowess, secured the top prize of $20,000. Her success was followed by Princess Love's triumph in the CPT Invitational II on February 9, 2024, where she emerged victorious against a field that included NFL players and other notable figures. Love's win marked her first career victory in a major poker event.
Another standout moment came during the CPT Invitational III on May 4, 2024, when Katie Thurston, a former contestant from "The Bachelorette," won the $20,000 top prize. Thurston's victory solidified the trend of female dominance in the CPT tournaments. Later in the year, on August 31, 2024, Vegas Matt, a high-stakes slot icon, clinched the top spot in the CPT Invitational IV, defeating a formidable field that included chess grandmaster Qiyu “Nemo” Zhou. Despite not cashing, Haliey Welch, known as the “Hawk Tuah Girl,” garnered significant attention for her engaging presence at the table.
The first season concluded on November 20, 2024, with Maria Ho claiming the 2024 CPT Championship title and a $50,000 prize. Ho's victory was particularly noteworthy as it made her the first person to win two CPT titles. She praised the camaraderie among the participants and emphasized the fun and inclusive atmosphere of the CPT events. The season also featured a series of Game Nights, which were single-table events that added variety to the tournament format. These events saw wins by Maria Ho, Alexander “Wolfgang Poker” Seibt, Bryce Hall, and Lena Ayad.
As the CPT embarks on its second season, the excitement is palpable. The tour has already established itself as a platform that brings together celebrities and poker enthusiasts in a unique and entertaining way. With a proven track record of delivering thrilling moments and unexpected outcomes, the CPT promises to deliver more unforgettable experiences in the coming months. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for what promises to be another stellar season filled with surprises and spectacular play.