Ryan Riess Headlines Las Vegas Charity Poker Tournament
A Las Vegas charity poker tournament this weekend pairs WSOP champion Ryan Riess with players for a cause, PokerNews and KSNV report.
A charity poker tournament in Las Vegas this weekend features 2013 WSOP Main Event champion Ryan Riess as a guest bounty. PokerNews reports the event benefits the Junior League of Las Vegas, while KSNV says the group is inviting the public to join. The tournament runs Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Via Brasil Steakhouse.
- Ryan Riess took down the 2013 WSOP Main Event, banking $8.4 million.
- The event takes place Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Via Brasil Steakhouse in Las Vegas.
- Tournament action starts at 7 p.m. local time following an earlier poker lesson and dinner.
- Players are competing for a prize pool built from cash and donated items worth $15,000 combined.
- Buy-in is $300 for tournament entry and dinner; rebuys and add-ons cost $100.
What is this charity poker tournament in Las Vegas?
A charity poker tournament called 'Every Hand Makes a Difference' takes place this weekend in Las Vegas. PokerNews reports the event is run by the Charity Series of Poker, known as CSOP, which just wrapped its biggest event of the year.
The tournament raises money for the Junior League of Las Vegas. KSNV reports the group welcomes anyone to attend, and the organization focuses its fundraising on programs that help women and children throughout the state.
CSOP events have built a reputation for mixing recognizable names with charity fundraising. This weekend's gathering follows that same playbook, blending a dinner, an open bar, and tournament poker under one roof.
Why is Ryan Riess playing at this event?
Ryan Riess serves as one of the weekend's guest bounties. He claimed the WSOP Main Event title back in 2013, walking away with a payday of $8.4 million, and PokerNews notes he remains a frequent face at CSOP gatherings.
Riess also turned up as a bounty at last week's 'Viva St. Jude' charity event, held at Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa. That appearance came just days before this weekend's tournament, showing how active he stays on the charity circuit.
Other bounties this weekend include actresses Katie Morgan and Rebel Lynn, Miss Nevada 2026 Mariah Larronde, artist Sean Keith, and glass-blowing performer Robert 'Drakken' Raymond. A local injury attorney, Glen Howard, rounds out the bounty list, according to PokerNews.
What happens on tournament day?
The night opens with a session teaching newer players the basics of poker, starting around 4:30 p.m. local time, PokerNews reports. Doors open half an hour later, with the open bar beginning shortly after that.
Dinner is part of the package too, with an all-you-can-eat steak spread served ahead of the cards. Tournament play then gets underway at 7 p.m.
The field will be chasing a combined pool of prizes split between cash and donated items, adding up to $15,000 in total value. Entry runs $300 for the tournament and dinner, while players can add rebuys or add-ons for $100 each.
Who else has shown up at recent CSOP events?
Last week's Viva St. Jude event drew a well-known mix of poker personalities, PokerNews reports. Among them were a player who has claimed four WSOP bracelets and a popular poker content creator, both regulars on the charity scene.
Poker commentator Joe Stapleton handled hosting duties that night, keeping the crowd engaged between hands. The turnout reflects how these charity series events have grown beyond simple poker nights into bigger social gatherings.
The pattern shows CSOP events regularly combine known poker names with entertainment and fundraising. Players curious about similar formats elsewhere can check listings through local poker rooms or charity series websites.
What it means for players
Charity poker tournaments like this one give everyday players a shot at a table with a WSOP champion while supporting a cause. The format usually combines a reasonable buy-in with dinner, drinks, and a shorter structure than a typical tournament. Anyone curious about how these bounty-style events run can brush up on basic strategy first, since the pace moves quickly and the fields often mix casual and serious players looking for a fun night more than a deep run.
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Frequently asked
When is the charity poker tournament with Ryan Riess?
The event takes place Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Via Brasil Steakhouse in Las Vegas. Tournament play starts at 7 p.m. local time after dinner and an open bar.
What charity does the tournament support?
Proceeds go to the Junior League of Las Vegas, a nonprofit focused on helping women and children across the state. Both PokerNews and KSNV confirm the group as this weekend's beneficiary.
How much does it cost to play?
Entry is $300, which includes the tournament and dinner. Rebuys and add-ons cost $100 each, according to PokerNews.
Who else is playing besides Ryan Riess?
Guest bounties include actresses Katie Morgan and Rebel Lynn, Miss Nevada 2026 Mariah Larronde, artist Sean Keith, and performer Robert 'Drakken' Raymond, per PokerNews.