World Poker Exchange Announces Star Poker Player Power Heading to London Open $2 Million Tournament

World Poker Exchange Announces Star Poker Player Power Heading to London Open $2 Million Tournament

- Willie Garson, Nicholas Gonzalez, Richard Kind and Mimi Rogers To Join Poker Pros in London This August to Vie for $2 Million Jackpot -

ANTIGUA and LOS ANGELES, June 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The World Poker Exchange announced today the first round of celebrity poker enthusiasts, including Willie Garson ("Sex and the City") Nicholas Gonzalez ("The O.C.,") Richard Kind (Bewitched, "Spin City") and Mimi Rogers (Stone Cold), who will be among the international celebrities of film, television, music and sports, as well as pro poker players gathering at The Old Billingsgate Market to vie for a $2 million prize at the World Poker Exchange London Open, the first ever lifestyle poker tournament (www.LondonOpen2005.com).

Willie Garson, who has appeared in approximately 40 television series, is best known for his role as "Stanford Blatch" in HBO's long-running series, "Sex and the City." His acting credits include performances in Fever Pitch with Drew Barrymore, "CSI Miami," and "Monk." A regular at the tables, Garson has made numerous appearances on "Celebrity Blackjack" as well as "Celebrity Poker Showdown," where he plays for his charity, La Casa de las Madres.

Nicholas Gonzalez represents young Hollywood to a tee. America has seen him play Mischa Barton's love interest on "The O.C." Gonzalez has also appeared on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," "That '70s Show," and "Walker Texas Ranger." This year he played in "Celebrity Poker Showdown" for his charity, Friends of El Faro.

Richard Kind from "Mad About You" and "Spin City" fame has also appeared on such television shows as "Just Shoot Me," with David Spade, "Kim Possible," and "Curb Your Enthusiasm." He is also known for his voice over work on animated series and movies such as "Father of the Pride," and Bug's Life. As a poker fan and player, he's also graced the green tables on "Celebrity Poker Showdown."

Actress and poker enthusiast Mimi Rogers has recently appeared in films such as Stone Cold, Dancing in Twilight and The Door in the Floor. She's also credited with starring roles in Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery and "The X Files." Her appearance on "Celebrity Poker Showdown" brought down the house with her coy card-playing for The Dream Foundation.

"The London Open is going to be an 'all in' experience unparallel by any other poker tournament. Our first round of celebrity poker enthusiasts, who are each accomplished players in their own right, are expected to show their best poker faces as they go against poker pros who will also be coming to London in pursuit of the $2 million winner take all prize," commented World Poker Exchange Managing Director Haden Ware.

"The World Poker Exchange will elevate both players' and viewers' expectations about what world class tournament provides and will literally raise the bar on gaming events," explains Ware.

The high stakes gaming event to be staged in London on the banks of the River Thames features a $2 million guaranteed prize pool and distinctive cultural, entertainment and dining experiences. A pinnacle of the four-day style-heavy event will be a private concert, a separate charity tournament and VIP Reception featuring South London-based funky pop act Dirty Vegas, international chanteuse and "Queen of the Nightclub" Grace Jones, and celebrity club and party DJ Guy Preston.

The London Open will be broadcast as a Bravo primetime TV special "World Poker Exchange London Open." Off-camera, the competitors will enjoy high-stakes fun as they partake in the private concert & VIP Reception, exclusive tours of Kensington Palace, gain backstage access to the hit show The Producers, and enjoy the most lavish of culinary experiences in London's finest restaurants.

On-line qualifying satellite tournaments have already begun exclusively at www.worldpx.com, with entry levels as small as $1.

About World Poker Exchange

The World Poker Exchange (www.worldpx.com) is a licensed and regulated multi-player internet poker room that has served the online community since the outset of online poker play. Based in Antigua and established in spring 2001, World Poker Exchange is one of the world's fastest growing online poker sites.

Source: World Poker Exchange

CONTACT: Susan Yin, +1-310-854-8145, syin@rogersandcowan.com, or Sallie Olmsted, +1-310-854-8124, solmsted@rogersandcowan.com, both of Rogers & Cowan, for World Poker Exchange

Web site: http://www.worldpx.com/ http://www.londonopen2005.com/

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