Unlimited re-entries have long sparked debate in the poker world. Critics argue they favor bigger bankrolls, while supporters point to juicier prize pools. But at a Las Vegas charity tournament last weekend, there were no complaints—only applause—as one generous player unloaded more than a dozen bullets for a very good cause.
The occasion was the Charity Series of Poker (CSOP) “Hearts in the Crease” event, benefiting the Vegas Golden Chariots Special Hockey team, the only organization of its kind in Nevada.
“It’s for the Kids!”
A familiar face on the CSOP circuit took his seat at the start of the tournament and immediately made his strategy clear. Nearly every hand, he moved all in—often without even glancing at his cards. Just as consistently, he found himself heading to the rail.
But instead of walking away, he simply reached for his wallet.
Time after time, he purchased re-buys—frequently opting for two starting stacks at once—and jumped straight back into the action. With a wide smile, he repeated the same phrase throughout the afternoon: “It’s for the kids!”
By the first scheduled break, he had racked up 32 re-buys at $100 apiece, earning himself the tongue-in-cheek “Most Re-Buys” award for the second time in a month. Though he managed a brief double-up after returning from break, his charitable blitz eventually came to an end well before the tournament reached the money, reserved for the top ten finishers.
A Ripple Effect at the Table
While the deep-pocketed donor didn’t cash, his tablemates certainly benefited. Tyler Patterson, Jeff Platt, and PokerNews’ Connor Richards were among those who built sizable stacks early, momentum that ultimately carried all three players to the final table.
The event, hosted at Via Brasil Steakhouse and emceed by poker commentator Joe Stapleton, drew a lively crowd that included James Hartigan, 2013 WSOP Main Event champion Ryan Riess, Esther Taylor, Chad Holloway, Adam Peiken, and Cheyenne Ivey, sister of poker legend Phil Ivey.
A Slow Roll to Remember
The final table featured a mix of seasoned pros and media personalities, including DJ MacKinnon and two-time WSOP bracelet winner Tyler Patterson. In one of the night’s most talked-about hands, Patterson fell victim to a brutal slow roll delivered by his wife, Carolyn Patterson. Holding pocket aces, she let the suspense linger before calling off her husband’s shove from the big blind—sending him to the rail in dramatic fashion.
When the dust settled, Carolyn Patterson, Jeff Platt, and Connor Richards outlasted the remaining competition to secure the top prizes: three Margaritaville at Sea cruise packages. Although Platt held the chip lead three-handed, the trio agreed to flip for the trophy. Richards sealed the deal in style, spiking a runner-runner full house to capture his first CSOP title.
Poker With a Purpose
While one player’s all-in spree didn’t translate into a payout, it made a meaningful impact where it mattered most. The Vegas Golden Chariots Special Hockey team—close to the heart of CSOP founder and poker pro Matt Stout—benefited directly from the generous contributions.
Up next on the CSOP calendar is the CSOP Awards Dinner on Feb. 24 at Via Brasil Steakhouse, followed by the “Raise the Stakes for Rescue” event on March 21 at The Stirling Club, supporting Hearts Alive Village.
