Shropshire Dad Won Qualifier at RealDealPoker.com But No Match for Evander Holyfield in Live Poker Knock-out in Leicester Square Last Night

Evander Holyfield won the celebrity “Beat the Champ” poker tournament live at Poker in the Park last night. As always, preparation paid off and Evander ‘Real Deal’ Holyfield rose to the occasion to win the special tournament held last night at Poker in the Park in London’s Leicester Square.  Thousands of poker fans attending Europe’s largest poker festival watched the game between the five-time world heavy weight champion and the Midlands father who faced him on the felt.

“It’s like fighting,” Holyfield explained before the live tournament. “If you want to win you have to prepare so I’m preparing for this tournament just like I prepare for any challenge.”

Preparation paid off for Holyfield who has been an ambassador for RealDealPoker.com, the unique online poker site that sponsored the live celebrity tournament, since he discovered the difference real cards can make to online poker.

Leif G. ("GutShotRot") won his way to the live Poker in the Park tournament by winning a series of qualifying tournaments at RealDealPoker.com – the only online poker room to deal real cards rather than computer-generated cards.

“That was amazing,” said the Ludlow, Shropshire man after going heads up with Holyfield.  “He is one intimidating opponent, that’s for sure! What a thrill! I’ll never forget this!”

Last night’s prize pool of €2300 split was split 75/25 between the winner and runner up -- but GutShotRot returns to his local with full bragging rights.

Victory Poker's Switch to the Cake Poker Network Gives Players More Tournaments, Cash Games and Special Promotions

Victory Poker, an online poker room that made its debut in February, will move to the Cake Network on September 1st. The Cake Poker Network features bounty tournaments, special promotions, and the ability to highlight Victory pros’ names in green - allowing them to be tracked by players and fans.

"I'm truly excited about the next chapter for Victory Poker,” stated Victory Poker CEO Dan Fleyshman. "Being on Cake will give our players access to a multitude of tournaments, cash games, and special promotions. Cake will ensure our players get to enjoy 20k to 100k guaranteed tournaments every day, as well as the new and exciting ‘Gold Chips/Gold Cards’ rewards systems.”

Since its inception, Fleyshman has recruited a healthy mix of tournament veterans, online name makers, and young cash game specialists to represent the site. Team Victory players include Antonio Esfandiari, Andrew "Good2CU" Robl, Keith "The Machine" Gipson, PLO specialist Brian Rast, Dan "Blitz" Bilzerian, 2005 World Series of Poker Main Event runner-up Paul Wasicka, former World Poker Tour Player of the Year Jonathan “FieryJustice” Little, Lee Markholt, Danny "Chinese Poker Wizard" Wong, backgammon champion Sander Lylloff, heads-up specialist Alec “traheho” Torelli, Joel Nordkvist, Erik Backlund, virtual training coach David "The Maven" Chicotsky, Steven Weusten, James “Andy McLeod” Obst, and Adam Hourani. Retired FBI agent Joe Navarro and Mind Set Coach Sam Chauhan are signed as player consultants, with 2007 Playboy Playmate of the Year, Sara Underwood, completing the celebrity lineup.

The Cake Network is a leading online poker network specializing in providing innovative player rewards programs. Cake is licensed out of Curacao, Dutch Antilles and Malta, and accepts players on a worldwide basis.

Cake's Marketing Director Andrew Turner adds, "We are very excited to welcome Victory Poker to the Cake Network. Victory Poker is a great partner for us as they bring a strong brand with a diverse and eclectic group of players to the network.”