Shannon Elizabeth Wins Nicky Hilton's Poker Tourney at Caesars

LAS VEGAS - As reported by Poker777 and the Poker Prof: Outlasting all the top name pros and watching the celebrities and walk-ons fall aside, Shannon left little doubt she was the champion when she
Shannon Elizabeth came in 150th in the $2,000 No-Limit Hold'em Tournament at the WSOP 2007.  won the first ever Nicky Hilton Caesars Palace New Years Eve poker tournament. No stranger to major poker tournament play, Shannon had entered the Rio's 2005 WSOP including the main event, where she lasted past the brutal first day. Shannon is a native Texan, born in Houston, an area that has produced many accomplished actors and even more accomplished gamblers...especially high-dollar poker players, so it comes as no surprise she can play.

The tournament was hosted by Nicky Hilton, the less visible of the Hilton “celebutantes,” and her boyfriend, actor Kevin Connolly.  The event helped break in the new poker room at Caesars Palace on New Year's Eve.

The affair didn't attract much of a Hollywood presence, interestingly enough. As far as professional poker clout is concerned, however, a significant delegation was present. Big names included Mike Matusow, winner of the 2005 WSOP Tournament of Champions, 2004 WSOP main event runner-up David Williams, back-to-back WSOP bracelet-winner Scott Fischman, pro poker spouses Chip and Karina Jett, Joe Awada, Antonio "The Magician" Esfandiari, Evelyn Ng, Cyndy Violette, John Phan, as well as celebrity poker couple Jennifer Tilly and boyfriend Phil “Unabomber” Laak. All in all, 92 players entered the tournament. Although she didn't win the tournament, the Hilton heiress reportedly put up a good fight, lasting over two hours into the competition, and making it further than some of the pros.

This is not Ms. Hilton's first foray into the gritty yet glamorous world of poker. Hilton is a regular at celebrity poker shindigs. Readers may recall Hilton's crash-and-burn Vegas nuptials, circa 2004. Nicky and sister Paris were actually in Las Vegas that weekend for a celebrity poker tournament hosted by “Stuff” magazine. Hilton and Connolly were also in attendance at Doyle Brunson's recent player appreciation party, joining Leonardo DiCaprio, Charles Oakley and others.