On February 15, all eyes in the poker world will be firmly fixed on the Henry Fonda Music Box Theatre in Los Angeles. The inaugural Player of the Year Awards, sponsored by Card Player Magazine and Bodog, has already generated keen interest amongst industry insiders and the poker-loving public.
Hosted by Brad Garrett from popular U.S. sitcom ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’, the event will feature poker professionals and Hollywood celebrities nominated for a range of coveted prizes. Card Player Magazine’s ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ and ‘2005 Poker Player of the Year Award’ are among the major titles up for grabs. Further awards for best no-limit player, most entertaining player and poker’s top ambassador amongst others will also be given.
The winner of the prestigious 2005 Player of the Year Award comes as no surprise to poker fans. Men Nguyen’s $973,620 in winnings from 16 final tables left his competitors trailing in his wake. Hollywood’s Jennifer Tilly and Tobey McGuire are among the nominees for best celebrity player, while finalists for the favorite poker player award include Chris Ferguson, Mike Matusow and Phil Ivey.
The winners of two Card Player’s People’s Choice Awards will also be revealed. Results from online voting at Card Player’s website for best celebrity poker player and favorite overall poker player have been tallied, with the final nominees revealed on the night.
Card Player’s media chairman Barry Shulman has enthusiastically endorsed the event. “For the first time, the poker world will get what it deserves: a first-class awards banquet to honor all the professionals who have helped grow this industry into a mainstream sport,” he stated.
While the new event is expected to attract thousands of poker fans, Card Player Media, owner of Card Player Magazine, is no stranger to the poker industry. Established 18 years ago, the media firm produces three prominent poker publications and runs a popular internet portal providing poker fans with extensive information on the poker industry as well as chat, blog and email facilities. A newsletter currently circulated to over 350,000 members worldwide is available each fortnight.

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