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Ultimate Poker Challenge Begins Third Season Taping

Top rated weekly televised poker show, The Ultimate Poker Challenge, has begun taping shows for its third season at Binion's Gambling Hall and Casino in Las Vegas.

"This has been the best season of The Ultimate Poker Challenge. Binion's Casino has done everything possible to make us completely comfortable," said Rita Hawn, UPC'S Production Manager.

"The UPC offers a truly unique opportunity for unknown poker players to come to Binion's and play on TV," said Chad Brown, Ultimate Poker Challenge host.

"A lot of our players show up every week and a few of them make the final table on a regular basis."

The show could very well be producing some of poker's next rising stars. Some of those who stand out from the pack are Richard Berkey, Mike "The Milk Man" Melikian and Steven Weitz. All 3 have made the televised final table thrice.

The Ulitmate Poker Challenge also has its share of comic relief, explains co-host Kenna James. "A lot of our players are local to Las Vegas. There's one guy, Richard "Ritchie Rich" Jobbins, who is absolutely outrageous. He is so superstitious that if he's moved to a new table during a poker tournament, he has to take his original chair with him. If he's winning in a 2 or more day tourney, he won't change his clothes."

Chad Brown adds, "Not that we don't get our share of poker celebrities. Connie Kim, Richard Brodie, Pamela Brunson and Scott Fischman - they've all played this season."

The Ultimate Poker Challenge tournaments take place every Saturday, Sunday and Monday at Binion's Gambling Hall and Casino.

12/17/2006, Sunday
Todd Sanders

Ultimate Poker Challenge Begins Third Season Taping

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