Bryan Emory Wins PokerStars Hurricane Irma Charity Event For $3,000

It was a time for the poker community in Florida to come together and support the charity efforts aimed at helping those affected by Hurricane Irma and with the help of PokerStars and the hosts at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino more than $55,000 was raised, Plantation pro Bryan Emory walking off with top honours in the charity poker tournament.

A host of poker stars turned up for the event, Jason Mercier among them – the high-roller himself having to evacuate along with 8-months pregnant wife Natasha when the destructive Hurricane Irma hit the Florida coast.

Now, in the aftermath of the horrendous natural disaster, thoughts have turned to helping those worst affected and the charity event was aimed at providing funds for Feeding South Florida, the leading domestic hunger relief organization in the area. Alongside the poker tournament there were a host of signed goodies up for grabs in the Seminole Hard Rock auction, a microphone from Jerry Seinfeld among them…

In the run-up to the event, Sue Hammett, head of corporate giving at The Stars Group, had said:

"We all witnessed the impact and destruction which swept across the Caribbean and Southern Florida and we hope our support of this event will help with the recovery process. Together, with Seminole Hard Rock, we’re proud to make a difference."

With PokerStars pledging to match any funds raised up to $100,000, the Seminole Hard Rock venue waived all rake and staff fees for the duration, Susan Renneisen, vice president of community affairs and special events at Seminole Hard Rock saying:

“It’s upsetting to see the damage that so many families have endured during this storm season. We encourage everyone in the community to help however they can. Every bit helps, and we are glad to be able to do our part."

With a $20,000 PokerStars Championship package, $15,000 in Seminole Hard Rock tournament entries, a Hard Rock Punta Cana getaway and more than $10,000 in cash up for grabs, it was a hard-fought affair – the likes of Mercier, Jeff Gross and chess/poker queen Jennifer Shahade all-in the mix.

For the Merciers it was wife Natasha who shone, eventually finishing 4th and tweeting…

In the end it was Bryan Emory – and the charity of course – who won, lifting $3,000 and the PokerStars Championship package to add to an excellent summer which saw him lift win over $160,000 at the World Series.

Once again it’s great to see the poker community coming together to help out in difficult times.

Final results: