2006 POKER PLAYER AWARDS

February 21, 2006

Even Men "The Master" Nguyen was surprised at the size and glamorous scale of the Bodog-produced Card Player, Player of the Year Awards Gala on Wednesday in Old Hollywood, Calif.

The winner of the Player of Year Award - with $973,620 in total earnings for 2005 and 16 final tables to his credit - Nguyen likened the event to the Academy Awards for poker.

"I was kind of shocked that they made this so big," Nguyen told Scott Huff of Card Player outside the Music Box Theater, even admitting he was a little nervous with all the press buzzing around the red carpet.

Nguyen arrived with a contingent of 10 family members and during his acceptance speech spoke about the growth of poker and his love for the game. He went on to highlight the charity poker games he’s helped organize and explained how the funds have benefited the less fortunate. Finally, he thanked the United States, his adopted nation.

“This country made me a poker champion,” he told the audience. “It made my dream come true.”

Master of ceremonies Brad Garrett of “Everybody Loves Raymond” delivered a steady stream of laughter as the award recipients were announced, much to the appreciation of the celebrity-laden audience. Notable stars in attendance included Rob Mariano and Amber Brkich (“Survivor”), Christopher Masterson (“Malcolm in the Middle”), Tami Sheffield, Don Felder of the Eagles and Gilby Clarke, formerly of Guns ’N Roses, among others.

The "Lifetime Achievement" award went to Doyle Brunson, whose acceptance speech - for anyone who has charted the course of his career - was true to form.

"In life as in poker, you have tough breaks," Brunson said. "But you have to play with the hands you're dealt. That is what I try to do, and that is what I encourage you to do."

Hosted by Calvin Ayre, the Founder and CEO of Bodog.com, the awards gala further solidified poker as a mainstream pastime, a favorite of celebrities and millions of Americans alike.

"These kinds of nights will soon be commonplace as our industry continues to eclipse milestones," said Ayre. "I’m glad we produced a high-caliber show and I’m also proud we’re among those companies who are a driving force in our business.”

Card Player, Player of the Year Awards and recipients:

Favorite Poker Player - Daniel Negreanu
Best Celebrity Player -Jennifer Tilly
Lifetime Achievement -Doyle Brunson
Player of the Year - Men Ngyuen
Most Underrated Player -Allen Cunningham
Best Female Player -Jennifer Harman
Most Feared Player - Phil Ivey
Breakthrough Player - Michael Gracz
Best Mixed Game Player -Chip Reese
Best Heads Up Player -Phil Ivey
Most Entertaining Player -Mike Matusow
Best No-Limit Player -Phil Ivey
Poker Ambassador - Mike Sexton
Best Cash Game - Chip Reese
Card Player Freeroll Champion - Jim Coca

PHOTOS: From top left (first row), Calvin Ayre celebrates with Men "The Master" Nguyen; Men Nguyen delivers "Player of the Year" acceptance speech; Daniel Negreanu accepts "Favorite Poker Player" award; Ayre and "Best Celebrity Player" Jennifer Tilly get friendly; master of ceremonies, Brad Garrett, from "Everybody Loves Raymond", delivers on stage.

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