Danielle Ford, an independent candidate for Nevada governor, has made the final table of a Las Vegas charity poker tournament, finishing fifth in the Charity Series of Poker (CSOP) event "Every Hand Makes a Difference." With the 2026 general election set for November 3, the result gave her campaign an unusual bit of publicity and gave the poker world a fresh example of how the game and politics occasionally overlap. The event, CSOP #108, benefited the Junior League of Las Vegas and also featured 2013 WSOP Main Event champion Ryan Riess, who finished second.
This article looks at the results, the candidate's background, and the bigger picture: how charity poker works, why it has become popular in Las Vegas, and what players can take from the format.
Who Is Danielle Ford?
Ford is running as an independent for governor of Nevada in the 2026 election, which takes place on November 3. She currently serves on the Nevada State Board of Education, and her campaign describes her as a "Nevada-first nonpartisan" candidate. She earned her place on the ballot by gathering signatures. Her rivals are Democrat Aaron Ford and incumbent Republican Governor Joe Lombardo.
Nevada, of course, is a state where gambling is a core part of the economy and civic life, so a candidate who plays poker is not as unusual as it would be elsewhere. Still, the story gained attention because of the juxtaposition: a candidate in the closing weeks of a race sitting down at a poker final table in Las Vegas.
Asked about poker, Ford said she plays "so that I can mentally step away from the stresses of work and life." She described the game as "one of the only things with enough aspects to keep me locked in." She also said the Vegas Golden Knights tickets she won as her fifth-place prize were "great extra bonuses."
CSOP #108: Final Table Results
The event was hosted by CSOP on a Saturday and drew a final table that included local volunteers, community figures and poker professionals. The results:
| Place | Player | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tamar Berkowitz (Volunteers of Las Vegas) | $2,000 + trophy |
| 2 | Ryan Riess | $1,500 |
| 3 | Alexander Wang | $1,000 |
| 4 | Dave Freeston | ATV Tour |
| 5 | Danielle Ford | 2 Vegas Golden Knights tickets |
| 6 | Francisco Garcia | $300 CSOP seat |
| 7 | Sidney Coca | $300 CSOP seat |
| 8 | Sean McCormack (MGM Resorts poker executive) | $300 CSOP seat |
| 9 | Rebecca Derrick | $300 CSOP seat |
| 10 | Robert Raymond | $300 CSOP seat |
A few things stand out. First, the winner, Tamar Berkowitz, represented Volunteers of Las Vegas, so the top prize in effect supported a local charity and a community group. Second, prizes were a mix of cash, entries to future CSOP events and in-kind awards such as an ATV tour and Golden Knights tickets. Third, other guests joined as "bounty" players, including actress Katie Morgan, and Riess reached the final table as one of the headline names.
Riess, who won the 2013 WSOP Main Event, finished second for $1,500. His presence is typical of CSOP events, where professionals and celebrities lend star power to raise money for local causes.
What Is the Charity Series of Poker?
CSOP runs events that combine poker with fundraising, with each tournament supporting a named beneficiary. In this case, the Junior League of Las Vegas was the beneficiary. The format is simple: players pay an entry, with the proceeds going to the charity after costs, and the prizes are often modest or non-cash. The appeal for participants is that they get to play in a tournament setting, meet well-known players, and support a cause.
The article also notes other recurring names in the CSOP scene. Ronnie "the Limo Driver" Mund played a CSOP event the previous month, and Kane Hodder and Fat Mike are described as frequent supporters. That mix of local community members, celebrities and poker names is the secret sauce of charity poker.
Poker and Politics: A Long History
Poker and politics intersect regularly, not least because legislators across the United States decide where and how online poker can be offered. Nevada's only licensed traditional online poker site is WSOP Online, which is relevant context for any reader interested in the regulatory landscape. For a deeper look at how states regulate the game, see our US online poker guide and the real money poker overview.
Ford's remarks highlight another connection: the mental aspect of poker. Many people play for relaxation and focus, not just for money. The game demands attention to probabilities, opponents' behaviour and risk, which for some players provides a mental break from other stresses. That is a common refrain among recreational players.
Practical Takeaways for Recreational Players
Charity Events Are Great Entry Points
If you are new to tournaments, charity events can be a gentle introduction. Fields are friendly, and the stakes are small. If you want to learn the basics before playing for real money, our beginner poker sites page and Texas Hold'em guide are a good place to start.
Learn the Format and Etiquette
Final tables, especially at live events, come with etiquette: acting in turn, protecting your cards, avoiding string bets and being respectful to dealers. Understanding hand rankings and the flow of the game will make you more comfortable.
Know Your Odds
Even in friendly games, the underlying mathematics apply. Knowing pot odds and basic poker odds helps you make better decisions, whether you are playing for a trophy or a Golden Knights ticket.
Bluff Selectively
Final-table poker rewards well-timed aggression. If you want to improve your bluffing, read our guide on how to bluff.
Why This Story Resonates
Stories like this one remind us that poker has a broader cultural footprint than the professional circuit. A governor candidate, a former Main Event winner, a poker executive from MGM Resorts and local volunteers all sat at the same table. The game remains one of the few activities where people from very different backgrounds compete on equal terms, at least for the duration of a tournament.
It also reminds us that the Las Vegas poker community is deeply tied to local civic life. CSOP events routinely lean on this, raising funds for charities in the region while giving players a fun night out.
Looking Ahead
The general election will decide the governorship on November 3. Whatever the outcome, Ford's fifth-place finish stands as a charming side note to the campaign. For poker players, the more relevant takeaway is that charity tournaments continue to thrive in Las Vegas and offer an accessible way to play, meet other players and support local organizations.
If you want to play more poker online, you can explore options at Americas Cardroom and BetOnline, or check out our guide to tournaments for formats and schedules.
Key Takeaways
- Danielle Ford, an independent running for Nevada governor on November 3, finished fifth in CSOP #108.
- Ryan Riess, the 2013 WSOP Main Event champion, finished second for $1,500.
- Tamar Berkowitz of Volunteers of Las Vegas won the $2,000 first prize and trophy.
- The event benefited the Junior League of Las Vegas.
- Charity poker is an accessible, friendly format for new and experienced players alike.