Russell Westbrook's charity poker night raised $912,500 for his Why Not? Foundation at the sixth annual event, held September 18 at the Poodle Room inside Fontainebleau Las Vegas. The $10,000-per-seat tournament pulled together poker professionals, NBA veterans and entertainment names, and Michail Grigorev took the 2026 title. Across six years, the event has now raised nearly $3 million for programs in Los Angeles and Oklahoma City.
Charity poker is a well-established corner of the game, but this event stands out for how directly the money is tied to a specific set of community programs, and for how naturally the poker world and the sports world overlap around it.
The night at Fontainebleau
The event took place on Friday, September 18, in the Poodle Room at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, moving the Why Not? Foundation's annual poker night onto the Strip. Each seat carried a $10,000 buy-in, and the field mixed serious poker players with celebrities.
On the poker side, the list included Phil Ivey, Michael Mizrachi, Bill Perkins and Alan Keating. From the basketball world came NBA veterans DeAndre Jordan and Harrison Barnes, and Westbrook himself, who played through to the final hand. The final table also included actress Princess Love, producer Randall Emmett and poker content creator Britney, who finished fifth.
Grigorev claimed the title. In a room stacked with elite names, that is a notable result, though as with all short-format charity events, variance is high and structures tend to be fast. The winner of a one-night event often has as much to do with timely coin flips as with the reputation of the field.
Where the money goes
The most important part of the story is the destination for the funds. According to the foundation, proceeds support programs in Los Angeles and Oklahoma City, including:
- Westbrook Academy, a public charter school that reported a 100% graduation rate for the Class of 2026.
- An annual basketball camp serving more than 200 young people.
- Wildfire recovery assistance in Altadena.
- Community meals and mental health services.
Westbrook framed the poker night as central to the organization's operations. "This is the biggest night of the year for everything we do. It pays for the school, for the kids' camp we run every July..." he said. That candor about the role of a single evening in funding a year of programs is a reminder of how much charitable organizations depend on flagship events.
How charity poker works
For readers unfamiliar with charity tournaments, the model is simple. Guests, sponsors or celebrity supporters pay a buy-in that exceeds the prize pool value, and the difference goes to the charity. In many events, the players compete for a trophy or a modest prize rather than a full return on their buy-in. Some events, particularly celebrity-driven ones, also add auctions, sponsorships and donations on the night.
Poker suits this format for several reasons. It is social, it is easy to stage in a casino or resort, it offers a real competitive element that keeps professionals engaged, and its television-friendly nature can draw sponsors. A $10,000 seat is also a familiar number in the poker world, similar to buy-ins for major tournaments, so professional players see it as a natural price point for a serious event.
Total raised of $912,500 at a $10,000 seat price suggests a combination of buy-ins and additional giving, though the foundation's own summary is what matters most: nearly a million dollars in a single night, and close to $3 million across six editions.
Why poker and sports keep colliding
The crossover between poker and professional sports has deepened for years. Athletes are drawn to the game for its competitive nature, and poker professionals frequently attend or sponsor sports events. Charity poker nights sit at the center of that overlap, since they give athletes a way to support community causes while playing a game they enjoy.
The presence of players such as Ivey and Mizrachi also raises the profile of these events. Sponsors and donors are more likely to engage when they can sit at a table with household names. For the players, it is a rare opportunity to compete in a lower-stress setting while supporting a good cause.
If you follow the intersection of poker and sports betting, our sportsbooks page and reviews of BetOnline Sportsbook and SportsBetting.ag cover the operators serving that audience. The football season, in particular, has become a busy time for poker and betting crossovers.
What this means for players
Most readers will never play a $10,000 charity seat, but there are still practical takeaways.
Charity events are legitimate ways to play. Many casinos and card rooms host benefit tournaments at all price points. They are often more relaxed than regular events and can be a good place to gain live experience. If you are new to live play, our beginner poker sites guide and online poker vs live poker comparison explain how the two environments differ.
Expect high variance. Charity tournaments frequently use quick structures so that the event finishes in a single night. That compresses skill edges. Do not judge your strategy by the result of one fast-structure event.
Check the charity. If you buy into a benefit tournament, confirm how much of your buy-in goes to the cause. Reputable organizers are transparent about that.
Understand the tax angle. Charitable contributions and gambling winnings are treated differently for tax purposes, and rules vary by jurisdiction. Speak with a qualified adviser rather than assuming a buy-in is deductible.
The bigger picture
Poker's charitable side rarely dominates headlines, but events like this one show its value. Nearly $3 million over six years funds classrooms, camps and community services. The poker community, which is often characterized by high-stakes competition, also has a long history of coming together for causes outside the game.
For Grigorev, the win is a nice addition to a résumé; for the Why Not? Foundation, the real result is the total on the scoreboard. Westbrook's own comments make clear that the annual poker night supports core operations, and the growth of the event over six years suggests it has become a reliable pillar of that support.
As poker continues to expand into new venues such as the Las Vegas Strip resorts and new audiences via streaming, expect more charity events built around the game. If this year's numbers are any guide, the appetite for them is strong.