After all the depressing news I have written about in the poker world recently, it is high time I gave you a heart warming story. The 4^th Ante up Africa WSOP tournament has just finished and once again the winner has donated all the prize money to the much needed charity.

The poker pro and all round good guy Phil Gordon, took down the event from Shannon Elizabeth quickly announcing that his winnings will go to the charity 100%. The $129,086 first prize may well be small fry to Gordon, but keeping up with the tradition and the good spirit of the charity event all proceeds will go straight to the fund. Elizabeth the runner-up, who also donated a sizeable chunk of her $79,776 prize, jumped after the final hand and hugged Gordon, who clearly a little embarrassed, said “I know this isn’t a bracelet event, but it feels like one.”

The star-studded event attracted famous names from all spectrums of entertainment, sports and the poker world. The $5,000 event saw 83 entries and it drew attention from the rail for its names on show. Notable guests from the film, entertainment world were: Matt Damon, Montel Williams; Don Cheadle, Francesca Fioretti and then we had some huge names in the sports world with Evander Holyfield, Shane Warne ( Aussie Cricketer); Jeff Fenech.

The event of course, was blessed with the greatest talents in the poker world with Phil Ivey, Chris Ferguson; Eric Seidel; Howard Lederer to name just a few. All over in an afternoon and evening session, Gordon won his first event at the World Series joking that “Of course, it had to be a non-gold bracelet, But, I am thrilled to win such an important honour.”

Well done to all involved! Also, a special mention has to go to Annie Duke, Don Cheadle for the organisation of this most worthy cause.

Only four events remain in play now at the WSOP 2010 until the Main Event starts on Monday. The Tournament of Champions, Pot-Limit Omaha World Championship and two smaller donkaments.

In the PLHO World Championship event Tom Dwan chip leader for so long bailed out in 17^th in the end. Only nine players remain now with two Russians and a Finnish player making up the final table. Not quite the final table every one was hoping for with the likes of Dwan, Hellmuth; Dave ’Devilfish’ Ulliott and Jason Mercier all falling just short.

The Tournament of Champions is due to return on Sunday at 09-00am and will play to a finish, it is going to be a long day for many, who will now face a few hours sleep before the Main Event entry begins. Mike ‘the mouth’ Matusow leads the way with 17 remaining.

The WSOP 2010 has once again been a huge success, with a record attendance of 63,706 players through 55 events showing a 20% increase on 2009. The tournament organisers are delighted to announce this, after earlier speculation of a reduction in this years’ participation. Some impressive event figures for this year include:

Largest event was #3 which included 4,345 players.

Largest event prize pool #2 made up $5,568,000.

Total prize pool so far $113,948,265 already an increase on last years $107,260,976.