Arizona State Poker Championship starts this friday

ARIZONA -- Talking Stick Resort will kick off its 10th Annual Arizona State Poker Championship this Friday. The five-day tournament, beginning on Aug. 15, will feature more than 900 players all vying for bragging rights and a share of the more than $1 million prize pool. This year’s event will also feature a slew of poker pros including 13-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner Phil Hellmuth — who is slated to emcee the final table — as well as Tiffany Michelle, Joe Cada, David Williams, Dennis Phillips and Chip and Karina Jett.

The annual No Limit Texas Hold ‘Em championship will begin Friday, Aug. 15 at 9 a.m. Play will continue until the final table on Tuesday, Aug. 19. In addition to a cash prize of $211,750, the winner will take home a trophy and bracelet designed by renowned Scottsdale jeweler Scott Gauthier of Jewelry by Gauthier. Second- and third-place titleholders will receive trophies as well as payouts of $143,000 and $110,000, respectively.

Members of the media interested in covering this event should call Shanna Wolfe at 480-710-7891. Interviews will be available with players and representatives from The ARENA Poker Room.

WHAT: Arizona State Poker Championship

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 15 – Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2014

· Friday, Aug 15, 9 a.m. - Tournament begins

· Saturday, Aug. 16, 9 a.m. - Play continues

· Sunday, Aug. 17, 9 a.m. - Play continues

· Monday, Aug. 18, 9 a.m. - Semi-finals

· Tuesday, Aug. 19, 10 a.m. - Final table (10 players)

WHERE: The ARENA Poker Room at Talking Stick Resort

9800 E. Indian Bend Road Scottsdale, Ariz.

VISUAL: Friday

· Poker pros, Dennis Phillips, Kariana Jett and Chip Jett slated to play

Sunday

· Poker pros, David Williams and Joe Cada slated to play

Sunday

· 11 a.m. Phil Hellmuth arrives. Poker pros Phil, Hellmuth and Tiffany Michelle slated to play in tournament