Lilac Club Casino hosts 'Beat the Champ' poker tournament with Phil Hellmuth
7 August 2025(PRESS RELEASE) -- Poker legend Phil Hellmuth is heading to Lilac Club Casino in Rochester for an exclusive high-stakes weekend. On Saturday, 16 August, the 17-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner will take an afternoon seat at the Lilac Club's "Beat the Champ" poker tournament, and the challenge is simple: win the tournament, claim your share of the $100,000 cash prize pool, and beat the champ along the way.
A $500 cash bonus is awarded to the player who can bust Phil Hellmuth out of the tournament.
A total of 108 seats plus alternates are available in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to outplay one of poker's biggest names. Players can qualify for the tournament in several ways:
- Player of the Week Promotion (29 June – 9 August): Each week, the top five players who log the most rated hours in the Poker Room will earn seats in the "Beat the Champ" tournament.
- Satellite Tournaments (2 and 9 August): Held at Lilac Club Casino, each $250 buy-in tournament will award one seat for every six players
- Direct Buy-In: Players may buy-in for $1,200 during early registration on Friday, 15 August from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. at the Poker Room cage. Registration continues Saturday, 16 August at 9 a.m., with late registration open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.*
"This isn't just another tournament, it's a shot at poker history," said Eric Barbaro, chief operating officer of Granite State Gaming & Hospitality. "Phil Hellmuth isn't just a champion, he's a legend, and top tournament players will walk away with a share of $100,000 cash."
Full Weekend of all-in Poker Action:
- Friday, 15 August, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. – Meet & Greet and Book Signing
- Fans can meet Phil Hellmuth on the casino floor. The first 75 guests in line will receive a free signed copy of "Poker Brat" by Phil Hellmuth. Books will not be available for purchase. First-come, first-served.
- Held in the Lilac Club Casino Poker Room. Plus, bust Phil Hellmuth out of the tournament and receive a $500 cash prize.
- An exclusive opportunity to play live against Phil Hellmuth in a cash game. First-come, first-served.