Ben Affleck became the first movie star to win a major poker open when he took first place at the 2004 California State Poker Championship, winning $356,400. The win came amid an upswing in the game's popularity, spurred on in part by TV shows like "Celebrity Poker Showdown" and "The World Poker Tour." Affleck is seen here during The Showdown at the Sands, in Atlantic City, N.J., Nov. 22, 2003.
Tobey Maguire plays a game of Texas Hold 'em during the World Series of Poker, in Las Vegas, July 8, 2005. Maguire is hot on Ben Affleck's heels when it comes to celebrities who can clean up at the big table, having won his first tournament in October 2004. After 13 hours of play, Maguire was the last man standing at Phil Hellmuth's Poker Invitational, winning $95,480.
Tobey Maguire reacts to losing a game of Texas Hold 'em at the World Series of Poker, in Las Vegas, July 8, 2005.
Willie Garson, left, and the musician Meatloaf watch as the cards are dealt for a game of Texas Hold 'Em, at Harrah's Casino and Hotel in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Aug. 27, 2004. Garson, known for his work on cable's "Sex and the City," surprised audiences by beating known card shark Ben Affleck in the first round of "Celebrity Poker Showdown."
Jennifer Tilly waits for her cards during the All In Celebrity Charity Poker Tournament, Feb. 22, 2005, in Los Angeles. In June 2005, Tilly beat 600 players to win the Ladies no-limit Texas Hold 'Em event at the World Series of Poker - the first time a celebrity has won an event at the famous tournament. Tilly said she's learned plenty of pointers from her boyfriend, pro poker player Phil "Unabomber" Laak.
Mimi Rogers, left, gets ready to make a bet as professional poker player Scott Fishman looks on, during the All In Celebrity Charity Poker Tournament, Feb. 22, 2005, in Los Angeles. Rogers has competed in numerous events and took first place in the World Poker Tour's 2003 " Hollywood Home Game."
Mimi Rogers plays a game of Texas Hold 'em during the World Series of Poker at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, July 8, 2005. Rogers went out during the second heat of the opening round.
Sara Rue plays a hand at the World Poker Tour Invitational, Feb. 25, 2004, at the Commerce Casino in Commerce, Calif. Rue has participated in the "Celebrity Poker Showdown" twice.
Matt Damon competes in the 29th Annual World Series of Poker Texas Hold'em, May 11, 1998, at Binion's Horseshoe Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Damon starred as a player in the New York City underground poker scene in the 1998 film "Rounders," and had received tips from nine-time World Series of Poker champ Phil Hellmuth.
Nicole Richie, right, and DJ A.M. compete during the BoSPOKER.com $100,000 Celebrity Poker Tournament 2004, in Beverly Hills, Calif., Oct. 8, 2004.
James Woods plays in the World Poker Tour Championship at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, April 20, 2004. Woods is a spokesperson for Hollywoodpoker.com, an online gaming site where players from around the world may compete against the actor and other celebrities.
James Woods checks his cards during the World Series of Poker, at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, July 9, 2005. Woods lasted 11 hours in the first round of the main event before his chips dwindled and he exited. Asked if his acting skills help him bluff, he said: "it's more how I read other people. I know if they're telling me the truth..."
Lou Diamond Phillips, center, focuses on a hand as an unidentified man watches, at the World Poker Tour Invitational, Feb. 25, 2004, at the Commerce Casino in Commerce, Calif. Phillips hosted the Travel Channel's "World Poker Tour: A Poker Primer," and says, "Poker is the definitive test of a person's nerve."
Dave Navarro and his wife, Carmen Electra, attend a celebrity poker game at the Hard Rock casino in Las Vegas, April 30, 2005. Navarro has participated in the "Celebrity Poker Showdown" twice, once making it to the Championship game, where he lost to Seth Meyers.
Shannon Elizabeth puts on her poker face for the first day of the no-limit Texas Hold 'em main event during the World Series of Poker, at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, July 7, 2005.
Brad Garrett competes in a celebrity tournament during the World Series of Poker, at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, July 6, 2005.
Magician Penn Gillette competes in a celebrity tournament during the World Series of Poker, at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, July 6, 2005.