Poker Pros Phil Hellmuth, Antonio Esfandiari, Dan Bilzerian Take on Ice Bucket Challenge
The "Ice Bucket Challenge" has taken over social media platforms this month as thousands upon thousands of people have doused themselves with ice water, filmed it, and challenged their friends to do the same. Popular poker pros Phil Hellmuth, Dan Bilzerian, Antonio Esfandiari, and Jeff Gross were the among the latest to accept the challenge, which was designed to raise awareness for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease).
We all know Bilzerian isn't one to turn down a challenge. Of course, he tackled the Ice Bucket Challenge the only way Dan Bilzerian could: in an ice-cold tub surrounded by bikini-clad women... and a goat. Judging by his short breaths and chattering teeth, it was breathtakingly cold. Before he was left shivering, he announced his donation of $10,000 and challenged television host Ellen DeGeneres to step up.
Hellmuth accepted his challenge while in Upstate New York for Poker Night in America, and his challenge started a domino effect throughout the industry.
Esfandiari gladly accepted the challenge from Hellmuth and businessman Jason Strauss. Antonio didn’t have just one, but three buckets poured over him. He then challenged professional best friend Jeff Gross and Olympic star Michael Phelps.
It didn’t take long for Gross to accept and only one day posted footage of his pain-staking challenge with Texas businessman and amateur poker player Bill Perkins. The duo doused themselves with a shared ice chest of ice water but only had to endure the freeze for a second before jumping into the Virgin Islands waters, which appeared to be warm and refreshing. Cheaters!
World Series of Poker Executive Director Ty Stewart also accepted Hellmuth's challenge while playfully mocking the 13-time bracelet winner's recent Carl's Jr. ad. Stewart also challenged each of the 2014 November Niners.
One of those November Niners, chip leader Jorryt van Hoof, accepted the challenge brought forth by Stewart and PokerNews host Remko Rinkema. He called out his WSOP Main Event finalists to do the same thing.
In true Presidential form, World Poker Tour President Adam Pliska took to the Ice Bucket Challenge with reformed sophistication mocking the use of "sub-standard" buckets. No, instead he used a "quality" bucket made of real Corinthian leather. We salute you, Mr. President!
World Poker Tour anchor and former PokerNews hostess Lynn Gilmartin accepted Pliska's challenge. However, instead of using water (because how boring would that be?) she instead created her own water using only all-natural products.
On your bike! We were starting to think Tony G was too busy on his honeymoon but then he released his ALS video on Wednesday. Unfortunately, not even Google translate could help in deciphering his words in his two-minute long video, but at least we still can still take pleasure in seeing Tony G squeal from the shivering cold water being dumped over his head.
You can also check out videos from other poker personalities like two-time WSOP bracelet winner Greg Mueller, Jason Koon, and
Matthew Waxman, who says in his latest blog that "the ALS #IceBucketChallenge is good fun for a good cause."
