The last time we saw Ben Affleck playing poker, he was rolling over to Willie Garson (you know, the gay friend on Sex in the City) in the inaugural edition of Celebrity Poker. Not exactly the best way to demonstrate your poker acumen.
Apparently the star of such blockbusters as Gigli and Jersey Girl does better when he plays with his own money. On Sunday, Affleck won the California State Poker Championship. This wasn't just some little Hollywood home game. Affleck won $356,400 and a spot in next year's World Poker Tour Championship.
Poker pro Stan Goldstein finished second and the head of Castle Rock Entertainment, Chuck Pacheco, finished third. It's clear Matt Damon's lesser half has a little talent when it comes to this game. You don't just luck into a win like this.
By the way, Spiderman apparently doesn't have the same skill as Daredevil. Tobey Maguire also played in this tourney but got knocked out on the first day.
This all brings me to my favorite celebrity poker player (and fellow poker blogger), Wil Wheaton. Yesterday, Wil announced he'll be playing in the World Poker Tour's second edition of the Hollywood Home Game. The winner gets a buy in to the World Poker Tour Championship. Wil doesn't mention who the other celebrities are, but my money is on him! If he plays like he did during his "lying in odessa" series (a must read!!), I'm sure he'll be fine.
And who knows? Maybe when the World Poker Tour Championship gets rolling next year, we'll see Wil and Ben facing off at the final table. Now wouldn't that be fun!
UPDATE: Wil reports the game has been played, but he can't talk about it. In comments here, he did divulge he couldn't drop the HAMMER. Maybe next time.