Who's all in? World famous poker champ will try his luck at Lilac Club Casino

GAMBLING GURU: Phil Hellmuth has won more than $30 million in poker tourneys over five decades (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - One of the world's per-eminent poker players who has won a record 17 World Series of Poker will be facing off with anyone who cares to take him on this weekend at the Lilac Club Casino in Rochester.
Phil Hellmuth, a 2007 inductee into the World Seris of Poker Hall of Fame, will be participating in a "Beat The Champ" weekend designed to give players a once-in-a-lifetime shot at poker greatness.
Hellmuth's total winnings in live poker tournaments exceed $30 million, according to pokernews.
"This isn't just a tournament, it's a fully immersive entertainment experience," said Eric Barbaro, Chief Operating Officer of Granite State Gaming & Hospitality. "We're proud to offer the Rochester community and poker fans across the region a rare opportunity to be part of something unforgettable."
The weekend kicks off on Friday, with early tournament $1,200 buy-ins open from 9 a.m. into the early morning hour of 1 a.m. at the Poker Cage.
Helmuth will be on hand for a meet and greet and book signing from 7-8 p.m. on the casino floor near the casino's bar. The first 75 guests in line will receive a free signed copy of his memoir Poker Brat.
Thing heat up on Saturday, August 16, when the "Beat the Champ" event takes over the Lilac Poker Room, offering players a shot at a six-figure prize pool and the ultimate bragging rights.
Registration for the $1,200 buy-in opens at 9 a.m., with late registration available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The tournament is set to begin at 10 a.m. With 108 seats plus alternates up for grabs, it's shaping up to be one of the most competitive and electrifying poker showdowns Rochester has ever seen.
The weekend wraps on Sunday with a live cash game featuring Hellmuth from 1 to 3 p.m. where players can sit across from the champ.
Players can secure a tournament seat by purchasing a direct $1,200 buy-in during the designated registration windows. For official rules, registration information, and event updates, visit lilacclubcasino.com or visit the Lilac Club Casino Poker Room.