Poker pro Phil Hellmuth Headlines Lilac Club Casino's High-Stakes 'Beat The Champ' Poker Weekend in Rochester for a $100K Prize
The Lilac Club Casino in Rochester, New Hampshire, is set to redefine the local gaming scene with a special three-day poker event featuring 17-time World Series of Poker champion, Phil Hellmuth.
From August 15 to 17, 2025, the casino will host the "Beat the Champ" tournament, offering a guaranteed prize pool of $100,000[1][2][3][4][5]. This event is more than just a tournament; it's an immersive experience blending competitive poker with entertainment and hospitality.
Key Details and Rules
- Event Dates: August 15-17, 2025[1][2].
- Main Tournament: The “Beat the Champ” tournament takes place on August 16 at 10 a.m. with a $1,200 buy-in and a guaranteed prize pool of $100,000[2][3][5].
- Phil Hellmuth’s Role: Hellmuth will be a special guest, offering a meet-and-greet and book signing on August 15 (7-8 p.m.), with the first 75 attendees receiving a free copy of his book Poker Brat[2]. During the tournament, Hellmuth carries a $500 bounty for players attempting to eliminate him[2].
- Qualification/Entry: Players can qualify through weekly promotions that give the top five players with the most rated hours in the Poker Room free entries. There are also $250 satellite events. Direct buy-ins of $1,200 are accepted starting Friday, August 15[2].
- Cash Game: On August 17 (1-3 p.m.), Hellmuth will participate in a live cash game open to walk-in players on a first-come, first-served basis[2].
Additional Attractions
Lilac Club Casino offers more than just poker. The casino houses Lucky Oak Bar + Grill, a gastropub-style restaurant and bar serving chef-crafted meals, craft cocktails, and local New Hampshire beers. The casino also boasts over 200 slot machines, a variety of table games, and a dedicated 12-table poker room[6].
Community Engagement
Lilac Club Casino is committed to enhancing the community through local events and charitable giving, aiming to elevate entertainment and hospitality in the region[7].
Registration and Updates
Registration for the main event opens at 9 a.m., with late registration available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For official rules, registration, and ongoing updates, the Lilac Club Casino Poker Room website is the primary resource[1].
On Friday, guests can meet Phil Hellmuth in person during a meet and greet and book signing from 7 to 8 p.m. on the casino floor near Lucky Oak Bar + Grill[8].
This event offers local poker enthusiasts a rare chance to face off against a global poker icon in a high-stakes, professionally hosted poker environment with substantial prize money at stake[1][2].
[1] Lilac Club Casino Website [2] Press Release: Lilac Club Casino [3] Phil Hellmuth's Official Website [4] World Series of Poker Official Website [5] PokerNews [6] Lilac Club Casino Brochure [7] Lilac Club Casino Community Involvement Page [8] Email Invitation: Lilac Club Casino Meet and Greet with Phil Hellmuth
- In addition to poker, the Lilac Club Casino offers various casino games, including over 200 slot machines, a variety of table games, and a dedicated poker room with 12 tables.
- The Lilac Club Casino is also home to Lucky Oak Bar + Grill, a gastropub-style restaurant and bar, serving chef-crafted meals, craft cocktails, and local New Hampshire beers.
- Besides poker, the Lilac Club Casino is committed to engaging the community through local events and charitable giving, aiming to elevate entertainment and hospitality in the region.
- Sports enthusiasts can also find sports betting opportunities at the Lilac Club Casino, complementing their range of casino-and-gambling offerings.
- The casino's poker scene will be further enhanced by the presence of sports personality Phil Hellmuth, the 17-time World Series of Poker champion, who will be hosting a sports betting-themed event at the casino.
