Ex-NFL Player Hayes Pullard Announced as Co-Founder of Famous Poker Competition
Rewritten Article:
Get ready for Game Night VI on the Celebrity Poker Tour (CPT), happening on May 2. This star-studded event will feature some heavy-hitters like Colby Covington, Alexandra Botez, and Zach Justice. PokerNews will be there, bringing you interviews and all the juicy behind-the-scenes action.
One of the key players behind the CPT is former NFL linebacker Hayes Pullard, a LA native and USC alum. After a stint in the NFL with teams like the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars, Pullard now serves as Co-Founder and President of Talent at the CPT. So, how did a pro athlete land in the world of poker?
Pullard opened up about his poker journey: "I never really cared for poker, but my pals in Vegas changed that. They'd dare me to join their home games, and eventually, I was hooked. The strategy, the psychology, the competition – it felt like football all over again. But the best part? The camaraderie at the table. I was smitten with poker, and I'll never forget hanging out with Steiny, Bryce Hall, and Alexandra Botez. It was pure magic."
Pullard's mission with the CPT is to blend poker with celeb culture, gathering a motley crew of athletes, entertainers, influencers, and creators for one hell of a poker party.
"My aim is to make poker more than just a competition," he said. "I want it to serve as a creative space, where stories unfold and memories are made. By merging these diverse worlds, I hope to make poker more exciting not just for players, but for fans too."
According to Pullard, the CPT stands head and shoulders above other poker tours and events. "The CPT is the unique unicorn of poker," he said. "We're not just about big names and high-stakes games; we're about creating an electric, inclusive atmosphere where anyone can join the action and have a chance to win some cool prizes. And let's not forget about the storytelling and (dare we say it) unforgettable moments – that's what truly sets us apart."
The CPT's first season was a smash hit, and they're already well into their second season. But what's got Pullard all fired up for the CPT's sophomore year?
"I can't wait to see the moonshot growth we'll experience in Season 2," he said, his eyes shining with excitement. "The energy is building, and it's a thrill to watch CPT reach new heights. I can't wait to meet new players, share the table with fresh faces, and reconnect with some of my old sports and entertainment pals. The moments that happen when people from all walks of life gather together for this game are unparalleled, and I'm anxious to see what this season brings."
Stay tuned for more CPT updates – be sure to follow the CPT at @celebritypokertour on social media, and catch Pullard's updates at @HayesPullard.
PR & Media Manager for PokerNews. Podcast host. 2013 WSOP Bracelet Winner.
- Hayes Pullard, the former NFL linebacker and Co-Founder of the Celebrity Poker Tour (CPT), shared his story of entering the world of poker, which involved a group of friends in Vegas who convinced him to join their home games.
- Pullard described his experiences with poker as resembling football, appreciating the strategy, psychology, and competition that the game offers.
- In addition to being a poker enthusiast, Pullard aims to bridge the gap between poker and celebrity culture, creating an event where athletes, entertainers, influencers, and creators come together for a unique poker experience.
- Besides promoting competition, Pullard wants the CPT to act as a creative space where stories develop and memories are made, merging diverse worlds and making poker more exciting for both players and fans.
- The Celebrity Poker Tour stands out from other poker events due to its unique, inclusive atmosphere, offering opportunities for anyone to participate and win prizes while also showcasing incredible storytelling and unforgettable moments.
- The first season of the CPT was successful, and they are already well into their second season, with Pullard eagerly anticipating the growth and new experiences they will encounter.
- Following the CPT's updates and hearing more from Hayes Pullard can be done by following their Instagram account (@celebritypokertour) and checking out his personal account (@HayesPullard).
- The upcoming Game Night VI on the Celebrity Poker Tour promises to be filled with celebrity poker action, as well as interviews and behind-the-scenes content provided by PokerNews.