Hollywood A-listers and poker legends unite in a high-stakes charity tournament to support Feeding America.
In an inspiring show of unity, celebrities and poker pros came together last Saturday for the All-In For America poker tournament, raising a staggering $1,228,356 for Feeding America—a nonprofit dedicated to combating hunger across the United States. The online charity event was spearheaded by Academy Award-winning actor Ben Affleck and Americas Cardroom (ACR) CEO Phil Nagy, combining star power and a love for poker to make a powerful impact during the COVID-19 crisis.
Star-Studded Showdown
The $10,000 buy-in tournament was nothing short of legendary. Participants included Hollywood icons like Matt Damon, Adam Sandler, Kevin Pollak, Bryan Cranston, Jon Hamm, Tobey Maguire, Jason Bateman, and Tom Brady, all sharing the virtual felt with poker royalty such as Doyle Brunson and Phil Hellmuth.
But this was no ordinary poker tournament. 100% of proceeds went directly to Feeding America, which supports more than 200 food banks and feeds over 46 million people annually. The pandemic has pushed those resources to their limits, making this timely fundraiser a critical lifeline for countless American families.
A Major Donation and a Bigger Message
In addition to the more than 60 entrants who donated their buy-ins, Americas Cardroom stepped up with an extra $1 million donation, bringing the total raised to over $1.2 million.
“It couldn’t be a better time or a better cause to support,” said Ben Affleck during a live call into the ACR broadcast booth, joined by fellow stars including Jon Hamm and Sarah Silverman, who offered messages of hope and solidarity throughout the event.
The Action at the Tables
While the primary goal was fundraising, the poker action didn’t disappoint. Jon Hamm was the tournament’s first elimination, losing a big hand with pocket nines against pocket sixes. Undeterred, he re-entered with a second $10,000 donation and quickly made a comeback, tripling up while live on air with hosts Justin Kelly and Michael Loncar.
The final heads-up match featured actor and comedian Kevin Pollak against professional poker player and Twitch personality Ebony Kenney. In a dramatic finish, Kenney clinched the win by slow-playing a rivered bottom pair, inducing Pollak to shove with a weaker hand and securing her title—and bragging rights.
A Victory Beyond the Felt
In the end, the biggest win wasn’t the trophy or the title—it was the lifesaving support raised for those hit hardest by the pandemic. Thanks to the generosity of all involved, thousands of families struggling with food insecurity will now receive critical aid through Feeding America.
The final donation total will be confirmed in the coming days, but the message was clear: community, compassion, and a shared purpose can turn a poker game into a movement of hope.
