Las Vegas, July 28, 2026: The World Poker Tour® Foundation is proud to partner with the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation for the 6th Annual Why Not? Poker Night, coming to the Fontainebleau Las Vegas on Friday, September 18, 2026.
Glitz and glamour, electric competition, and one of the hottest destinations on the Las Vegas Strip as your home for the evening, all in support of a powerful cause.
The Venue
This year, the night takes place in the exclusive Poodle Room at the top floor of the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. A members-only lounge wrapped in floor-to-ceiling glass with panoramic views of the Strip, high-end mixology, inventive cuisine, and imported cigars. The atmosphere raises the stakes before a single card is dealt.
Cocktail attire. Poker refresher from 5:30 PM. Tournament from 6:00 PM.
Poker With Purpose
For six years, Russell Westbrook’s Why Not? Foundation has gathered athletes, founders, and community advocates around the table with one goal: turning competitive poker into real change for the people of South Los Angeles.
Every dollar raised goes directly toward the foundation’s mission of creating pathways of empowerment for underserved populations, through education, mental health and wellness, and workforce development. Not abstract charity. Tangible, community-level impact in the city Westbrook built his legacy in.
When you secure your seat, you directly invest in transforming young lives and helping build futures filled with limitless potential.
The WPT® Foundation exists to back exactly this kind of work, and there is no better fit than a poker event that holds both competitive energy and genuine purpose in equal measure.
WPT CEO Adam Pliska (left), WPT host Drea Renee, 2025 Poker Night Winner Lee Merschon & Nine-time NBA All-Star & founder of the Why Not? Foundation Russell Westbrook (right)
The Event
The tournament kicks off at 6:00 PM, with a poker refresher session available from 5:30 PM for those who want to warm up. Cocktail attire. Fontainebleau Las Vegas. The room will reflect the occasion.
Two options to join:
Tournament Player: $10,000 per player
- Premium commemorative gifts
- One seat in the poker tournament
- Two guests on general admission
- One-night stay at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas on September 18
- Curated bites and premium cocktails
General Admission: $1,500 per person
- Access for you and one guest
- Dedicated casino gaming floor with top-shelf games
- Curated bites and premium cocktails
- Premium commemorative gifts
All proceeds raised support the Why Not? Foundation’s mission.
Reserve Your Seat
Seats are limited. If you are ready to play with purpose, registration is open now.
Reserve Your Seat at whynotfoundation.org/poker2026
About the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation
Founded in 2012, the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation aims to create pathways of empowerment for underserved populations. The foundation is committed to the perseverance of underserved communities by implementing structured educational opportunities, workforce development, and accessible mental health resources. With “Why Not?” being a personal ignition for Russell Westbrook, the foundation looks to instill this mindset in the youth while offering resources to set children and their communities up for continued success. For more information, please visit: whynotfoundation.org.
About the World Poker Tour®
World Poker Tour® (WPT®) is the premier name in internationally televised gaming and entertainment with brand presence in land-based tournaments, television, online, and mobile. WPT has hosted live poker tournaments in 48 countries, drawn more than 400,000 total entries, and awarded more than $1.5 billion in prize money. Leading innovation in the sport of poker since 2002, WPT ignited the global poker boom with the creation of a unique television show, which has broadcast globally in more than 150 countries and territories, and is currently producing its 22nd season, which airs on Bally Sports in the United States. Season XXII of WPT is sponsored by ClubWPT.com. ClubWPT.com is a unique online membership site that offers inside access to the WPT, as well as a sweepstakes-based poker club available in 43 states and territories across the United States, Australia, Canada, France, and the United Kingdom. WPT also participates in strategic brand license, partnership, and sponsorship opportunities. In 2012, the WPT Foundation was launched, which has gone on to raise more than $50 million over 12 years and over 50 events. This unprecedented philanthropic effort is dedicated to improving our planet by supporting key charities in regards to human rights, education, world hunger and the environment. For more information, go to World Poker Tour Foundation.
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