Lilac Club Casino Hosts $100k "Beat the Champ" Poker Tournament with Legend Phil Hellmuth

Saturday, August 16 | 10 a.m. | $1,200 buy-in

ROCHESTER, N.H., Aug. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Poker legend Phil Hellmuth is heading to Lilac Club Casino in Rochester for an exclusive high-stakes weekend. On Saturday, Aug. 16, the 17-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner will take an afternoon seat at the Lilac Club's "Beat the Champ" poker tournament, and the challenge is simple: win the tournament, claim your share of the $100,000 cash prize pool, and beat the champ along the way.

A $500 cash bonus is awarded to the player who can bust Phil Hellmuth out of the tournament.

A total of 108 seats plus alternates are available in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to outplay one of poker's biggest names. Players can qualify for the tournament in several ways:

• Player of the Week Promotion (June 29–Aug. 9): Each week, the top five players who log the most rated hours in the Poker Room will earn seats in the "Beat the Champ" tournament.
• Satellite Tournaments (Aug. 2 and Aug. 9): Held at Lilac Club Casino, each $250 buy-in tournament will award one seat for every six players
• Direct Buy-In: Players may buy-in for $1,200 during early registration on Friday, Aug. 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. at the Poker Room cage. Registration continues Saturday, Aug 16 at 9 a.m., with late registration open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.*

"This isn't just another tournament, it's a shot at poker history," said Eric Barbaro, chief operating officer of Granite State Gaming & Hospitality. "Phil Hellmuth isn't just a champion, he's a legend, and top tournament players will walk away with a share of $100,000 cash."

Full Weekend of all-in Poker Action:

• Friday, Aug. 15, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. – Meet & Greet and Book Signing
  
  Fans can meet Phil Hellmuth on the casino floor. The first 75 guests in line will receive a free signed copy of "Poker Brat" by Phil Hellmuth. Books will not be available for purchase. First-come, first-served.

• Saturday, Aug. 16 at 10 a.m. – $100K "Beat the Champ" Poker Tournament*
  
  Held in the Lilac Club Casino Poker Room. Plus, bust Phil Hellmuth out of the tournament and receive a $500 cash prize.

• Sunday, Aug. 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. – Cash Game with Phil Hellmuth
  
  An exclusive opportunity to play live against Phil Hellmuth in a cash game. First-come, first-served.

The Lilac Club Casino Poker Room is open daily and hosts year-round tournaments for both seasoned pros and recreational players.

*Tournament seats may be limited at the discretion of Poker Room management. For official rules, registration information, and event updates, visit lilacclubcasino.com, the Poker Room, or email [email protected].

*$100k estimated prize pool

About Lilac Club Casino

Lilac Club Casino, located in the heart of Rochester, N.H., is a modern gaming and entertainment venue featuring slot machines, table games, a full-service poker room, and chef-driven dining. The casino supports the local economy through job creation, community engagement, and charitable giving.

Media Contact:
Nadia Khan
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Granite State Gaming & Hospitality