"This is going to be the place where the novices, the pros, and the celebrities want to play poker. I don't think Las Vegas needs just another poker room. That is why we are opening the Poker Lounge."
Shannon Elizabeth
The gorgeous actress Shannon Elizabeth has been stunning audiences for the last few years with her good looks and on-
screen presence, and lately she's been making waves in the poker industry, as well. At the 2007 NBC National Heads-Up
Poker Championship, Elizabeth finished in the semifinals after defeating a few of the best players in the world. Recognized
for her poker talent, she recently signed with Doyle's Room. The Hard Rock Poker Lounge is looking to attract and
accommodate every kind of player, making it likely that amateurs and tourists could rub elbows at the table with celebrities
like Elizabeth.
Card Player: First of all, you have been very busy, taking a break from acting and poker, doing Dancing With the Stars. So,
how have you been? Have you had any time for poker?
Shannon Elizabeth: I've been fine! I had a really great time doing the show; I had the best partner I could have asked for.
Then I went on vacation, and now I'm in Las Vegas, ready to play poker.
CP: Have you had a chance to play and brush up since taking your hiatus?
SE: I haven't, that's the thing. During the show, I was so busy that all I had time to do was dance and sleep, so I'm kind of
heading into the World Series cold. But that means I'm fresh and ready to go, so I won't be burned out this year.
CP: Let's talk about your poker career. You really gained some notoriety for your game at the 2007 NBC National Heads-Up
Poker Championship. How has poker changed for you in terms of how seriously you take the game?
SE: I've always been serious about it. I'm really competitive, so when I do something, I want to do it fully. I try to learn; I try
to get better. I don't do it just halfway; I go all-out. I'm always learning, and this will be the first year that I am going to
play all of the mixed games, as well.
CP: Congratulations on signing with Doyle's Room. Is the World Series of Poker going to be your debut as a team
member?
SE: Yes, I'm representing them at the Series, and they've been great to sponsor me. Hopefully, we'll do really well
together.
CP: Has Doyle given you any advice on how to beat the large fields that you'll find at the Series?
SE: Not yet, but I'm definitely going to pick his brain a bit.
CP: So, what do you think of the idea of Hard Rock's Poker Lounge, where players not only can play poker, but also
can party a bit?
SE: The Hard Rock Poker Lounge is going to be amazing and unique, because it is going to have a hip rock 'n' roll
atmosphere that no other place has.
CP: Do you think it will attract celebrity poker players like you?
SE: Yes, and I think it is going to attract a lot of everybody, because it is going to have such a fun, laid-back
