With his back pressed against a gallery of fans and their clicking digital camera’s, Leo “Superfluous Man” Wolpert was in the eye of a celebrity frenzy at the Ante Up for Africa Tournament.

Thanks to the presence of Ben Affleck, Wolpert’s table was constantly surrounded by photographers and video cameras capturing the spectacle that follows celebrities.

Although at least fifty percent of players winnings are donated to the charity, how much over that number depending on what the player decides to pledge, Wolpert decided this was a better rake than the standard rake he faces that lines the gaming industry’s pockets.

“It’s definitely way better than blowing money out in the casino pit too,” Wolpert added.

The tournament was loaded with celebrities from all realms as expected with professsional athletes, musicians and actors ponying up the 5k buy-in.

Of course any poker spectacle has the presence of Phil Hellmuth, who was the tournament’s emcee.

Hellmuth didn’t waste anytime in the spotlight, immediately giving Charles Barkley a hard time about his recent gambling debt that has been heavily publicized recently. Hellmuth also had to reiterate that Barkley called Hellmuth one of his hero’s as well to those that cared to listen.

Many live pro’s were played as well including Andy Bloch, Phil Laak, Annie Duke, Greg Raymer,  Mike Matusow and John Hennigan to name a few.

The final table of the 1.5k NL WSOP Event #52 is underway and Scott “ssitron” Sitron is second in chips with 1.2 million, trailing poker author Matt Matros’ 1.4 million. Sitron will also have to contend with accomplished live tournament pro David Daneshgar, who has 967k.

Voitto Rintala was the first bust-out going out in ninth place receiving 57k. The next out will get 84k and the winner will take home 625k and a bracelet.

Blinds are currently at 15k-30k with a 4k ante.

• July 2, 2008 -- ‘SirWatts’ Runs Out of Power
• July 3, 2008 -- Sitron Takes 2nd
• July 3, 2008 -- So Close He Can Taste It!
• July 2, 2008 -- Graham 3-Handed in 1.5k Shootout