Baller Poker Tournament Raises Over $1 Million at Circa

^{The Baller Dream Foundation Celebrity Poker Tournament was played on the 60th floor of Circa Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. (Photo courtesy of Baller Dream Foundation)} 

LAS VEGAS – After raising $1.2 million for pediatric cancer patients combined over the first three years of the Baller Dream Foundation Celebrity Poker Tournament, the goal for 2026 was to top $800,000 for a total of $2 million. 

Needless to say, Baller Dream Foundation event organizers were more than happy to set a new record by going 25 percent over that goal, with $1.02 million raised last weekend when the tourney concluded at Circa Resort & Casino in downtown Las Vegas.

“Of course we hope to raise $1 million,” said Paige Maddux, Chief Development Officer of the Baller Dream Foundation and daughter of Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux. “But we didn't expect that number to come until year five.”

Year four was a rousing success, according to Maddux, with “a few generous high five-figure gifts that came from in-event guests we were not expecting.” 

Silent Auction Drives Additional Donations

The poker tournament itself featured Greg Maddux – a World Series champion with the Atlanta Braves and four-time National League Cy Young Award winner – along with a few other star athletes (past and present) and celebrities. Some of them auctioned off their own memorabilia plus different experiences related to sporting events. 

“Our silent auction had some big bidding going on over some game-used pieces, such as Greg Maddux's Cubs Uniform going for more than $20,000,” Maddux said. “We also had nearly all of our poker winners donate the majority of winnings back, totaling $92,000!” 

UFC President and CEO Dana White also donated personal tickets to one of his organization’s upcoming events that sold for $20,000. In addition, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown donated a VIP McLaren Experience at F1 Las Vegas, which went for $32,000.

Maddux Strikes Up More Gifts With Birthday Match

Leading up to the poker tourney, Maddux decided to match donations to the Baller Dream Foundation dollar-for-dollar up to $60,000 in honor of his 60th birthday on April 14. Another goal was successfully met, providing even more money for the Ballers and their families.

“We were excited to celebrate his 60th birthday with a $60,000 match,” Paige Maddux said. “Guests that couldn't attend (the poker tournament) were able to donate online to take full advantage of the match.”