LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Sports and entertainment celebrities led by Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux raised more than $1 million for pediatric cancer patients during the 2026 Baller Dream Celebrity Poker Tournament at Circa Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, according to a press release.
The annual event benefited the Baller Dream Foundation, which provides financial assistance and support programs for young cancer patients and their families. Maddux said the weekend’s purpose is to help ease the burden on families while celebrating patients, said the release.
Lance Peters won the poker tournament, with Dave Schub finishing second and Will Coughlin third, organizers said.
Of the tournament winnings, $92,500 was donated back to the foundation, with net proceeds supporting financial aid, “dream gifts,” hospital activities, and community events for patients, according to a Baller Dream Foundation representative.
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Celebrity Participants:
Greg Maddux, Hall of Fame pitcherNick Carter, Backstreet Boys singer Roger Clemens, former pitcherTerrell Davis, former NFL running back Deryk Engelland, former NHL defenseman Jim Gray, broadcaster
Including several other current and former professional football players with Las Vegas ties, organizers said.
On Sunday, the poker tournament was held at Circa’s Legacy Club rooftop lounge, where about 100 players competed for a $100,000 prize pool, according to organizers.
According to a representative with the Baller Dream, the Foundation was founded by Frank DeBlasi, who said he created the nonprofit after surviving testicular cancer diagnosed when he was 29. The organization works with children’s hospitals across the country and provides in-hospital activities and support for patients and their families.
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