Baller Dream Foundation and baseball legend Greg Maddux are returning to Circa Resort & Casino in downtown Las Vegas for the fourth annual Baller Dream Celebrity Poker Tournament, April 25-26, after raising more than $500,000 for young cancer warriors at last year’s event. This year, celebrities such as Backstreet Boys singer Nick Carter, all-star baseball slugger Jose Bautista andVegas football players Nakobe Dean and Kolton Miller will join Maddux for a two-day charity event including a Game Show Gala Dinner and a Celebrity Poker Tournament, where guests will compete for a share of more than $50,000 in cash prizes.
To reserve a seat, please click here.
Click here for photos of last year’s events.
“Every year this event continues to grow, not just in size but in impact,” said Maddux. “What makes it truly special is bringing together people from different worlds for something bigger than us. You have this incredible energy all weekend, but at the heart of it, it’s about supporting these kids and their families through some of the toughest moments of their lives. To see the community show up, have fun and make a real difference at the same time is what keeps all of us coming back.”
The tournament will include the following celebrities, with additional names to be announced in the coming weeks:
- Greg Maddux, legendary Hall of Fame pitcher
- Nick Carter, Backstreet Boys pop singer and member of a multi-platinum vocal group
- Roger Clemens, legendary multi-time award-winning pitcher
- Jose Bautista, former All-Star baseball slugger and multiple-time Silver Slugger winner
- Terrell Davis, former professional football running back
- Nakobe Dean, professional football linebacker and collegiate national champion
- Kolton Miller, Las Vegas professional football starting offensive tackle
- Rollie Fingers, Hall of Fame pitcher and championship series MVP
- Jonny Gomes, former professional baseball outfielder and championship winner
- Deryk Engelland, former professional hockey defenseman and Vegas team leader
- Jim Gray, Emmy Award-winning broadcaster
- Samm Levine, actor and comedian known for television and film roles
- AJ Cole, professional football punter in Las Vegas
- Jackson Powers-Johnson, standout professional football offensive lineman
- Dalton Wagner, professional football offensive tackle in Las Vegas
- Javier Colon, singer-songwriter and winner of a televised singing competition
The 2026 Baller Dream Celebrity Poker Tournament generates vital funds to create unforgettable experiences and offers financial assistance to pediatric and young adult “Ballers.” The 2026 event will include a Gala and Game Show dinner, silent auction and paddle-raise on Saturday, April 25. Then on April 26, the Baller Dream Celebrity Poker Tournament will take over Circa’s 60th floor cocktail lounge, Legacy Club.
Derek Stevens, CEO of Circa Resort & Casino, said, “Las Vegas has always been a city that shows up, and this event is a great example of that spirit. We’re proud that Circa can be part of a weekend that delivers meaningful support to young cancer warriors and their families while creating an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.”
Weekend Events
The weekend will include the following events:
- Gala and Game Show Dinner – Saturday, April 25 at 6 p.m.: The tournament weekend will kick off with a VIP dinner in Circa’s Galaxy ballroom. The dinner will feature a celebrity game show element where guests can watch two teams go head-to-head to answer survey questions; enjoy a plated dinner and open bar; participate in a silent auction featuring over 50 unforgettable prizes; and a paddle-raise, where attendees are invited to “raise their paddle” to pledge donations and earn additional chips prior to Sunday’s tournament.
- Main Event Celebrity Poker Tournament at Legacy Club – Sunday, April 26 at 6 p.m.: The Baller Dream Celebrity Poker Tournament will take place on Sunday, April 26 at Circa’s rooftop cocktail lounge, Legacy Club. The tournament will feature a cocktail hour with breathtaking wraparound views of the Las Vegas skyline.
The tournament will have players competing for a chance to win a share of $50,000 + in cash prizes. The tournament is limited to 100 players, with celebrities seated at each table. Rounds are 10 minutes in length and cash prizes are given to the top three winners. All net proceeds raised from this event will stay local to Las Vegas and help Baller Dream Foundation provide community programming where cancer warriors feel supported and celebrated. Funds raised also will provide financial support to families experiencing a cancer diagnosis. Additional celebrities will be announced in the coming weeks.
Single Day Tickets & Packages
A variety of packages and single-day ticket options are available for guests looking to either play in the tournament or just watch.
Sponsorship levels include:
- Hall of Fame: The exclusive presenting sponsor goes for $75,000 and includes poker tournament access for six players, buy-in included; suite accommodations for all six players for two nights; VIP 16-seat celebrity table at Saturday’s dinner; and a print and digital marketing package.
- World Series: The $50,000 package includes poker tournament access for six players, buy-in included; suite accommodations for all six players for two nights; VIP 8-seat celebrity table at Saturday’s dinner; and a print and digital marketing package.
- Championship: For $30,000, this level entails poker tournament access for four players, buy-in included; standard room accommodations for all four players for two nights; VIP 8-seat celebrity table at Saturday’s dinner; and a print and digital marketing package.
- Major League: The $15,000 deal provides poker tournament access for two players, buy-in included; standard room accommodations for two players for two nights; VIP four-seat celebrity table at Saturday’s dinner; and a print and digital marketing package.
Single-day pricing includes:
- Single-Day Ticket to the Gala Dinner on April 25
- $10,000 – VIP Celebrity Table at Dinner for 8-10 Guests
- $1,200 – Dinner Access for Two Guests
- $750 – Single Ticket
- Single-Day Ticket to the Baller Dream Celebrity Poker Tournament on April 26
- $3,000 – Single Player Tournament Access with $10,000 Buy-In Included
- $500 – One Spectator Ticket
- $500 – 5,000 Extra Chips
- Packages
- $5,000 – Weekend Away Package featuring one poker seat with a spectator pass, two seats at Gala Dinner and hotel accommodations for Saturday and Sunday night.
- $3,500 – Local’s Package featuring one poker seat with a spectator pass and two seats at Gala Dinner.
Rebuys during the first hour of tournament play will be available up to $2,500. A total of $5,000 in rebuys is available to each player. $500 is equitable to a $5,000 tax deductible donation.
To reserve seats and inquire about sponsorship packages, click here. Custom packages are also available and can be reserved by contacting breylin@ballerdream.org.
About Circa Resort & Casino
Get ready for the time of your life at Circa Resort & Casino, an adults-only casino-resort concept in the heart of downtown Las Vegas. The AAA Four Diamond Circa pays homage to Vegas’ Golden Era through vintage design, old-school hospitality and nods to the city’s history while introducing high-tech advancements and innovative amenities. The resort features upscale rooms and suites; the world’s largest sportsbook; Stadium Swim, a year-round pool aqua theater; a two-story casino; Garage Mahal, a high-tech transportation hub; the luxe Legacy Club rooftop lounge; an expansive local art collection; 35,000 sq. ft of meetings and conventions space and more. Guests can indulge at original restaurant concepts including premium steaks and seafood at Barry’s Downtown Prime from Chef Barry S. Dakake and Make It Happen Hospitality; Pan-Asian fare at 8 East from Chef Dan Coughlin; deli classics at Saginaw’s Delicatessen from restaurateur Paul Saginaw; authentic Carolina barbecue at Project BBQ; and all-star menus at Victory Burger & Wings Co. from the founding family of American Coney Island. Visit circalasvegas.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @circalasvegas to stay up to date.
About Baller Dream Foundation
Baller Dream Foundation is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit that supports pediatric and young adult cancer warriors, ages 0-29, through treatment, remission, and beyond. Baller Dream Foundation provides emotional and financial support through four primary programs. Dream Gifts & Experiences- they provide once-in-a-lifetime trips, celebrity and sports experiences, major gifts and more to our cancer warriors. In-Hospital Programming- from crafts & activities with in-patient Ballers to stocking the hospital’s birthday supplies or providing highly requested items to help make their days in treatment a little brighter. Financial Assistance- offering everything from gas and grocery cards, to rental support and stop-gap bill payment to help our families keep the lights on (literally!). Community Events- BDF provides fun events that are free for our Ballers and their families, giving them the chance to connect with others who understand the difficulties they are facing.