Excitement filled the air in Atlantic City as the spotlight shone on the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The occasion was none other than the exclusive Celebrity Charity Blackjack. 

Attendees included models gracing the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue pages, adding an extra touch of allure to the event. Accompanying them were celebrated sports icons united in their engagement with the blackjack tables.

Beyond the thrill of the game, their collective intent was to generate substantial funds for charitable initiatives.

Tournament Format

The tournament, held at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, was not just any other event. It featured a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Models lineup, who had spent their week shooting for the July issue at the same venue.

The shoot was conducted stateside due to the ongoing global pandemic. Despite the chilly weather, with temperatures ranging in the 50s and 60s, the models showcased their professionalism by posing on the beach in front of the hotel.

The blackjack table saw fierce but friendly competition, with celebrities trying to outplay each other. Camille Kostek, who graced the cover of the previous year’s SI Swimsuit issue, emerged as the night’s shining star.

Celebrities on the Event

The Celebrity Charity Blackjack Tournament was not just about the cards; it was also a star-studded affair that added a glint of glamour to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. A unique blend of the modeling world and the sports universe converged at the blackjack tables, all in the spirit of charity and good fun.

From the world of sports, renowned personalities graced the event:

• Andre Dawson: Once a celebrated MLB player, especially known for his time with the Chicago Cubs.
• Wayne Chrebet: The former wide receiver for the NY Jets. Besides trying his hand at blackjack, Chrebet also made a memorable moment by signing a guitar during the event.
• Keith Byars: Former Philadelphia Eagles player. He and Margaret Byars were spotted admiring a themed cake crafted by Thaddeus DuBois, the Executive Pastry Chef of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

The world of modeling was represented by the dazzling faces from the 2021 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue:

• Camille Kostek: Not only did she shine as the night’s winner by clinching the $10,000 prize, but she was also recognized for her appearance on the cover of the previous year’s SI Swimsuit issue.
• Josephine Skriver, Haley Kalil, and Brooks Nader: These models added to the event’s allure with their presence on the blackjack table and during the various activities throughout the week at Hard Rock.

Joe Lupo, the President of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, also played a pivotal role by presenting Camille Kostek with the $10,000 donation for The Gronk Nation Youth Foundation.

Celebrities Who Did not Come

While the Celebrity Charity Tournament at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino was a starry affair, there were some notable absences. Unfortunately, several celebrities, known for their love of blackjack, couldn’t attend the event. Let’s shed some light on them:

• Ben Affleck: The Hollywood actor and director is known for his skills. Rumor has it he was tied up with post-production work for his latest movie, which kept him from attending.
• Matt Damon: Often seen alongside his buddy Ben Affleck at blackjack tables, Matt was reportedly out of the country for a film shoot, preventing him from joining the tournament.
• Paris Hilton: The socialite, businesswoman, and DJ, known for her love for casino games, was said to be hosting an event in Europe during the same time.
• Sean “Diddy” Combs: The music mogul, often spotted at VIP blackjack tables, was reportedly in the studio working on a new album, making it impossible for him to grace the event.