October 20, 2004 For more information: Frank R. Scatoni 619-807-1887 frank@ventureliterary.com "No Kill Date" Venture Literary Sells History of World Series of Poker to Thomas Dunne Books On October 20, 2004, Frank R. Scatoni of Venture Literary sold the World rights to Shuffle Up and Deal: The Rise and Rise of the World Series of Poker by Jonathan Grotenstein and Storms Reback, to Peter Wolverton at Thomas Dunne Books. At the 2004 World Series of Poker, held at Binion’s Horseshoe in Las Vegas (where it’s been held for the past thirty-four years), scantily clad women surrounded by brawny security guards carried out $8.5 million in cash to the final table. As if the ESPN cameras, the thousands of spectators, and the potential to be crowned world champion weren’t enough to add to the intense pressure, Greg "Fossilman" Raymer and David Williams had so many wads of hundred-dollar bills in front of them that they could hardly see one another across the felt. The prize money for the 2004 World Series of Poker was more than the purses of the Masters, the Kentucky Derby, and Wimbledon combined. The legendary Horseshoe Casino founder Benny Binion lived long enough to see his World Series of Poker surpass even his wildest expectations, as it evolved from a clever publicity stunt in 1970 with six players into an international event. In 2004, the number of players more than tripled as the Horseshoe cut off registration at 2,576 aspiring champions. "Fossilman" Raymer, an online qualifier, took home a cool five million and, in Malcolm Gladwell-speak, poker had officially tipped. In Shuffle Up and Deal, Jonathan Grotenstein and Storms Reback tell the story of the greatest tournament in the world, from its humble beginnings as a second-tier casino’s publicity stunt to the most coveted crown in a game that has swept the planet. The authors use first-hand interviews, photographic and video footage, and extensive archives to introduce the colorful and seemingly fearless characters who, over the tournament’s thirty-five year history, have been attracted by the lure of huge paydays and the chance to compete against the best in the world. They examine exactly what has been gained—and lost—as the World Series has been transformed from a casual gathering of Texans into an international event. Jonathan Grotenstein is a writer and professional poker player living in Los Angeles. He most recently co-authored Poker: The Real Deal with professional player and TV host Phil Gordon. He has also written several screenplays. Storms Reback is a writer and professional poker player living in Eugene, Oregon. A former sports reporter and columnist for The Jackson Hole News, he recently finished The Last Showdown, his first novel. To learn more about Venture Literary, visit www.ventureliterary.com To learn more about Thomas Dunne Books, visit http://www.stmartins.com/