NBC Set to Launch 3rd Season of Poker After Dark on 12/31

10 exciting new matches and a new host highlight PAD3

(PRWEB) December 20, 2007 -- With two successful seasons of Poker After Dark in the books, NBC will continue to bring poker fans around the globe the very best in 6-handed match-ups with the airing of its 3rd season beginning late night on December 31. The hit show will again feature the top players in the game each putting up $20,000 per match and competing for a $120,000 winner-take-all prize. Returning to provide limited commentary is Ali Nejad.

The program, designed to show how a match progresses over time by showing the majority of the hands involved, has provided not only top quality poker filled with drama and excitement, but also a lot of laughs and some eyebrow-raising behavior. Contributing to the entertainment factor is the interaction that takes place between the players, which allows viewers a better look into each of their personalities. This banter is often confrontational, but for the most part is lighthearted and filled with exchanges and anecdotes you won't find on any other program.

The producers takes pride in introducing an interesting mix of players to the viewing audience, and the first 2 seasons saw 57 of the game's elite participate. This year 15 newcomers will make their debut, including Jean-Robert Bellande, Hoyt Corkins, Roland de Wolfe, Chau Giang, Mark Gregorich, Sam Grizzle, Berry Johnston, J.J. Liu, Scotty Nguyen, David Oppenheim, Erica Schoenberg, Beth Shak, Gavin Smith, and Robert Williamson III. Another notable newcomer is amateur Ken Light, who will play in the opening match of the season. Ken won his seat via a freeroll at FullTiltPoker.net and was able to choose his personal dream line-up.

PAD3 will also debut a highly entertaining new program host named Marianela, who will bring her unique charm, wit, and personality to the show. This Argentina-born beauty is hip, creative, and as comfortable in front of a camera as any runway model. The players loved working with her, and viewers will especially enjoy how well she interacts with the players. Be sure to visit www.nbcsports.com/poker for photos and more information about the new "Poker Princess."

Here are the new matches that will take place during Poker After Dark's 3rd season:

Match 21: Dream Table (Week of December 31)

Seat 1: Daniel Negreanu

Seat 2: Phil Hellmuth

Seat 3: Jennifer Harman

Seat 4: Mike Matusow

Seat 5: Scotty Nguyen

Seat 6: Ken Light

Match 22: 19th Hole (Week of January 7)

Seat 1: Gavin Smith

Seat 2: David Oppenheim

Seat 3: Erick Lindgren

Seat 4: Phil Ivey

Seat 5: Doyle Brunson

Seat 6: Daniel Negreanu

Match 23: Hecklers (Week of January 14)

Seat 1: Gavin Smith

Seat 2: Sam Grizzle

Seat 3: Jean-Robert Bellande

Seat 4: Mike Matusow

Seat 5: Shawn Sheikhan

Seat 6: Phil Hellmuth

Match 24: World Champions (Week of February 11)

Seat 1: Chris Ferguson (2000)

Seat 2: Johnny Chan (1987, 1988)

Seat 3: Berry Johnston (1986)

Seat 4: Jamie Gold (2006)

Seat 5: Phil Hellmuth (1989)

Seat 6: Huck Seed (1996)

Match 25: Cowboys (Week of February 18)

Seat 1: Doyle Brunson

Seat 2: Chris Ferguson

Seat 3: Chau Giang

Seat 4: Andy Bloch

Seat 5: Hoyt Corkins

Seat 6: Gabe Kaplan

Match 26: International (Week of February 25)

Seat 1: Patrik Antonius (Finland)

Seat 2: Johnny Chan (China)

Seat 3: Roland de Wolfe (England)

Seat 4: Daniel Negreanu (Canada)

Seat 5: Gus Hansen (Denmark)

Seat 6: John Juanda (Indonesia)

Match 27: Jam Up (Week of March 24)

Seat 1: David Williams

Seat 2: Howard Lederer

Seat 3: Mike Matusow

Seat 4: Barry Greenstein

Seat 5: Antonio Esfandiari

Seat 6: Eli Elezra

Match 28: Gus and the Ladies (Week of March 31)

Seat 1: Gus Hansen

Seat 2: Vanessa Rousso

Seat 3: J.J. Liu

Seat 4: Clonie Gowen

Seat 5: Beth Shak

Seat 6: Erica Schoenberg

Match 29: Love at First Raise (Week of May 12)

Seat 1: Jennifer Harman

Seat 2: David Benyamine

Seat 3: Jennifer Tilly

Seat 4: Marco Traniello

Seat 5: Erica Schoenberg

Seat 6: Phil Laak

Match 30: Commentators (Week of May 19)

Seat 1: Mark Gregorich

Seat 2: Chad Brown

Seat 3: Ali Nejad

Seat 4: Robert Williamson III

Seat 5: Phil Gordon

Seat 6: Howard Lederer

So will any of the players go on mega-tilt this season? Count on it. Will there be more feisty verbal exchanges? Of course. Will there be any surprise winners? You betcha. Will Phil Hellmuth finally win a match? Well, you'll just have to tune in to find out. But what better way is there for a poker fan to usher in the New Year?

This press release was written by Dennis Oehring, who works with the firm POKER-PROductions. Photo of Marianela courtesy of NBC's Paul Drinkwater.

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