GREG MADDUX, FRED MCGRIFF, JIM MCMAHON AND MORE RAISE OVER $500K FOR YOUNG CANCER WARRIORS DURING 2025 BALLER DREAM CELEBRITY POKER TOURNAMENT AT CIRCA IN LAS VEGAS
Max Meursing Wins First Place in Poker Tournament
Champions from across the world of sports and entertainment came together in Las Vegas this past weekend for the annual Baller Dream Celebrity Poker Tournament. Hosted by legendary pitcher Greg Maddux, the event at Circa Resort & Casino raised more than $500,000 in support of the Baller Dream Foundation, which provides critical financial support to pediatric and young adult cancer warriors and their families.
“The heart and generosity shown at this event is truly remarkable,” said host Greg Maddux. “The Baller Dream Celebrity Poker Tournament has quickly become one of the most meaningful weekends of the year for everyone involved. It’s not just about poker or prizes—it’s about creating unforgettable moments for these incredible kids and their families. To see so many legends from across the sports world come together, give their time and share this mission is something special. I’m honored to be part of it and grateful to everyone who helped make this event a success—from Circa, to our generous sponsors and all the attendees.”
Max Meursing won the poker tournament, taking home the first-place prize of $50,000 Out of the winners, $25,000 was donated back to the Baller Dream Foundation, where all net proceeds raised will stay local to Las Vegas and help Baller Dream Foundation provide financial support, dream gifts, hospital activities and community events where cancer warriors feel supported and celebrated.
A full list of celebrity participants at the weekend events included:
- Greg Maddux: Hall of Fame Pitcher, 18x Gold Glove Winner, 4x Pitching Award Winner, Champion
- Wally Joyner: All-Star First Baseman, 16-Year Career
- Daniel Carlson: First Team All Pro, 2x Professional Football Scoring Co-Leader
- AJ Cole: 3x All-Star Selection
- Rollie Fingers: Hall of Fame Pitcher, 7x All-Star, 3x Champion
- Jim McMahon: 2x Championship Winner, College Football Hall of Fame
- Dalton Wagner: Courage Award Winner
- Jonny Gomes: Professional Baseball Champion
- Justin Grimm: Professional Baseball Champion
- Vince Coleman: Rookie of the Year, 6x Stolen Base Leader, Professional Baseball Champion, Championship Series MVP, All-Star
- Steve Avery: All-Star, Professional Baseball Champion
- Scott Boras: Top Agent, Record-Breaking Contracts
- Eric Moore: Professional Football Offensive Lineman, 1x Championship Winner
- Fred McGriff: Hall of Fame, 5x All-Star, Professional Baseball Champion, 3x Silver Champion
- Jesse Sapolu: Retired Professional Football Center and Offensive Guard, 4x Championship Winner, 2x All-Star
- Dwight Hicks: Retired Professional Football Safety, 2x Championship Winner, 4x All-Star
- Eric Wright: Retired Professional Football Cornerback, 4x Championship Winner, 2x All-Star, First Team Selection
- Marty Barrett: Hall of Fame Second Baseman, Championship Series MVP
The 
weekend kicked off with a celebrity game show in Circa’s Galaxy Ballroom where two teams went head-to-head to guess responses to survey questions. The teams consisted of Team Football (AJ Cole, Daniel Carlson, Dalton Wagner, Jesse Sapolu and Max Meursing) and Team Baseball (Greg Maddux, Fred McGriff, Steve Avery, Scott Boras and Derek Stevens) and Team Football – led by AJ Cole – took home the Gold. Along with the opportunity to dine with celebrities, guests were treated to dinner, open bar and a silent auction featuring dozens of exclusive items. This included autographed memorabilia like a 2004 Greg Maddux worn uniform, VIP sporting experiences such as four tickets to a Texas professional baseball game and meet and greet with Mike Maddux and more. The silent auction raised over $79,000 for the Foundation.
The following day, guests attended the Baller Dream Celebrity Poker Tournament that took place at Circa’s rooftop cocktail lounge, Legacy Club. The event boasted a cocktail reception with beautiful wraparound views of the city and had 100 players competing for a $75,000 prize pool.
Baller Dream Foundation was founded by Frank DeBlasi, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer at the age of 29. He was fortunate to have a wonderful support network of family, friends and co-workers and he promised himself that if he survived, he would build a foundation for young people batting cancer. Now cancer-free, Frank kept his promise and created Baller Dream Foundation, which recognizes the critical need for emotional and daily living support that is not available to all young warriors battling cancer. Baller Dream works closely with children’s hospitals across the country and provides in-hospital, volunteer-led activities to help ease the minds of warriors and support their families.
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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 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.