Russell Westbrook Hosted Annual Charity Poker Event
The poker tournament at the Fontainebleau raised nearly $1 million to support local youth programming.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Casino
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Russell Westbrook held his sixth-annual charity poker tournament in the valley, bringing donors to the Poodle Room at the Fontainebleau. The event raised nearly $1 million for the Why Not? Foundation, which focuses on supporting young people.
Why it matters
The tournament serves as a major fundraiser for the foundation, which has now generated nearly $3 million over the course of six years. These funds are earmarked for youth development programs that the organization manages.
The 2026 event brought in nearly $1 million in charitable contributions, building on a total of $3 million raised since the tournament's inception. Participants secured their spots in the competition by paying a $10,000 entry fee.
The players
Russell Westbrook
Professional basketball player and founder of the charity organizing the tournament.
Why Not? Foundation
Nonprofit organization that manages funds to support young people.
Michail Grigorev
The individual who won the poker tournament.
World Poker Tour
The event partner that facilitated the organization of the tournament.
The details
The event featured a partnership with the World Poker Tour and took place at the Poodle Room within the Fontainebleau. Michail Grigorev emerged as the winner of the tournament, which drew a collection of high-profile attendees. The Why Not? Foundation continues to operate this initiative to support its ongoing youth-focused mission.
Timeline
The sixth-annual charity poker event took place in September 2026.
Beyond the Strip
This tournament is part of a growing trend of professional athletes hosting recurring charity fundraisers within local resort venues. It continues a six-year precedent of high-dollar, invitation-style philanthropy that has become a fixture in the Las Vegas events calendar.
The tournament is an invitation-only event requiring a $10,000 entry fee for participants. While the competition is closed to the public, the funds raised by the foundation will be distributed to support youth programs in the coming year.
The takeaway
The tournament underscores the significant role high-profile sports figures play in local charitable funding. Residents interested in the impact of the Why Not? Foundation should keep an eye on future foundation disclosures to see how these funds are allocated toward youth outreach.
Further reading
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Source note: This article includes information reported by Pokernews.
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