While negative headlines often dominate the poker news cycle – such as Charlie Carrel calling out a scammer and SCOTUS lawyer Tom Goldstein getting in trouble for failing to pay poker taxes – it is important to remember that the game can be used for good.
Perhaps the greatest example of that is the untold millions raised via charity poker tournaments. There are high-profile charity tournaments like those hosted by the Charity Series of Poker (CSOP) and Jack Binion in Las Vegas, but all across the world there are events of all sizes for different causes.
Case in point, the Earl Holt–John Seaman Poker Tournament, which is entering its 17th year with an event on Saturday, March 29. The $125 buy-in tournament, which features re-buys and add-ons, is limited to 45 players, and it has already sold out – they filled all seats within five days of sending out their Save the Date. However, for those wanting to get in, there is currently a waiting list!
“The tournament is held in memory of Earl Holt and John Seaman, two beloved longtime residents of Ennis, Montana, and devoted supporters of Ennis High School,” Jerry Jacobs and tournament director Wanda Skinner told PokerNews. “They were both passionate about poker, and their passing—just two weeks apart—was a profound loss to both the Ennis community and our poker family. To honor their memory and their love for the game, this tournament was created to bring people together, celebrate poker, and give back to local students.”
In 2024, the tournament contributed $15,050 in scholarships to 12 graduating seniors at Ennis High School, making a real difference in their futures. Gary Schild and Rod Clark chopped the top two spots, Jill Pike finished third, and David Henderson took 4th place.
The tournament is held at the Silver Dollar Saloon, a classic Montana saloon and casino that provides an authentic taste of Montana heritage. With its historic charm, it’s the perfect setting for a poker event that brings the community together while preserving the spirit of the game.
“We’ve been fortunate to have poker professionals Mikiyo Aoki, Nobu Aoki, and Jill Pike, all from Bozeman, Montana, attend the tournament,” said Jacobs. “Their participation has helped elevate the event while keeping it a fun and welcoming environment for all.”
Aoki is a well-known poker grinder with nearly $500,000 in tournament earnings according to The Hendon Mob, which puts her sixth on Montana’s all-time money list. That includes a career-high $94,800 for finishing runner-up in the 2014 World Series of Poker Ladies Championship.
For those who might either want on the waitlist or to donate to the cause, please contact Wanda Skinner at [email protected].
Montana’s All-Time Money List as of 2/14/25
| Place | Player | Winnings |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | David “Doc” Sands | $8,459,920 |
| 2 | Bradley Anderson | $822,244 |
| 3 | Ian Gordon | $742,281 |
| 4 | Chris Sandrock | $536,814 |
| 5 | Miles Barnum | $494,608 |
| 6 | Mikiyo Aoki | $474,411 |
| 7 | Rob Perelman | $406,352 |
| 8 | Ryan Roeder | $381,596 |
| 9 | Tyson Marks | $358,682 |
| 10 | Kathy Keller-Kohlberg | $315,834 |
*Data courtesy of The Hendon Mob.
PR & Media Manager