2026 Prestige AV & Creative Services Rick Steiner Memorial Poker Tournament presented by BetMGM

Guaranteed $10,000 First Prize!

Texas Hold 'Em Style Event – Guaranteed $10,000 First Prize!

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2026

Redsfest

Cincinnati Convention Center

3:00 p.m. – Doors Open

4:00 p.m. – Tournament Starts

The 18th annual Prestige AV & Creative Services Rick Steiner Memorial Poker Tournament presented by BetMGM, benefitting the Reds Community Fund, is scheduled for Saturday, January 17 in the Grand Ballroom on the third floor at the Cincinnati Convention Center. The doors will open at 3:00 p.m. for registration and side games, and the tournament will begin at 4:00 p.m.

Each table of nine (9) will feature a current or former Reds player, coach, broadcaster, or other local celebrity. Plus, if you knock a celebrity out of the tournament, you get the autographed jersey off their back!

MUST BE 21 YEARS OR OLDER TO PARTICIPATE.

PRICING

Individual Registration Fee:

Individual Registration Fee:
Pre-registration through Friday, December 5: $175 per person
Beginning Saturday, December 6: $200 per person
Beginning Friday, January 9: $225 per person

  • $2,000 in chips
  • Buffet dinner and two (2) drink tickets
  • One-day access pass to Saturday’s Redsfest festivities

Full Table Registration Fee: $1,750

  • Nine (9) players plus one Reds celebrity
  • Nine (9) one-day access passes to Saturday’s Redsfest festivities
  • Buffet dinner and two (2) drink tickets per person
  • One (1) Reds player autographed item for table captain
  • Group recognition during event

*Tournament registration will be capped at a maximum of 540 participants

Please note: A Redsfest event ticket is needed to gain entry into the Cincinnati Convention Center for this event. Each Poker participant is responsible for bringing their own complimentary pass (digital ticket delivered through the MLB Ballpark App) to gain entry into the convention center. The Reds Community Fund is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or forgotten passes. Tickets will be sent out to all participants beginning in early January, 2026.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When is the Tournament scheduled?

Saturday, January 17, 2026

Where is the Tournament?

Cincinnati Convention Center, 3rd Floor Grand Ballroom

Please note: A Redsfest event ticket is needed to gain entry into the Cincinnati Convention Center for this event. Each Poker participant is responsible for bringing their own complimentary pass (digital ticket delivered through the MLB Ballpark App) to gain entry into the convention center. The Reds Community Fund is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or forgotten passes. Tickets will be sent out to all participants beginning in January, 2026.

What time should I be there?

3:00 p.m. – Doors open; event registration begins; side games begin

4:00 p.m. – Tournament begins

Can anyone participate?

Players must be 21 years or older to participate in the tournament.

How many people can participate?

Up to 540 people, including celebrities (maximum of 9 players/table)

How many at each table?

Maximum of nine (9) players plus the dealer, including one (1) celebrity

How can I register?

  • On com/poker with credit card
  • By phone with credit card
  • By mail with check or credit card
  • At the RCF booth at Redsfest on Friday, January 16, 2026 (based upon availability)
  • At registration table prior to start of event (3:00-4:00 p.m.) with credit card (based upon availability)

How much does it cost?

Tournament buy-in is $175 (through Friday, December 5th) and $200 (beginning December 6th). Starting Friday, January 9th, registration is $225 per person (based on availability). Registration includes $2,000 in tournament chips and a digital ticket to Redsfest (Saturday only), buffet dinner and two (2) drink tickets.

What will I need to check-in?

Government-issued IDs are required at check-in prior to the tournament. Don’t forget to bring your complimentary digital Redsfest ticket with you - it is needed to enter the Convention Center.

What if the event is sold-out?

Once the event is officially sold out, a wait list will commence. The wait list is open to the first 20 people who register on a first come, first served basis. Tournament entry fee of $225 is due upfront and will be refunded if a person on the wait list does not make it into the tournament prior to the dinner break.

Are there re-buys?

Yes, there will be unlimited re-buys of $50 each ($2,000 in chips) for the first 90 minutes. A player can purchase at any time prior to the first event break; in order to rebuy, a player must have chips/be active in the game. Cash or credit are acceptable forms of payment.

Is there an add-on?

Yes, one (1) for $50 ($5,000 in chips) after the first scheduled break at 90 minutes. Every active player is eligible to purchase an add-on at the conclusion of the break. In order to be considered an “active player”, you must have a least one chip left in the tournament. Cash or credit are acceptable forms of payment.

What is the payout?

50% payout to top 27 players based upon 540 players

(Celebrity earnings benefit the Reds Community Fund)

How are the celebrities chosen?

Celebrities will be randomly assigned to each table throughout the event. Please note that not all tables will receive a celebrity at the beginning of the event. Celebrities will be inserted into open spots as they arrive to the event throughout the evening. For updates on the celebrities that will be attending Redsfest, please visit: www.reds.com/redsfest.

Can I watch and not play?

Unfortunately, no spectators will be permitted to attend the event in 2026. Only event participants will be permitted to enter the event.

Please note: Autographs and photographs of celebrities are not permitted at this event.

Will I need a ticket to get into the event?

A digital Redsfest ticket is needed to gain entry into the Cincinnati Convention Center. Each Poker participant is responsible for bringing his/her own complimentary pass (digital ticket delivered through the MLB Ballpark App) to gain entry into the convention center. The Reds Community Fund is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or forgotten passes. Tickets will be delivered to each event participant digitally via the MLB Ballpark App beginning in early January, 2026.

How do I make sure I am with my friends?

Participants will be randomly placed at a table upon registering. If you would like to be paired up with a friend or family member, please contact Jake Ware at JWare@reds.com.

Are phones allowed in tournament?

All cellular phones/electronic devices are prohibited to be used inside of the tournament playing area if you are participating in the current hand. Any player using a cellular/electronic device while at the table will be required to fold his/her current hand.

How long will the Tournament last?

Scheduled for roughly six (6) hours. Please note: the tournament will continue until only one person remains.

Will food and beverages be provided?

All event participants will receive two (2) drink tickets upon registration. Drink tickets are good for wine, beer and/or mixed drinks. Soft drinks, water and coffee will be available during the event. A buffet dinner will take place approximately 90 minutes into the tournament.

The sale and consumption of all alcoholic beverages is subject to Ohio Law. It is unlawful for any person under twenty (21) years of age to purchase, consume, possess or transport alcoholic beverages. The Reds and its concessionaire will implement measures to ensure that alcoholic beverages are not accessible or served to any person under 21 years of age or to person(s) who are deemed to be intoxicated. The Reds reserve the right to limit the consumption and/or sale of alcoholic beverages to any individual at their own discretion at events.

Will anything else be going on?

Reds 50/50 raffle tickets will be available in the ballroom as well as a raffle with Reds related prizes.

Will participants receive a reminder?

All registered participants will receive an informational e-mail approximately one (1) week prior to the event that includes an updated timeline, registration specifics and other pertinent details.

Who are the dealers?

This event will continue to utilize a group of volunteer dealers. If you are interested in volunteering, please e-mail Jake Ware at JWare@reds.com.

Who is the charity or beneficiary of the event?

All proceeds benefit the Reds Community Fund. The RCF is the official non-profit organization of the Cincinnati Reds. Since its inception in 2001, the Community Fund has been dedicated to improving the lives of youth through its baseball and softball outreach efforts. Find out more at reds.com/community.

Who can I call for game rule questions, blind structure or general questions?

Rules, including the blind structure, will be provided at check-in the day of the tournament. Feel free to contact Jake Ware at JWare@reds.com with any additional event related questions.

Registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Sorry, no exceptions. This means once we receive your registration, you are unable to receive a refund if you cannot participate. This No Refunds Policy applies even if the Event is cancelled for any reason. If this occurs, your registration fee will be considered a tax-deductible donation to the Reds Community Fund to be utilized for one of their many outreach initiatives.