‘American Pie’ Star Shannon Elizabeth is Bringing Her Wildlife Mission to Las Vegas

Actress, poker participant and conservationist Shannon Elizabeth is bringing her mission of serving to wildlife to Las Vegas this summer season as she hosts the second-ever Rhino Rumble charity poker event.

After starring in a number of the largest comedy motion pictures from the flip of the century, together with American Pie and Scary Film, Elizabeth, a longtime poker participant, went on to discovered the Shannon Elizabeth Basis and open the Khusela Endangered Wildlife Sanctuary within the Japanese Cape of South Africa.

“I have been residing in South Africa, working my charity on the market,” Elizabeth informed PokerNews in a current interview. “And we’ve a blind black rhino (named Munu) that was our inspiration for creating our sanctuary.”

Now, Elizabeth, who just lately made headlines for making over $1 million in her first week on OnlyFans, is gearing up for the charity poker event in Las Vegas that may happen proper earlier than the World Collection of Poker (WSOP) Essential Occasion.

Elevating Cash for Endangered Wildlife

The primary-ever Rhino Rumble befell in July 2024 and in partnership with poker professional Matt Stout and his Charity Collection of Poker (CSOP), and was attended the likes of Poker Corridor of Famer Barry Greenstein, 2006 WSOP Participant of the Yr Jeff Madsen and World Poker Tour (WPT) Government Event Director Matt Savage, who can be emceeing this yr’s occasion.

“That occasion was unbelievable. So many individuals got here out to help us,” Elizabeth informed PokerNews. “The vibe within the room was wonderful. And we went till late at evening. Simply taking part in and having enjoyable.”

After skipping the occasion in 2025 as a consequence of scheduling conflicts, Elizabeth mentioned this summer season’s occasion can be even higher than the inaugural version.

“I need to duplicate it once more, however like, double it,” she mentioned.

The second annual Rhino Rumble Poker Championship will happen June 28 at The Stirling Membership in Las Vegas. As soon as once more, the occasion can be a partnership between the Shannon Elizabeth Basis and the CSOP.

The evening will kick off with a cocktail hour earlier than a No-Restrict Maintain’em Event with $5,000 in money prizes and over $10,000 in prizes supporting the Shannon Elizabeth Basis. Gamers who buy tickets earlier than June 28 will obtain an extra 5,000 in chips. Tickets for the occasion may be bought on the Shannon Elizabeth Basis web site.

Rhino Rhumble Poker Championship Particulars

4:30pm Poker Classes (upon request)5:00pm VIP Reception Begins6:30pm Gamers Seated & Welcome Remarks

The event comes at a time that Elizabeth’s Khusela Endangered Wildlife Sanctuary may use the cash. She mentioned she is gearing up “to develop the sanctuary,” together with working with native companions in South Africa to construct a wildlife rehabilitation middle for orphaned animals.

“We’re beginning to make some headway with the local people to begin serving to them … So there’s quite a bit occurring on the market, so we actually want to boost funds.”

Desirous to Shadow a Poker Professional for a Yr

Elizabeth has performed poker because the early 2000s, when she completed runner-up within the 2004 Celeb Poker Showdown and later completed third within the 2007 NBC Nationwide Heads-Up Championship for $125,000.

Extra just lately, Elizabeth performed on the 2024 WSOP and on the SunBet Poker Tour in South Africa. Elizabeth informed PokerNews she “would possibly play some occasions” whereas she’s in Las Vegas and is even occupied with shadowing knowledgeable poker participant for a yr to enhance her sport.

“I believe that is sort of my dream sooner or later,” she mentioned. “As a result of I actually do need to get higher at it. As a result of I do love the sport.

“Truthfully, till I can shadow a poker participant for possibly a yr, I do not see me getting higher. As a result of I simply have not like had the time to concentrate on it. And I really feel like the sport has modified a lot from after I was taking part in earlier than. So I play now and I do know I’ve lots of issues I am doing unsuitable.”

Elizabeth appeared as a visitor on the PokerNews Life Exterior Poker Podcast on the 2024 WSOP, the place she talked about her largest Hollywood roles, entering into poker, beginning her wildlife conservation and extra.

Connor Richards is a Senior Editor U.S. for PokerNews and host of the Life Exterior Poker podcast. Connor has been nominated for 3 International Poker Awards for his writing.