Seven facts you always wanted to know about Shannon Elizabeth – rising star in the poker world
1 She just won $125,000 at poker.
Shannon Elizabeth is etched into the memory banks of most men thanks to her role as foreign exchange student Nadia in American Pie.
But her poker is also attracting attention at the moment. At the National Heads-Up Championship she took down Jeff Madsen, Barry Greenstein and Humberto Brenes before losing to Paul Wasicka.
2 She learned how to play hold’em for a US TV show.
Before appearing on Celebrity Poker Showdown one the producers of the show had to give her a quick lesson. Since then she has become addicted to poker, regularly visiting Vegas, and even calling poker her second career.
3 She runs good in celebrity tournaments.
Her first big win was a tournament held at the opening of the new poker room at Caesars Palace, where she won $55k. She says she puts her thespian skills to good use at the poker table. ‘I love the psychological aspect of it.’
4 She was almost a tennis pro.
Just like Patrik Antonius, David Benyamine and Gus Hansen, Elizabeth was a talented player in her youth. She wanted to turn pro, but claims shequite the sport because she didn’t like her high-school coach.
5 She had a better 2006 than most.
Elizabeth recorded money finishes in no-limit hold’em events. She recorded a 201st-place in the $1,000 event and a 35th in two of the $1,500 events. The big money finish eluded her though, she cashed out for just $6,000.
6 She is one of the stars of the major poker film, Deal.
The is set around the WPT World Championship, a young hotshot ends heads-up with his mentor. Elizabeth plays the love interest of the young player
7 She was married to Joe Reitman from 2002-05.
Following their split, Reitman is now the partner of Annie Duke. Small world, huh?
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