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Naperville 'Jeopardy!' Champ Playing In World Series Of Poker Events

(AP/CBS) — "Jeopardy!" champion and professional sports gambler James Holzhauer is making his World Series of Poker debut, with plans to donate half his winnings to charity.

Tournament official Seth Palansky says Holzhauer is competing Monday in a No-Limit Hold'em event and plans to partner later in the day with Poker Hall of Famer Mike Sexton in another contest.

James Holzhauer
(Credit: CBS/CNN)

Holzhauer tells tournament officials he'll donate winnings to a Las Vegas nonprofit for homeless teenagers.

Holzhauer played online poker semi-professionally in the early 2000s, but makes a living now with sports betting.'

The Naperville-native became a celebrity during a 32-game "Jeopardy!" win streak, earning more than $2.4 million before losing in early June.

He has taken part in several events in Las Vegas in recent weeks.

Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

 

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