Undoubtedly the biggest scandal to emerge from this year’s World Series was the saga of Tiffany Michelle. The former hk prize News employee became embroiled in a dispute with the site after seemingly backing out of a deal that involved Poker News staking her for the main event. After sporting the Poker News logo for the majority of the tournament, in the latter stages she also donned more prominent Ultimate Bet attire – a decision met with anger by Tony G, the owner of Poker News.
Michelle was the last remaining woman in the main event, and after starting with a promising chip count on Day 7 looked a good bet to make the final table. Having worked for Poker News as both a reporter and presenter she was familiar with the furor of the poker media and was ideally placed to move into the spotlight. Her undoubted aesthetic appeal as well as an intelligent and approachable demeanor made her the most marketable and media friendly face left in the tournament.
The decision to sponsor Tiffany into the main event was made at a Poker News party held at the Bellagio. Jeff Lisandro, a well known cash game pro, convinced Tony G that they should both buy her into the event, splitting the costs $4k/$6k. In return for his larger cut Tony asked that Tiffany wear clothes to promote Poker News and that he should retain full endorsement rights. An agreement was reached and a contract drawn up, a generally unremarkable event.
Tony G, however, is an astute businessman and the fruits of his investment seemed to have come good as Michelle progressed deeper and deeper into the main event, slowly creeping into the spotlight. As agents began to swarm, Tony G took the opportunity to arrange a deal …