The 2008 World Series of Poker will be hosting the 2nd annual Ante Up for Africa tournament to help raise funds and awareness about the humanitarian crisis in Darfur, Sudan. The tournament begins at 2:00 pm on July 2nd in the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino.

Last year, more than $700,000 was raised in what turned out to largest charitable tournament ever in terms of Hollywood celebrities and poker professionals. Oscar nominee Don Cheadle and poker pro Annie Duke, creators of Ante Up for Africa, are looking forward to another exciting year.

Both Cheadle and Duke are deeply committed in their efforts to raise awareness about the atrocities occurring in Darfur. Duke said, “It is exciting to bring the world of poker and entertainment together and we are once again asking players who win prize money to donate half of their winnings to our charities.”

The tournament is set up in order to be completed within 5 hours and seating is limited. Everyone wishing to compete is encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. Pre-registration can be done at www.worldseriesofpoker.com/pdfs/prereg2008/Ante-Up-for-Africa.pdf.

Confirmed to play, subject to availability, in this year’s tournament are Cheadle, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Adam Sandler, Ray Romano, Charles Barkley, Jason Kidd, Kevin Pollack, Cheryl Hines, George Lopez, Joe Trohman, Doyle Brunson, Phil Ivey, Daniel Negreanu, Howard Lederer, Chris Ferguson, Andy Bloch, Phil Hellmuth, Phil Laak, Erik Seidel, Phil Gordon, Rafe Furst, Barry Greenstein, and more.

Donations from this year’s Ante Up for Africa will go to the two charities ENOUGH and Not On Our Watch.

For more information and pre-registration, visit the World Series of Poker website.