All In Poker Tournament Unites Diverse Participants to Support Variety Israel Charity
The All In poker tournament, held for the eighth time in 2026, brings together over 700 players and hundreds of guests to raise funds for Variety Israel, a charity active since 1967. Inspired by Andy Ram, a longtime ambassador and volunteer who previously organized a tennis fundraiser, the event was adapted into a poker format to attract younger donors. Entry fees of $2,000 per participant are fully donated to Variety Israel, with no real money gambling or cash prizes involved.
The tournament attracts a wide range of participants including celebrities like Agam Rodberg, Guri Alfi, Maor Schweitzer, Barak Bachar, and Yossi Benayoun, alongside CEOs, entrepreneurs, and community representatives from across Israel. Michal Salonis, Variety Israel’s marketing and resource development manager, emphasizes the unique atmosphere where business leaders, wounded soldiers, and hostages-turned-survivors share the same tables, creating an experience distinct from typical donor galas.
Professional poker player and three-time Israeli champion Eyal Ashkar, who manages the tournament’s community and operations, highlights the logistical challenge of running an event with over 500 active players simultaneously. The event is supported by a dedicated volunteer team including dealers and technical staff, with production led by Alon Mendelson of Gorilla company.
The tournament also serves a therapeutic role, especially for residents of the Gaza border area and members of rehabilitation organizations. Ashkar, whose brother was killed in a terror attack, has led special poker courses for these communities, culminating in their participation in the main event. Emotional moments included the attendance of former hostages Eli Sharabi and Tal Shehem, and the strong performance of Omri Cohen, a combat veteran who finished sixth.
Salonis notes that the tournament has inspired similar charity events and fostered a community of generous poker players. The game’s egalitarian nature, where all players start equally regardless of background, symbolizes the event’s spirit of inclusion and healing. The All In tournament continues to be a significant fundraiser and community-building event for Variety Israel.
