Charity Poker Tournament Returns Nashville To Benefit Nonprofits
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – January 22, 2026 – The Nashville Charity Poker Challenge returns February 1, 2026, bringing together poker players of all skill levels for a No-Limit Texas Hold’em style tournament to raise funds for nonprofit organizations. Registration is open and community members and poker enthusiasts alike are encouraged to grab a seat at the table and play for a cause.
Now in its sixth year, the Nashville Charity Poker Challenge™ is expected to draw a strong field of poker players from across the Middle Tennessee area. Mayor Freddie O’Connell, who has participated in the tournament for several years and sports two Final Table bracelets, returns in 2026. Reflecting on the competition, O’Connell shared, “There’s no shortage of talented poker players in Nashville, so I’m under no assumption that defending a title comes easily. But what keeps me coming back is the opportunity to support organizations that do meaningful work in our community. They’re Nashville’s pocket aces.”
Since 2019, the event has consistently raised about $10,000 each year for nonprofits in Middle Tennessee and beyond. The event will once again be hosted by Bongo Java, Embers Ski Lodge, Buddy Allen Carpet One Floor and Home, and Tiny Mighty Communications, in partnership with Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. This year’s event also welcomes new partners OG Clubhouse, Five Points Pizza, and Run Good Poker Series.
The tournament winner will earn the title of “Nashville’s Best Poker Player”, and those who make it to the final table will direct initial buy-ins to the nonprofits of their choosing. Past recipients have included Centerstone of Tennessee, Friends of Radnor Lake, Nashville Food Project, Nashville Community Connections and more.
“This is the most fun way to make a charitable donation, which most of us are going to do anyway,” said tournament and Bongo Java founder, Bob Bernstein. “Entry fees are tax deductible and then you get to play poker all day!”
Event Details
- Date and time: February 1, 2026, 12:00 – 8:00pm
- Location: Fat Bottom Brewing, 800 44th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37209
- Player Buy-in: $100 (tax-deductible, $25 value of food and drink reduces deductibility)
- Rebuys and One Add-On: Encouraged and 100% tax deductible
“Of course I want to win,” Bernstein continued. “I covet the title Nashville’s Best Poker Player. But I’m also darn proud that we are raising a whole lot of money for the non-profit community.”
The tournament begins at 1:00 p.m., with a new player orientation scheduled for noon. The $100 buy-in includes an afternoon of competitive play while directly supporting nonprofits. Players are encouraged to register online in advance, as a limited number of spots will be available at the door.
“We’re incredibly thankful for the continued support from The Community Foundation, which makes this event possible year after year,” said Michael Dolan, co-founder and owner of Embers Ski Lodge. “We’re also appreciative to the players and partners who give their time and energy to support local nonprofits. It’s always rewarding to see people come together around a shared goal, knowing that a simple night of cards can help strengthen our community in a real way.”
About the Nashville Poker Challenge Fund:
A component fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, the Nashville Poker Challenge Fund ensures transparency, accountability and maximum impact in supporting charitable causes in the Nashville community. Founded by Bob Bernstein of Bongo Java and Michael Dolan of Embers Ski Lodge, the event takes place each year the Sunday before the Super Bowl. The tournament has raised tens of thousands of dollars for local nonprofits. More information and registration can be found online at 615poker.com.
About Bongo Java:
Bongo is Nashville’s oldest and most celebrated coffee company. The company began with a single café in 1993 and has since grown to five cafés and two wholesale businesses supplying 100% Certified Organic coffee and gourmet baked goods. More information can be found online at www.bongojava.com.
About Embers Ski Lodge:
Embers Ski Lodge opened its doors in the heart of 12South in 2015. Inspired by the Ajax lift at Aspen Mountain and a spring skiing deck party at Val D’Isère, Embers Ski Lodge brings the warmth and camaraderie of a true ski lodge to the heart of Nashville. Embers is carrying the torch for MAFIAoZAs and its Godfather Fund at the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. More information is available online at http://embersskilodge.com/.
About Buddy Allen Carpet and Flooring:
Founded in 1964 by Buddy Allen, Buddy Allen Carpet One Floor & Home has built its reputation on a core philosophy of honesty. Gary Allen took over the company, expanding its offerings to include a wide range of flooring options such as carpet, linoleum, hardwood, and tile. The business continues to be operated by Allen’s family. More information can be found online at https://www.buddyallencarpetonenashville.com/.
About Tiny Mighty Communications:
Tiny Mighty Communications is a corporate and marketing communications agency that helps industrial and manufacturing brands grow by engaging those who matter most. Specializing in sectors like automotive, building products, construction and advanced materials, the firm focuses on businesses that are engineered, regulated, specified and distributed. Headquartered in Nashville, Tiny Mighty Communications delivers data-driven strategies in corporate reputation, employee engagement, media relations, digital marketing, sustainability, crisis management and more. Trusted by brands big and small, the agency is committed to challenging the status quo, taking calculated risks and setting new standards for success. More information is online at www.tinymightyco.com.
About Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee:
Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee promotes and facilitates giving across the 40 counties of Middle Tennessee and beyond. CFMT accepts gifts of any size from anyone at any time and helps individuals, families, companies, nonprofits, and communities respond to needs and opportunities that matter. The foundation works with people who have generous hearts, whether or not they have great wealth, to craft charitable solutions that reflect their goals and intentions. For more information, call 615-321-4939 or visit www.cfmt.org.
About Run Good Poker Series:
Founded in 2012, the RunGood Poker Series has grown into one of the most respected mid-major poker tours in the United States. Known for its player-first philosophy, community engagement, and high-quality events, RGPS travels across dozens of casinos nationwide and awards coveted RunGood Rings to champions at every stop.
About Five Points Pizza:
Since opening its doors in the heart of East Nashville in September 2011, Five Points Pizza has been offering New York style pizza by the slice or the whole pie, stromboli, salads, addictive garlic knots and a wide selection of local and craft beers on draft. Five Points Pizza has been voted Best Pizza in Nashville by the Nashville Scene Readers Poll every year since it opened. In 2014, Five Points Pizza expanded its original space and added counter service and a slice window to complement its full-service dine-in operation in East Nashville. In 2018, Five Points Pizza expanded with its second full-service location in West Nashville at 4100 Charlotte Ave. Five Points Pizza has expanded its footprint to the Gulch with its first stand-alone slice window located at the Canopy by Hilton at 920 Division St. For more information, including menu offerings, locations and hours, visit www.fivepointspizza.com.
About OG Clubhouse:
OG Clubhouse is a poker venue in Oak Grove, Ky., created by longtime players to bring people together over the game they love. OG Clubhouse hosts regular poker nights that draw both local players and visitors, offering a mix of friendly competition and camaraderie for newcomers and seasoned players alike.
For Media:
- Sydney Goggans – [email protected]
- Michael Curtis – [email protected]
