Courtney Friel Joins World Poker Tour As Host For Season IV.

WORLD POKER TOUR fans will see a new face joining the line-up when Season IV kicks off next March - actually quite a beautiful face.

Continuing its tradition of turning to a lovely Hollywood TV show personality for the informative tidbits and colorful guided tours of its exhilarating casino locales around the world, the WPT has brought aboard Courtney Friel as its new host. Friel has previously worked as a correspondent for America's Most Wanted on FOX, E!News Live on E!Entertainment Television, and Trackers on the Oxygen Channel.

The beautiful blonde joins WPT in Season IV as the glamorous guide through the exciting, action packed world of Texas Hold'Em. Friel will take her place alongside commentators Mike Sexton and Vince Van Patten, illuminating viewers on the lifestyle of poker's best players and revealing tips and facts about the game.

"Courtney is the perfect compliment to Mike and Vince," said Steve Lipscomb, Founder and CEO of WPT Enterprises, Inc. "She has a vivacious personality and she embodies the glamour that our fans have come to love about the WORLD POKER TOUR host. We welcome her as the newest member of our family."

Friel - who is taking over the reigns from Shana Hiatt, the WPT's first host - has already begun her duties with the filming of the initial show in Season IV at the Mirage Poker Showdown. Friel will be working each of the 16 million-dollar events on the WORLD POKER TOUR and meeting the fans from coast-to-coast. Expect to see her leading the procession of trays piled high with WPT prize money on many of the show broadcasts.

The charming Philadelphian developed an early interest in television, constantly interviewing her family, friends and teachers with her video camera. High school and college gave her newspaper, radio and local public access channel exposure, but the experience of local television lent her the training that books and internships could not yield.

Friel realized that Hollywood was the place to launch her career and so she moved West. Since moving to Los Angeles, Friel has appeared on Nickelodeon and Channel One News, and continues to host the movie preview show in Loews Theaters. Her assignments have taken her everywhere from skydiving and hang-gliding to interviewing celebrities on the red carpet and covering dozens of Hollywood events.

Prior to launching her career in front of the camera, Friel studied at San Diego State University, where she received a BA in Political Science with a minor in Broadcast Journalism. Friel is an avid sports fan who enjoys the high-thrilled adventures her work has allowed. Upon assuming her new role as WPT's guide to the world of No Limit Texas Hold'Em, she has become a quick poker study. In fact, like many aspiring future poker stars, she attended WPT Boot Camp to get lessons from the WPT's champions - and won the first student tournament of the weekend!

"I'm thrilled to be the new host for the WORLD POKER TOUR! Mike and Vince are such a great team and they bring their outstanding camaraderie to the show. They've made me feel extremely welcome. For my part, I hope to add a fresh perspective for the WPT fans," said Courtney. "I look forward to many adventures, meeting interesting people, and of course - traveling around world!"

The WPT is the league that launched the poker phenomenon when it first aired on the Travel Channel on March 30, 2003, and it continues to lead the way in developing poker as a major international sport. The highest rated show ever on The Travel Channel, the WPT is now seen in more than 100 markets globally. WORLD POKER TOUR airs every Wednesday at 9 PM ET/PT on the Travel Channel.

WPT


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