Jason Alexander Defeats Field of 40 to Become the New Champion of 'CELEBRITY BLACKJACK' on GSN

Alexander Beats Out Kelli Williams, Jeff Probst and Lance Bass at the Final Table; Earns $250,000 for His Favorite Charity

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Jan. 12 -- Perhaps it was his "lucky vest" that got him to the end, but last night's finale episode of CELEBRITY BLACKJACK on GSN proved that Jason Alexander ("Listen Up!") was the controller of his own destiny, as he rode his good fortune and blackjack skills to become the series' new champion. After holding onto the lead for most of the game, Alexander beat out the other finalists Kelli Williams ("Medical Investigation"), Jeff Probst ("Survivor") and Lance Bass (*NSync) for the grand prize of $250,000 for his charity, Oakwood School. GSN will repeat the finale episode on Friday, January 14 at 10pm ET/PT.

Last night's 21-hand competition was full of strategy, risk, chance, and lucky charms, so to speak. Both Alexander and Probst arrived at the final table wearing lucky articles of clothing, including Probst in a favorite t-shirt.

Although Alexander took control early on in the game, both Williams and Probst stayed in contention with Williams earning seven straight wins and Probst achieving several "21s." The competition, however, became too intense for Bass who "busted out" of the game after hand 15.

Coming into the final hand, it was anyone's game. With dealer "Hollywood" Dave Stann showing a six, Alexander held at 12, Probst split his fives and wound up with 15 and 11 and Williams doubled down on her 11. If either Probst or Williams won their respective bets while the other two lost, that person would have taken the championship. If Alexander won his bet, he would win, regardless of what the others did. With the tension at a fever pitch, Stann turned over a five as his next card. However, the effect of Alexander's lucky vest apparently kicked in because three cards later Stann had busted and Alexander was crowned champion.

In his rush of excitement Alexander said, "That was unbelievable!," as he pointed to Stann and continued with "you have put me through this coronary attack every time we have played!"

He continues with, "It was the most fun I could ever have with a blood pressure of 2000 over 306. What a blast. And I am already taking side bets on whether I can defend my title. Thanks, CBJ."

Hosted by Matt Vasgersian (WORLD SERIES OF BLACKJACK), this tournament featured 40 celebrities competing for a total pool of one million dollars for charity.

The winner of the first CELEBRITY BLACKJACK series was comedienne Caroline Rhea who earned a grand prize of $100,000 for her charities.

CELEBRITY BLACKJACK is produced by Pariah. Executive producer Gavin Polone's credits include "Panic Room," "Secret Window," "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "Gilmore Girls." Executive producer Andrew Golder's credits include "Star Search" and "Win Ben Stein's Money."

GSN, the Network for Games, is the only U.S. television network dedicated to game-related programming and interactive game playing. The network features game shows, reality series, light sports, documentaries, video game programs and casino games. As the industry leader in interactivity, GSN features 84 hours per week of interactive programming, which allows viewers a chance to win prizes by playing along with GSN's televised games via gsn.com. Reaching 56 million Nielsen homes, GSN is distributed in the U.S. through all major cable systems and satellite providers. The network is jointly owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Liberty Media Corporation. For further media information, visit GSN's press website at corp.gsn.com.

SOURCE GSN
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