Maxim Magazine To Feature Clonie Gowen
Further signaling the 'mainstream' move of poker in today's world, the July issue of the men's magazine Maxim will feature a special segment on the World Series of Poker. The special insert on the tournament is actually getting the most attention in the magazine as Full Tilt Poker's Clonie Gowen is the cover model for the issue of the magazine on store shelves June 22nd. She also has a two page spread inside the magazine and, knowing Maxim's style, it should be a chance to see Clonie in a manner that we don't normally see her at the poker tables!
It is only natural that Clonie would be the choice for Maxim, however. The former Miss Teen Oklahoma has long been considered one of the most attractive women in the poker world, but this belies the serious poker skills that she has. Gowen broke onto the poker scene in 2003, when she followed up her Top Ten finish in the WPT's Costa Rica Classic with a dominating performance in the inaugural WPT "Ladies' Night" event. In that tournament, she was able to take down fellow female professionals Annie Duke, Evelyn Ng and her Full Tilt teammate Jennifer Harman to capture the crown.
Clonie hasn't been simply using her poker talents to take money from other pros either. She is a tireless supporter of charitable causes and can often be found helping philanthropic organizations in their fundraising efforts. One of these efforts was announced when Clonie appeared on the Fox Sports Network on June 21st.
During an interview on FSN's "Best Damn Sports Show Period" on June 21st, Clonie threw down the gauntlet against professed "always winning" poker newcomer, socialite Paris Hilton. The challenge is a simple one: a heads-up match between the two women for a $100,000 charitable donation to the cause of the winner's choosing. "Paris seems to be a great girl," Clonie kindly stated before issuing the challenge. "However, she represents everything that I am not. Now that she has stepped into my world of poker, I challenge her to put her poker skills to work for charity. $100,000 will go a long way to helping those in need. Paris, are you in?"
It would be an interesting matchup to see the two women battle on the felt and a tremendous way to see a charitable cause get some much needed funding, so it is with hope that Paris bites off more than she can chew by taking on Clonie! We'll keep an ear open for further information on this brewing battle and, to see Clonie in a way that might surprise you, be sure to check out the July issue of Maxim magazine focusing on the World Series and, in particular, Clonie Gowen.
Ed Note: Clonie plays at Full Tilt Check it out.
