Poker Pro Phil Hellmuth Featured on 12 Million Beer Cans for WSOP Promo

11-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner Phil Hellmuth and Milwaukee's Best Light have teamed up to give away hundreds of prizes, with a grand prize of a private lesson from Hellmuth and an all-expense paid trip for four to the 2009 WSOP in Las Vegas, using specially marked beer cans as the vehicle to promote the contest.

The beer manufacturer, an official World Series of Poker sponsor, is producing 12 million cans with three of Hellmuth's photos sporting his PH Clothing line and trademarked quotes like "I can dodge bullets baby!", to commemorate his attempt to win his 12th WSOP bracelet this year.

NOT MARKED CARDS- THEY'RE MARKED CANS!

The promotion, which runs June 1 through Aug. 31, invites legal-drinking-age consumers to find an official entry code inside specially marked packages of Milwaukee's Best Light, Milwaukee's Best and Milwaukee's Best Ice, and enter that code at www.MilBest.com.

Hundreds of winners will receive poker-themed merchandise, such as poker sets, Phil Hellmuth hats and "Poker Brat" T-shirts. The grand prize winner will win a trip for four to the 2009 WSOP and private lessons from Hellmuth, a Poker Hall of Fame member.

Hellmuth commented that, "This is a huge step for poker to get into the main consumer market."

"Milwaukee's Best Light has served as the presenting sponsor of the world's premier poker event for three years, so partnering with one of the world's top players seemed like a perfect next step," said Milwaukee's Best Light marketing manager Rita Patel. "Whether it's supporting the World Series of Poker or being the beer of choice for Friday night games in basements, Milwaukee's Best Light is the perfect fit for poker."

"When I chose poker as a profession, I had a feeling I'd never get my face on the front of a Wheaties box, so to be immortalized on millions of cans of Milwaukee's Best from coast to coast is a real thrill," said Hellmuth, who is from Madison, Wisconsin.

"Milwaukee's Best Light has been a loyal supporter of poker for many years, so it's great to join the team and know that millions of thirsty Mil Best fans get to stare at me while taking a sip of this great beer."

The Milwaukee's Best Hellmuth cans will be available nationally throughout the summer, coinciding with the country's obsession with the World Series of Poker, which kicks off May 30.

"This is a great testament to the growth and popularity of poker," said World Series of Poker Commissioner Jeffrey Pollack. "For one of our stars' likeness to support a national retail campaign is significant, and we're thrilled our partners at Milwaukee's Best Light have come up with such a creative promotion to drive home our relationship."

Official rules and alternate entry details are available at www.MilBest.com. The promotion is open to residents of the United States (except California residents) and the District of Columbia, who are of legal drinking age or older at the time of entry.

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