SALT RIVER PIMA-MARICOPA INDIAN COMMUNITY, Ariz., Aug. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- This summer, the annual Arizona State Poker Championship returns to the ARENA Poker Room at Talking Stick Resort, Aug. 10-14. In addition to the more than 1,000 participants the tournament's $1 million prize pool is expected to draw, Talking Stick Resort will also welcome professional poker player, actress and TV personality, Tiffany Michelle as a special guest host of the thrilling competition.

"The Arizona State Poker Championship is one of Talking Stick Resort's biggest events, and this year we expect it to be even better, with the addition of Tiffany Michelle as our official host," said Kent Odekirk, director of poker at Talking Stick Resort. "As one of poker's most prominent figures, she will truly add a new level of excitement and will be on hand to interview players before and after the tournament."

Named one of "Maxim Magazine's" Top 20 Hottest Celebrity Poker Players in 2010 and 2012,Michellewillbring her fun personality and record breaking poker expertiseto the final round of the Championship. More than a pretty face behind the chips and television personality, she is a poker force to be reckoned with. She is currently one of the top 10 female poker earnings winners of all time, and has also been named one the top 10 most fascinating people in poker in 2008.

For the Arizona State Poker Championship, Michelle will serve host as for the final day of the five-day tournament. On days one, two and three, a designated number will compete producing the semi-finalists who will compete on day four for a seat among the final 10. On day five, the top 10 players will bluff it out until a champion is crowned.

After taking her talents international as host of the World Series of Poker, European Poker Tour and the World Poker Tour, this gaming phenomenon is coming to Scottsdale as an exciting bonus to a thrilling final round.For more information on the 8th Annual Arizona State Poker Championships, visit the ARENA Poker Room at Talking Stick Resort, www.talkingstickresort.com, or call (480) 850-7734.

SOURCE Talking Stick Resort