April Fool's joke sparks Strip Poker Championship

A dealer tosses out a card in a file photo.
Next month 200 poker buffs will risk baring all in an...

DUBLIN (Reuters) - It started as an April Fool's joke but an Irish bookmaker's proposal to hold the world's biggest strip poker contest will become reality next month.

Paddy Power floated the idea as a joke but it generated so much interest -- and hundreds of requests to take part -- that the Dublin-based company decided to organize a contest.

So next month, 200 poker buffs will risk baring all in an attempt to become the first World Strip Poker Champion -- and earn a place in the Guinness Book of Records.
The winner will also receive a "Golden Fig Leaf" trophy plus 10,000 pounds ($18,630) in cash.

"This will be the most fun you can have with your clothes on -- or off!" Paddy Power said in a statement for the tournament, which will be held in London on August 19.