April Fool's joke sparks strip poker championship

What I want to know here is "Paddy Power" a real name? I mean, c'mon!

April Fool's joke sparks strip poker championship

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.