In an era when the term “celebrity” is attached to the most pointless non-entities provided by non-stop reality television cast members who fill endless magazine pages, it is hard to imagine a group at the very pinnacle of their trade that would not be familiar to the masses. However that is how it is, by design in the most part, for the very finest of Blackjack players.

Whilst of course the stars of Poker may have become mainstream, very much at the design of Casino sponsorship, the very most skilled of Blackjack players would find making themselves immediately recognizable a rather counter productive process. Quite simply, casinos don’t want those who they know can beat them so the very best stay under the radar.

Each year the inner sanctum of the finest Blackjack meet at the most secret of events. Known as the Blackjack Ball, the annual get together is hosted by Gambler, author, and consultant, Max Rubin. The event has been taking place since 1997 when it was hosted at Rubin’s home but has since grown to the point where the invite list exceeds 100 and takes place in secret locations.

In an excellent article written by, Lawyer, journalist, and author Michael Craig as a contribution piece on CalvinAyre.com, you can read the story of the 2014 Blackjack Ball. The piece provides a rare insight into the world of the most elite and elusive of Blackjack players and how, inevitably, the evening shapes up into a competition of the best against the best.