Card sharks anted up for a good cause yesterday at Corwin Pavilion, where the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity held a charity event, titled the World Series Poker Tournament, to raise money for victims of the recent wildfires in Southern California.

About 80 people made a $20 donation to play no-limit Texas hold-’em in a five-round elimination tournament. The winner received a television, with the rest of the eight finalists winning prizes including a DVD player, DVDs and gift certificates.

“The original plan was to benefit Special Olympians,” said Jason Everitt, a second-year political science major and vice president of the fraternity. “But these fires really hit close to home. I had relatives who lost their homes, and so did many of us.”

The event, which started at 6 p.m., lasted more than five hours. The dealers at the 10 tables were Phi Sigma Kappa brothers and various sorority members.

All proceeds from the event, minus $600 in operating costs and costs of prizes, will be donated to a charity to benefit the Southern California fire victims, Everitt said. But he said he is not currently sure which charity that would be.

“The initial choice was the Red Cross, but a charity more specific to the fire victims is being sought,” he said.

Chumash Casino donated playing cards for the event, but all other supplies and prizes were provided by the fraternity.

“I think it could’ve been more organized,” said Noah Frank, a third-year undeclared student who finished in 13th place. “With a little more prep, this could be a good event to do again. But overall, it went pretty smooth.”