There are very few guarantees in life. Oftentimes, the future is unpredictable, even in poker. However, when you visit a major tournament anywhere in the world, a few events are a lock to happen. Here are a few certainties of live poker, which come in the form of rituals from top pros and a little bit of celebrity love.

Phil Hellmuth’s Late Arrival

Ultimate Bet pro Phil Hellmuth is guaranteed to show up late to Day 1 of a major tournament. You can say this with 100% confidence. There is no chance that “The Poker Brat” will be arriving on time or early no matter what. Hellmuth’s fashionably late entrance also is likely to include grandiose theatrics. In 2009, Hellmuth came to the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event dressed as Emperor Hellmuth. The getup was complete with scantily-clad women flanking him as he walked from the parking lot into the Amazon Room with pole-bearers hoisting him in the air.

Other famous entrances include Hellmuth dressing up as an Army general and leading his troops (attractive women) into battle inside the Rio and the poker legend smashing a racecar into a light pole. He was unharmed during the latter incident, which exemplifies his desire to make his entrances as lively as possible. How long he waits to enter a tournament varies, but you can be confident that an empty chair with Hellmuth’s name on it can be found at the start.

Barry Greenstein’s “Ace on the River”

It’s a tradition that every time Team PokerStars Pro member Barry Greenstein is bounced from a major event, he signs over a copy of his book, “Ace on the River,” to his executioner. It’s a memento and also serves as a unique learning tool for its recipient. Inside the autographed copy, Greenstein writes details of his final hand and etches his “John Hancock.”

Outside of being dubbed the “Robin Hood of Poker” for his charitable efforts, Greenstein is also as skilled as they come on the felts. He’s a three-time WSOP bracelet holder and holds two World Poker Tour (WPT) titles, a $1.3 million victory in the Season II World Poker Open and a $125,000 cash for taking down the WPT Invitational during Season IV. Greenstein is the stepfather of Joe Sebok, who captains the mammoth entertainment company PokerRoad. Don’t forget to snag your copy of “Ace on the River” if you’re lucking enough to send Greenstein packing from a major event.

Celebrities in the Field

No matter where you go, you’re likely to catch a parade of celebrities in the field. PokerStars, for example, sponsors “Seinfeld” actor Jason Alexander and Major League Baseball legend Orel Hershiser. Full Tilt Poker sponsors “Crash” and “Oceans Eleven” actor Don Cheadle. You can find musicians like Godsmack’s Sully Erna and Anthrax’s Scott Ian perusing the felts of major live poker tournaments. Actors like Tobey Maguire, Brad Garrett, Matt Damon, and Ben Affleck have been spotted in Las Vegas and elsewhere battling against the game’s best. Athletes like Herschel Walker, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley have also tried their luck.

Others you might spot on television or in person include “The Simpsons” Co-Creator Sam Simon, comedian Sarah Silverman, actor Lou Diamond Phillips, Fox Sports personality John Salley, “The Simpsons” voice man Hank Azaria, and Los Angeles Lakers Owner Jerry Buss. The bottom line is that a troupe of celebrities is guaranteed to take to the felts in a major poker tournament near you. Many live in Los Angeles, making tournaments at the Commerce Casino and Bicycle Casino prime locations for playing paparazzi. Celebrities also turn out for charity events around the United States and around the world. Don’t forget to bring your camera!