Once a dilapidated Hampton Inn & Suites in Westchase, the former hotel has undergone a remarkable transformation under the vision of Champions Club Texas. With a commitment to sustainability and revitalization, the luxury hotel and poker lounge is redefining the image of poker and breathing new life into the property.
Champions Club Texas, located at 6440 W Sam Houston Pkwy S, is a 71-room full-service hotel complete with a restaurant, pool and private poker club. The venture was made possible by California-based hospitality and entertainment company, Knighted Ventures, the parent company of Champions Club Texas, which acquired the 5-acre property at auction in May 2021.
Led by Champions Club Texas CEO Roy Choi and President Isaac Trumbo, along with renowned poker champion Phil Hellmuth, the founders group invested approximately $12 million in the purchase and renovation of the hotel. Their shared vision goes beyond creating a luxurious destination — it aims to contribute to the economic success of Westchase District.
A luxurious experience
The 47,000-square-foot hotel boasts a range of accommodations, from standard rooms to junior suites and an executive suite, with prices ranging from $129 to $389 per night. As guests enter the main entrance, a stylish lounge with a well-stocked bar and inviting tables greets them. To the right, the poker club beckons with its 19 game tables. It includes a VIP section, private lounge and a dedicated table for poker livestreams and broadcasts.
Operating around the clock, the kitchen – headed by executive chef Connie Trujillo – offers an exquisite dining experience. With a menu featuring delectable dishes like a barbecue banh mi burger, delightful Vietnamese coffee crème brûlée, and grilled-to-order steak garnished with a bourbon-infused rock salt lit aflame, Champions Club Texas ensures its culinary offerings are as enticing as its poker lounge.
Security is also a top priority. Led by Trent Touchstone, former chief deputy U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Texas, 24-hour onsite security team ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all patrons.
Unlike most poker clubs in Texas, which are typically located in strip malls or stand-alone buildings, Champions Club Texas brings the game to a luxury hotel setting. This unique integration of poker and hospitality allows traveling players both convenience and comfort while claiming the title of “The first luxury hotel and poker lounge in Texas.”
Doing it the right way
Champions Club Texas is not only revitalizing empty buildings, it is also taking on the reputation of poker. “Our goal is to set the standard for how private- membership poker clubs operate in Texas,” Trumbo said. “We provide a first-class venue where players, from beginners to professionals, can enjoy the community and camaraderie of the game in an upscale social club environment.” Champions Club Texas charges membership and seat fees instead of collecting rake (a portion of the winnings.) By doing so, they operate with integrity and uphold their commitment to excellence.
Phil Hellmuth, the legendary 16-time World Series of Poker champion and co-founder of Champions Club, shares Trumbo’s vision. He states, “We are building the finest poker club that Texas has ever seen.” However, Champions Club Texas is not just about luxury and poker — it is deeply rooted in community engagement. The company is dedicated to investing in Westchase District and supporting the community through its three pillars of community service: public safety, youth leadership empowerment and support for veterans.
“We are grateful for the warm welcome we have received from this thriving Westchase community, and our team is committed to being actively engaged,” said General Manager James Gleeson. “We recently participated in a community tree planting and look forward to future volunteer opportunities, as well as hosting charity poker tournaments for local nonprofits.”
Organizations interested in charity tournaments at Champions Club Texas can contact Gleeson at jgleeson@champions-inc.com or (281) 688-5756. Visit www. championsclubtexas.com for more information.
