The 2021 LA Poker Classic will take place this month, but this year’s major poker tournament won’t be affiliated with the World Poker Tour. And the series won’t last throughout the month, a stark contrast from year’s past. But the $10,000 Main Event, one of poker’s biggest annual events, is still on.
Last year’s LAPC, one of the most prestigious live tournaments in poker, still hasn’t finished. It began at Commerce Casino in Los Angeles, playing down to a final table on March 2. That final table was scheduled for the Luxor on the Las Vegas Strip April 2, 2020. But a global health pandemic struck, forcing the postponement of the finale.
The WPT still has yet to announce an exact date for completing the tournament. Each of the six remaining players were paid sixth place money last year ($185,330). But they’re all hoping to eventually take down the $1,015,000 awarded to the champion. Balakrishna Patur holds the chip lead, with two former WPT winners, Matas Cimbolas and James Carroll, right behind him.
Details on the 2021 LA Poker Classic
The 2021 LA Poker Classic will have a different look and feel to it. The World Poker Tour isn’t going to be involved this year but won’t specify the exact reason.
“WPT and Commerce Casino hope to partner again in the future and we look forward to crowning the Season 18 champion in Las Vegas this May,” a representative for the World Poker Tour told CardsChat News.
So, there will be a 2020 LA Poker Classic final table, at long last, in just two months. As previously scheduled, the final table will take place in Las Vegas, presumably at the HyperX Esports Arena at the Luxor.
For now, David “ODB” Baker remains the reigning champion of the prestigious $10,000 buy-in tournament. He won it for just over $1 million in 2019.
This year’s big event at Commerce Casino — running from March 12-21 — will cost $10,000 and it will take place at Commerce Casino in Los Angeles, just like normal. But due to Los Angeles County Department of Health Guidelines, poker games can only operate outdoors. So, tournament play will take place in a climate-controlled tent outside the casino. Players are required to wear face masks and plexiglass dividers will be in place at every table.
Registration is already open and can be taken care of at the casino. It’s advised that players sign-up early because seating is limited. No-limit hold’em is the only game on the schedule out of nine total events. Buy-ins for the mini series range from $240 to the $10,000 Main Event.
