Summary
- This year marks the second time that the LAPC is not running in conjunction with the WPT
- The initial tournaments have smashed their guarantees, with some recording at least a 400% guarantee increase
- The festival’s key events are expected to generate more than $1 million in total prize pool
The longest-running poker tournament series in Los Angeles is back! The Los Angeles Poker Classic (LAPC) kicked off on January 21 and will run through February 27 at Commerce Casino.
The series returns this year still without the support of the World Poker Tour. The temporary split was mainly due to the COVID-19 restrictions which have made it impossible to hold mass gatherings and huge indoor events over the past two years. In 2021, the LAPC ran without the WPT behind it. The schedule only included nine events and the Main Event attracted just 69 entries.
This year however, things are looking different. If the initial figures are any indication, it seems like the LAPC is going back to its glory days.
2022 LAPC Crushing Guarantees
Organizers have introduced a few changes to the LAPC this year, including holding the series in a tent outside the Commerce Casino.
Nevertheless, it did not deter players from flocking into the festival. The new set-up has been receiving positive feedback from players, with some saying it provides a new atmosphere with natural sunlight during the day. The 60-table space was also big enough to accommodate the participants.
This year’s series also features low guarantees but it’s been attracting decent turnout thus far.
The festival started strong, with the opening event generating almost $150,000 in total prize pool, a massive jump from the original $25K guarantee.
The first multi-day event on the schedule which took place last week also exceeded expectations, paying out just over $490,000, nearly five times the $100K initial guarantee.
It’s easy to see why the LAPC is poised for huge success this year. Part of the reason is that DJ Villegas is back as the tournament director. Under his direction, the big tournaments the LAPC has always been known for have returned.
Among the key events to watch for at the ongoing series is the $1,100 Commerce Classic Event, as well as the $10,000 Main Event. Both do not carry a guarantee but Villegas is confident each of these US poker tournaments will produce more than $1 million in total prize pool, given the hype surrounding both events and the approaching Super Bowl.
