The return of the World Poker Tour will revive the legendary LA Poker Classic

In 2027, the WPT returns to Los Angeles to host the iconic LA Poker Classic tournament. This event promises a new chapter in the history of poker on the West Coast of the USA.

In 2027, the legendary World Poker Tour (WPT) returns to Commerce Casino in Los Angeles to once again host one of the most iconic tournaments in world poker—the LA Poker Classic (LAPC). This event promises to be a major milestone for both the series and the growth of poker on the West Coast. For the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, WPT will once again be the official partner of the LAPC, which is expected to revitalize this prestigious tournament. The Return of WPT: Why It Matters for the LA Poker Classic The LA Poker Classic is a $10,000 buy-in tournament that has traditionally drawn hundreds of players and has long been considered a highlight of the poker calendar. This year, however, only 50 players entered, marking a record low turnout for the LAPC. In 2027, the tournament is expected to return to its large-scale format: from February 26 to March 3, Commerce Casino will host the WPT LA Poker Classic Championship, while the full WPT LAPC series will run from January 15 to March 7. The complete schedule has yet to be released, but organizers promise a packed lineup of events. WPT CEO Adam Pliska noted that the LAPC holds a special place in the history of the World Poker Tour. According to him, the partnership with Commerce Hotel & Casino has produced countless memorable moments, and WPT’s return to Los Angeles for its 25th season is an opportunity to continue and expand on that legacy. History and Unique Format of the Tournament In today’s poker landscape, the freezeout format—where players cannot re-enter after being eliminated—has become increasingly rare. It is precisely this format that sets the LAPC apart from other major tournaments. The most recent WPT LAPC champion was Balakrishna Patur, who claimed victory in May 2021 and took home $1,015,000. He defeated Matas Cimbolas heads-up at the final table. The final table for that event was set back in March 2020 in Los Angeles, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was postponed for over a year. The original plan was to conclude the tournament in Las Vegas in April 2020, but restrictions forced the final to be held the following year. Patur’s win came in a field of 490 players—almost ten times more than the 2023 edition, which was held without the WPT brand. For comparison, in 2026, Alex Massman won the LAPC, earning $158,030—a sum that would have been typical for a sixth-place finish back when the tournament was under the WPT banner. Prize Pools and Stats: How the Tournament’s Status Has Changed When the LA Poker Classic was partnered with the WPT, first-place prizes regularly exceeded $1,000,000. Since the WPT stopped organizing the event, however, no winner has taken home more than $402,000. This reflects a significant decline in both interest and prestige for the tournament without the backing of a major brand. The LA Poker Classic was part of the World Poker Tour schedule for its first 18 seasons, underscoring its historical importance. Over the years, champions have included such poker legends as Phil Ivey, Michael Mizrachi, and Gus Hansen. Hansen, known as “The Great Dane,” was the first WPT LAPC champion in 2003. LA Poker Classic Results Over the Past Decade 2021: Balakrishna Patur — $1,015,000 (490 entrants, final held in 2021 after COVID-19 delay, defeated Matas Cimbolas heads-up) 2026: Alex Massman — $158,030 (50 entrants, no WPT branding) In recent years, when the tournament was held without WPT support, prize pools dropped significantly and the number of participants fell to nearly a tenth of pre-pandemic levels. The Impact of WPT’s Return on the Series and Players The return of the WPT to Commerce Casino could be a turning point for the LA Poker Classic. With the strength of a renowned brand and extensive experience in organizing major events, both the number of participants and the prize pool are expected to grow. Historically, it was the partnership with WPT that made the LAPC one of the world’s most prestigious tournaments, attracting both professionals and amateurs alike. Renewed partnership with WPT restores the tournament’s status and gives players the chance to compete for seven-figure prizes and etch their names alongside legends like Phil Ivey and Gus Hansen in poker history. What This Means for PPPoker Club Players For PPPoker club members, this news is a great reason to consider their own prospects in live tournaments. The return of prestigious series and the growth of prize pools show that even in the era of online poker, live events remain relevant and can become the next goal for ambitious players. Many winners of major live tournaments started out playing online and in home clubs. The LAPC is a prime example of how participating in renowned series can open the door to big prizes and recognition. Keep an eye on the WPT and LAPC schedules to register in time for satellites or qualifiers, which are often held on online platforms, including PPPoker. Moreover, the experience gained in regular PPPoker club games will help you better prepare for freezeout tournaments, where every hand carries extra weight. Use the opportunities offered by online clubs as a training ground to take your game to the next level in the poker world.