The WPT LAPC Returns to Commerce Casino in 2027 as Part of Season 25

The World Poker Tour (WPT) will once again host the LA Poker Classic (LAPC) at The Commerce Casino starting in 2027, reviving an iconic tournament on its calendar. The festival will take place from January 15 to March 7, with the WPT LAPC Championship — the main event — scheduled from February 26 to March 3. After several years of absence and declining participation, the alliance between the WPT and The Commerce Casino is being reestablished, with the expectation of restoring the historical significance of this championship.

The WPT LAPC Championship Regains Prominence

The return of the WPT LAPC Championship marks a milestone for poker offerings in California and the international scene. The main tournament will reestablish its iconic freezeout format with a buy-in of $10,000, a tradition maintained for nearly twenty years on the WPT calendar. The interruption of the collaboration between both entities following the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a notable decline in participation, reflected in the 2026 edition where only 50 players contested the main event. With this new phase, both the operator and the organization aim to revitalize the festival and attract the global poker community once again.

Promotions and Satellites: Boosting Participation in the LAPC

The 2027 edition of the WPT LAPC will be accompanied by an extensive qualifying program to encourage wide participation. The Commerce Casino has announced that it will put hundreds of seats for the Championship up for grabs through raffles, promotions, and satellite tournaments, enabling players of various profiles to access the main event. A full calendar for Season 25 and details on the qualifiers will be announced soon, along with additional opportunities to enter the event. This approach aims to replicate the competitive and diverse environment that characterized the LAPC in its best years.

A Look at the Most Notable Champions of the WPT LAPC

The LAPC Championship has witnessed the crowning of key figures in poker history. In the inaugural season of 2003, Gus Hansen became champion, taking home over $530,000. The list of winners includes Antonio Esfandiari in 2004 and Michael 'The Grinder' Mizrachi in 2005. Phil Ivey won his first WPT title here in 2008, defeating a final table that also included Phil Hellmuth. In 2014, Chris Moorman secured the first major title of his career with a prize of $1,045,160. Anthony Zinno triumphed in 2015, and David 'ODB' Baker in 2019, the latter significantly contributing to the event's legacy.

“The LAPC holds immense importance in the history of the World Poker Tour,” highlighted Adam Pliska, CEO of WPT. “Our collaboration with The Commerce Hotel & Casino has created memorable moments, and we are proud to return in Season 25 to further strengthen that legacy.”

The Impact of the WPT LAPC's Return on the Poker Market

The return of the WPT LAPC to Commerce Casino raises expectations for revitalization of live poker in California. The decline in registrations following the pandemic has not gone unnoticed; the tournament went from being a global reference to attracting minimal numbers in its most recent edition. The support of the WPT and The Commerce Casino's promotional strategy aim to elevate both the visibility of the event and local and international participation. The LAPC could reclaim its position in the elite tournament ecosystem and once again capture the attention of professionals and amateurs alike.

Perspectives for Operators and Stakeholders

The relaunch of the WPT LAPC represents an area of interest for both operators seeking partnerships with renowned brands and service providers and regulators in key markets. The focus on accessibility through satellites and promotions, alongside the tournament's tradition and the organizational support of the WPT, creates an appealing scenario for the poker industry. The U.S. market remains attentive to these integrations between physical operators and international circuits, in a context where post-pandemic recovery is a shared goal across different jurisdictions.

Additional information about schedules, qualifiers, and applicable regulations will be published by the WPT and The Commerce Casino on their official channels in the coming weeks. More developments on major tournaments and other industry events are available in our b2b section.