LA Poker Classic

The LA Poker Classic in Los Angeles is the longest-running and most popular poker tournament in Southern California. It’s one of only three events deemed charter members of the World Poker Tour (WPT) that has remained on the schedule for 20 seasons. 

The 30th edition of the LA Poker Classic at Commerce Casino in Los Angeles kicks off on Jan. 13, 2023, and runs until March 5. The competition will host a series of No-Limit Texas Hold’em and Omaha 8 or Better poker events and satellite tournaments. The action is set to culminate with the LA Poker Classic Main Event, which has retained a $10,000 buy-in since its inaugural edition and features a guaranteed prize pot of $1 million. 

As a marquee poker event in California, the LA Poker Classic attracts the biggest names in poker, from Gus Hansen to Phil Ivey. Sadly, you won’t get to back any of them by placing a bet on their performance during the tournament since Californians failed to pass sports betting propositions in the Nov. 8 election. This means that legal sports betting apps in California and their retail counterparts will remain a fantasy for sports bettors. 

Regardless, the LA Poker Classic tournament is still a star-studded event with exciting poker action worth discussing. Stay tuned as we reveal answers to questions such as: 

• Where is the LA Poker Classic taking place?
• When is the LA Poker Classic 2023? 
• How can you watch the event? 
• Who are the past winners of the event?

About LA Poker Classic

The LA Poker Classic is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2023 at Commerce Casino. The largest card casino has hosted the LA Poker Classic and WPT Celebrity Invitational for many years. The main event at the LA Poker Classic attracts around 500 participants alone, not to mention daily tournaments. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, given the fact that the LA Poker Classic winner of the main event will take home at least $1 million in prize money. 

As the largest card room in the world, Commerce Casino can host up to 10,000 players daily, so you can expect the LA Poker Classic to be crowded and competitive. 

Commerce Casino is a privately-owned casino located at 6131 Telegraph Road in Commerce, just five minutes from Downtown Los Angeles. Take the I-5 to the Washington exit and follow the signs that will lead you straight to the casino. The property is accessible 24/7 to all players 21 years or older and has been so since its grand opening back in 1983. 

Sports Betting or Casino Games at Commerce Casino

Commerce Casino is a card room and not a full-fledged casino since there are no slot machines on the premises. However, with 270 tables spread across a 91,000-square-foot casino floor, Commerce Casino is one of the largest gaming venues in the state. 

In addition to all forms of poker, Commerce Casino offers baccarat, 21st Century Blackjack, and Asian-style games such as Pai Gow and Super Nine. What’s more, the venue became the first card casino in Southern California to offer off-track wagering. 

It’s one of the 45 mini-satellite wagering sports venues in California authorized by legislation. The Commerce Casino racebook features self-service kiosks for players to place bets and cash out tickets, along with 15 TV screens for watching the action on the turf. 

LA Poker Classic Partnerships or Sponsorships

The LA Poker Classic doesn’t have any exclusive partnership or sponsorship deals other than the long-standing patronage of the World Poker Tour. 

LA Poker Classic Participants

All potential participants at the LA Poker Classic must complete an on-site registration at Commerce Casino, available even on the first day of the event. For example, you can register for the Main Event until 9 p.m. on Feb. 25 and 26 before Day 2 action. Check this page periodically for the latest news about the registration dates, LA Poker Classic schedule, and structure. 

LA Poker Classic Past Winners

The LA Poker Classic has hosted some of the biggest names in poker. Balakrishna Patur took down James Carroll, Matas Cimbolas, and other notable players in 2021 and walked away with $1,015,000, a WPT Champions Trophy, and a Hublot Big Bang steel watch. 

Looking at the LA Poker Classic Results 2022 and similar outings in past years, we can expect some heated matchups in 2023 as well. For instance, in the final showdown at the LA Poker Classic in 2017 between Daniel Strelitz and Simeon Naydenov, Strelitz snap-called on Naydenov’s all-in and overpowered the opponent’s pair of queens with a straight of his own, thus winning his first ever major tournament and a $1,001,110 prize pot. 

How Can I Watch the LA Poker Classic?

The LA Poker Classic is usually broadcast live on the WPT, PokerGO, and other poker streaming platforms. Make sure to check back with us for more information on the streaming times and dates. 

LA Poker Classic Venue Parking 

Commerce Casino, the venue hosting the LA Poker Classic tournament, has a large free parking lot available to visitors some 350 feet from the casino. Valet service is available for a fee at the hotel entrance. 

LA Poker Classic Venue Accommodations 

Players and spectators of the LA Poker Classic can enjoy deluxe accommodations at the premises. Commerce Casino and Hotel offer luxurious and spacious guest rooms with signature premium bedding, free wireless internet, spa services, and more. Contact the hotel directly by dialing 855-532-2219 for reservations. In fact, until Dec. 31, guests who book rooms can enjoy the early bird special and get a nightly rate of $99 plus tax with a waived resort fee.

LA Poker Classic FAQ