WPT Legends of Poker Main Event
WPT Legends of Poker Main Event in Los Angeles is part of the World Poker Tour, traditionally held at Bicycle Casino in Bell Gardens. The tournament usually takes place during the summer months between July and September. Joshua Pollock won the 2022 edition, claiming his first WPT win and snagging a prize of $573,350.
If you feel you have what it takes to win the WPT Legends of Poker Main Event, you can try qualifying for the tournament. Meanwhile, you can practice poker at many high-end casinos and poker rooms in Los Angeles and California, including Bicycle Casino. However, know that playing online poker is illegal throughout the state. You also can’t bet on the event, as there are no legal sports betting apps in California.
About WPT Legends of Poker Main Event
Legends of Poker has been on the World Poker Tour schedule since its inaugural season in 2002 and was only excluded from the program twice (Season 17 and 19). The event was won by numerous legendary players, such as Doyle Brunson, Will “The Thrill” Failla, Dan Harrington, and others. The biggest first-place prize was $1,602,670, won by Joe Pelton in 2006.
Every WPT Legends of Poker Main Event thus far has been held at Bicycle Casino in Los Angeles, one of California’s most popular poker cardrooms.
Casino Games at Bicycle Casino
Parkwest Bicycle Casino in Bell Gardens, LA, is most known for being home to the WPT Legends of Poker Main Event, but it also works year-round as a full-fledged casino and cardroom.
The casino’s 100,000-square-foot poker room with 185 tables is one of the largest in the world. It features all the popular games, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Seven Card Stud, and Mexican Poker, with minimum buy-ins ranging between $10 and several thousand dollars. Apart from the WPT Legends of Poker Main Event, the casino hosts many other tournaments throughout the year, including WSOP circuit events and smaller daily contests.
Other games at Bicycle Casino include EZ Baccarat, No Bust 21st Century Blackjack, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Pai Gow, Three Card Poker, Chinese Poker, and Crazy 4 Poker. Bicycle Casino doesn’t feature a sportsbook. Since retail sportsbooks in California are illegal, you must go to Vegas or Arizona to find the nearest sports betting shops.
WPT Legends of Poker Main Event Sponsorships
WPT’s list of sponsors includes Zynga Poker, BBO Poker Tables, Moraga Bel Air, Escobar Premium Handmade Cigars, Hublot, Athletic Propulsion Labs, Quanta, Faded Spade, Baccarat, and Lolё.
WPT Legends of Poker Main Event Participants
The way to qualify for the WPT Legends of Poker Main Event is to win one of the satellites at the Parkwest Bicycle Casino. Satellites are usually held a few weeks before the main event. For more information on WPT satellites, you can visit the official websites of the World Poker Tour and Bicycle Casino.
WPT Legends of Poker Main Event Past Winners
Here is a list of all past winners of the WPT Legends of Poker Main Event:
- 2002: Chris Karagulleyan
- 2003: Mel Judah
- 2004: Doyle Brunson
- 2005: Alex Kahaner
- 2006: Joe Pelton
- 2007: Dan Harrington
- 2008: John Phan
- 2009: Prahlad Friedman
- 2010: Andy Frankenberger
- 2011: Will Failla
- 2012: Josh Hale
- 2013: Jordan Cristos
- 2014: Harry Arutyunyan
- 2015: Mike Shariati
- 2016: Pat Lyons
- 2017: Art Papazyan
- 2019: Aaron Van Blarcum
- 2022: Joshua Pollock
How Can I Watch the WPT Legends of Poker Main Event?
You can live stream the WPT Legends of Poker Main Event for free at any WPT platform, including worldpokertour.tv and the WPT YouTube and Twitch channels.
WPT Legends of Poker Main Event Bicycle Casino Parking
Self-parking at Bicycle Casino is complimentary, while valet parking costs $5 per day. The resort fee covers valet services if you’re a hotel guest.
WPT Legends of Poker Main Event Accommodations
If you’re attempting to qualify for the WPT Legends of Poker Main Event, the best place to stay would be at the casino itself. Bicycle Casino features 99 spacious rooms and suites, ranging from 428 sq/ft standard rooms to a 2,007 sq/ft Presidential Suite.
You can also book a room at one of the nearby Bell Gardens hotels, including Bell Gardens, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Rodeway Inn South Game, Quality Inn & Suites, Days Inn & Suites, and more.
WPT Legends of Poker Main Event FAQ
The WPT Legends of Poker Main Event schedule for 2023 hasn’t been released yet, but the event will likely take place during the summer months.
Sports betting is illegal in California. Therefore, you won’t find any legal way to bet on the WPT Legends of Poker Main Event anywhere in the state. Betting on poker is generally unavailable, even in states with authorized sportsbooks.
Most WTP events are streamed live on the World Poker Tour’s official YouTube and Twitch channels, where you can also watch all the previous events. You can tune in to the main event at worldpokertour.tv.
The WPT Legends of Poker Main Event winner in 2022 was Joshua Pollock. His first-place prize was $573,350.
The WPT Legends of Poker Main Event traditionally takes place during the summer.
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