The most expected poker event in L.A begins next January 24^th at the Commerce Casino and it is programmed to finish with the Championship and World Poker Tour Celebrity Invitational tournament. The world famous Commerce Casino will be in the spotlight as it hosts the highly anticipated annual L.A. Poker Classic. The tournament consists in 30 different events leading up to the $10,000 Championship. Players can either buy-in directly or win their way by participating in several satellite tournaments. The tournament will feature No Limit Hold'em, Limit Hold'em, 7-Card Stud, Omaha Hi/Low Split, 7-Card Stud Hi/Low, and Turbo No Limit Hold'em 6-Handed tournaments.

The WPT event filmed for broadcast around the globe and it will count with the presence of the world's best poker players including Ted Forrest, Daniel Negreanu, Jennifer Harman, Patrick Antonius, Barry Greenstein, Doyle Brunson, Phil Hellmuth, Gus Hansen, Erick Lindgren, Phil Laak, Gavin Smith, Cyndy Violette, Vanessa Rousso, etc. The total prize pool is expected to round the $17 million, but the real goal will be to get the WPT title and a share of the $7 million prize pool in the L.A. Poker Classic main event. As in previous editions, there will be points awarded to the top 16 finishers in 22 of the 30 games being played, with the top four finishers at each event receiving 50 points.  At the conclusion of the entire LAPC, the top five players will split a juicy $50,000 extra bonus.

The most anticipated event of the tournament is the No Limit Hold'em Championship, one of the largest competitions on the WPT. Hollywood actors and actresses will also be attending the WPT Celebrity Invitational Tournament that will be taking place from March 1^st to the 3^rd; the incredible invitation-only event chooses a series of celebrities to play against the best professional poker players on earth. The list of celebrities who played in previous years includes Paris Hilton, Vince Vaughn, James Woods, Ray Romano, Jason Alexander, Don Cheadle, Ron Livingston, Mimi Rogers, Stephen Collins, Ed Asner, Jennifer Tilly, Jon Favreau, Anne Heche, Mekhi Phifer, Sharon Lawrence, David Sutcliff, Lou Diamond Phillips, Norm MacDonald, Dean Cain, Camryn Manheim, Cheryl Hines, Kathy Griffin, Shannon Elizabeth and Maura Tierney.

"The L.A. Poker Classic is easily the most anticipated yearly tournament in Southern California," said Tim Gustin, Commerce Casino Manager. "People visiting Commerce Casino will have the chance to watch the world's top pros in action and even take a shot at beating them.  There are not too many sporting events where everyday people can jump in and compete against superstars.  But poker rewards any skilled player with perhaps millions of dollars in prize money.  And for those not looking to take on champions, Commerce Casino has plenty of other low-cost events that allow people to learn a little more about the game of poker and perhaps see why so many others find the game so challenging and fun."