Commerce Casino Players Stay Tuned for Multimillion Dollar L.A. Poker Classic and the WPT

Lights! Cameras! Poker action! While the rest of the world is finally figuring out why poker remains one of the most enduring and exciting gaming mainstays, those who already eat, sleep, and play poker regard this time of year with a particular reverence. Countless player calendars are already highlighted to mark the significance of February within the context of high-stakes poker priorities. In the gaming industry, one particular event owns this month – the L.A. Poker Classic. After all, it was a little more than a decade ago that Commerce Casino launched what has become one of the poker circuit's most high-profile tournaments.

The 2004 L.A. Poker Classic will kick off tournament play for a multimillion dollar prize pool from Jan. 29 through Feb. 24. What's more, as a charter member of the World Poker Tour, Commerce Casino will host two 2004 World Poker Tour events: the L.A. Poker Classic $10,000 buy-in no-limit hold'em championship, which will conclude before WPT cameras and a live audience on Feb. 24, and the WPT Celebrity Invitational, which will take center stage at Commerce Casino on Feb. 25-26. Both events will be aired on the Travel Channel later in the year.

Much to its credit, the World Poker Tour has elevated poker to a spectator game, while contributing to the widespread resurgence of no-limit hold'em. Heightened interest in and demand for the game have inspired Commerce Casino to launch an ongoing series of no-limit hold'em tournaments every Sunday at 5 p.m. The weekly competition features a $300 plus $30 buy-in with one optional $300 rebuy.

Casino Manager Tim Gustin stated, "We recognize, respect, and appreciate the impact that the World Poker Tour has had on our industry. The TV cameras and commentaries have helped educate the public and increase the accessibility of poker, especially hold'em.

"Last year, the WPT cameras added to the excitement of the final event of the L.A. Poker Classic. Everything was new; however, the proven success of the WPT now adds an enviable level of prestige to selected WPT tournament sites. We are proud to be affiliated with the Tour. Everyone anticipates a strong draw and record prize pools for the 2004 L.A. Poker Classic," Gustin added.

In retrospect, it was only a matter of time before the reality-TV boom would hit the gaming industry. Thanks to the WPT, every couch potato, would-be poker king, and virtual hold'em champion is able to share in the drama of a high-stakes gaming "reality show" starring no-limit hold'em and a cast of skilled poker players. And, like other TV reality shows, the sole survivor of each showcased WPT event must outplay, outlast, and outwit other contenders in order to win first place and take home the prize money – the bigger the prize pool, the better. So, when the WPT performed its initial "star search" for big-name casinos and high-stakes poker events for its premier 2003 season, Commerce Casino's L.A. Poker Classic was an obvious choice. With 180 poker tables, Commerce Casino ranks as the largest poker casino in the world. Additionally, the L.A. Poker Classic has featured two $1 million-guaranteed poker events since 2002. This year, limit hold'em and no-limit hold'em players will again compete for respective million-dollar prize pools.

Multimillion-dollar prize pools and WPT coverage aside, other 2004 L.A. Poker Classic highlights include $50,000 in high-point prize money, a $50,000-added seven-card stud championship event, two $250,000-added limit hold'em events, and a $25,000-added limit hold'em event. Casino employees are also eligible to compete in an exclusive "casino employees only" limit hold'em event on Jan. 29. In addition to impressive tournament participation numbers, this year's competition is expected to draw a strong player base to the casino's main poker floor and top section due to the phenomenal side action that routinely accompanies the L.A. Poker Classic. A series of satellite tiers that ultimately will provide winning players a free entry into the $10,000 buy-in no-limit hold'em championship has begun with $120 buy-in one-table satellites that are currently taking place every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m., and 8 p.m. Win the table and win an entry into a $1,060 satellite that will take place every night at 9 p.m. from Jan. 29 through Feb. 20. Commerce Casino is also hosting WPT "warm-up" no-limit hold'em tournaments every Sunday at 5 p.m.

A world-class gaming destination, Commerce Casino appeals to players who appreciate comfortable, luxurious accommodations, as well. Tournament participants are encouraged to take advantage of the added convenience and first-class amenities of the Crowne Plaza Hotel at Commerce Casino, including a day spa, fitness center, swimming pool, meeting/banquet facilities, retail shops, several restaurants, and nightly entertainment.

Speaking of entertainment, interested patrons will note that Commerce Casino's weekly Jokers Comedy Club will celebrate its one-year Birthday Bash on Friday, Jan. 23. The evening's festivities will be hosted by Rudy Moreno and will star Louie Anderson, Sherri Shepherd, David Mosikian, and other surprise guests, with live music and dancing afterward. The weekly comedy night, which takes place in the Arena every Thursday at 8 p.m., has welcomed dozens of talented comedians to the microphone in the past year, including George Lopez, Paul Rodriguez, Robert Townsend, and Brad Garrett.

Gustin commented, "Jokers Comedy Club is another example of how Commerce Casino caters to the interests and preferences of our patrons. There's something for everyone at Commerce Casino. This February, there's something undeniably big, and lucrative, for poker players."

For more information about the 2004 L.A. Poker Classic, see the advertisement in this issue, call (323) 721-2100, or visit commercecasino.com.