By Sean Chaffin
Are legends born or made? It’s an age-old question. Poker players from across the world will once again have their chance to prove their own legendary status Aug. 31 – Sept. 4 when the WPT Legends of Poker returns to the Main Tour after a one-year hiatus.
The $5,000 buy-in tournament has become a major event at the legendary Bicycle Hotel and Casino and features a $2 million guaranteed prize pool. It should make for another great event in the Los Angeles area.
The Bike is a mecca for poker on the West Coast and not only is the poker scene excellent, but the luxury hotel, spa, and great dining options also make for a nice poker getaway. What can players expect?
“A wide selection of games and tournaments, with smaller buy-ins and larger prize pools,” tournament director Mo Fathipour says. “Also, a five-star hotel with amazing food including the Bike Brewery, a sports bar and grill with 28 different beers on tap.”
The WPT Legends of Poker was an inaugural member of the WPT, with Chris Karagulleyan winning the first event in Season I for $258,000. Some other big names have added their names to the Champions Cup at the Bike including: Mel Judah, Dan Harrington, John Phan, Prahlad Friedman, Andy Frankenberger, Will Failla, Pat Lyons, and Art Papazyan.
Frankenberger and Papazyan both went on to win WPT Player of the Year honors the same season as their respective wins.
“Legends of Poker says it all,” Fathipour says. “From pros to your everyday player, the Legends of Poker has something for everyone. With a world-class tournament room, and exciting atmosphere, the tournament series goes beyond expectations.”
The best-known champion may be the true poker legend – former Texas road gambler Doyle Brunson. The Poker Hall of Famer took the title in Season III at age 71 for $1.2 million, becoming the oldest player to win a WPT event. That record still stands today.
Beyond the championship event, players have the option to jump in numerous tournaments on the 38-event schedule. With buy-ins ranging from $160 to $5,300, there is something for every bankroll – including major guarantees in a plethora of events. A few highlights include:
• Event 19 – This $570 NLHE tournament brings a $500,000 guarantee.
• Event 27 – This one-day $550 NLHE features a $100,000 guarantee.
• Event 29 – This two-day event features an $1,100 buy-in and a $100,000 guarantee.
• Event 35 – This $5,300 Survivor tournament pays out $50,000 to all players in the top 10 percent of the field.
The Legends of Poker also features one truly unique series of tournaments as well – actually five different events in one. Play begins in Event 32A with a $350 HORSE tournament followed by three more tournaments with the same buy-in: Omaha Hi/Lo Eight or Better; Mixed Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo and Omaha Hi/Lo (both Eight or Better); and Mixed Pot Limit Omaha and Big O.
Those who finish in the top 12 percent earn $600 in cash and players who qualify for Day 2 twice receive $2,100 toward a buy-in to another $2,100 HORSE tournament (considered Day 2). Event 32 features a $100,000 guarantee, and the entire event is perfect for mixed games fans.
Legends will also host several of the Bike’s No Limit Hold’em Quantum Tournaments with major guarantees of $200,000, $300,000, $500,000, and $1 million – with buy-ins ranging from $160 to $3,700.
Those looking to earn their way into the championship through a satellite will find numerous options. The property is running more than 100 WPT satellites including “No Juice” single table satellites every day plus numerous mega-satellites.
The WPT at the Bike is back – and it should be another big event in Southern California. Perfect weather, lots of fun, and some great poker – who could ask for more? It’s time to get to The Bike and ride.
For more information on the WPT Legends of Poker, click here. For a complete schedule of events, click here.
Sean Chaffin is a freelance writer in Crandall, Texas, and his work appears in numerous websites and publications. Follow him on Twitter @PokerTraditions.