The PokerStars NAPT to Land in Los Angeles

The PokerStars North American Poker Tour is only in its first season but has already attracted some stellar fields and broken records for tournament fields outside of Las Vegas. PokerStars have no confirmed that the NAPT will be stopping in November at the Bicylce Casino in the Bell Gardens suburb of Los Angeles.

Several top PokerStars players have confirmed their presence at the event with Daniel Negreanu headlining the line up. Others who have tentatively confirmed their involvement include Vanessa Rousso, Barry Greenstein, Bertrand Grospellier, Greg Raymer and Joe Cada.

Managing Director of the Bicycle Casino, Haig Kelegian was clearly excited at the prospect of the NAPT coming to town:

“We are very enthusiastic to secure the West Coast Tour stop. We clearly recognize the NAPT as the next major happening in the evolution of poker, and we have no doubt that the NAPT will entice and attract players from all over the world.”

At present few details have been released other than the $5,000 Main Event. The NAPT website does however state that “there will also be a great selection of side events to choose from” and a High Roller tournament is expected following similar in Las Vegas and Connecticut.

The first NAPT tournament was held at the Venetian in Las Vegas in February and drew a huge crowd with Tom Marchese taking home the main event and an $827,648 first prize. At the Mohegan Sun Vanessa Selbst became another major female winner this year.

Since these early tournaments progress has slowed with concerns over the legality of PokerStars branding on the tour. This is the first major tournament announcement of the NAPT since the Mohegan Sun.