Friday, 29th March 2024 12:49
Home / News / The LAPT is back! Latin American Poker Tour heads to hometown Rio for big comeback event

PokerStars has announced that the beloved and much-missed Latin American Poker Tour (LAPT) will return in 2023 following a seven-year absence.

The comeback opening event will be held in Rio de Janeiro, the city where it all began back in 2008, running from Thursday, March 2 to Monday, March 6, 2023.

It all takes place at the luxurious beachfront location of the Windsor Marapendi Hotel, allowing players to begin their day with a dip in the Barra da Tijuca before heading to the poker room for either the $1,500 Main Event, multiple high rollers, or one of two knockout events (including a mystery bounty tournament).

Full package and Seat Only satellites will run on PokerStars from January 22 onwards.

Key Dates for LAPT Rio de Janeiro:

  • LAPT Main Event: March 2-6 – US$1,500
  • LAPT Single Day 3K: March 2 – US$3,000
  • LAPT Single Day 4K: March 4 – US$4,000
  • LAPT NLH High Roller: March 5-6 – US$5,000
  • LAPT NLH 6 Handed Mystery K.O.: March 5-6 – US$800
  • LAPT NLH High Roller Progressive K.O.: March 6 – US$3,000

The tour then heads to the much-loved location of Montevideo, Uruguay in April, followed by two LAPT / Brazilian Series of Poker (BSOP) events planned in SĂŁo Paulo for July and November. More stops will be announced soon.

“We are delighted to announce the return of this iconic series and once again hold the LAPT for poker players in Latin America,” says Cedric Billot, Head of Global Live Event Operations at PokerStars. “We’re working hard to ensure that this is a spectacular series and can’t wait to head to Rio to get the show on the road.”

ABOUT THE LATIN AMERICAN POKER TOUR (LAPT)

The LAPT ran for nine seasons between 2008 and 2016 with events spanning the entire continent, from mainstays Brazil and Uruguay to frequent stops in Costa Rica, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Panama and the Bahamas.

Dominik Nitsche was just 18 when he won $381K on the LAPT

Dominik Nitsche was just 18 when he won $381K on the LAPT

Many of South America’s best poker players cut their teeth on the tour, but the LAPT also proved to be a pivotal launchpad for some of the game’s greats, particularly Dominik Nitsche, who won his maiden live tournament in Argentina for $381K back in 2009, when he was just 18 years old.

Heading into the comeback season, the most successful player in the tour’s history is Argentina’s Jose Ignacio “Nacho” Barbero, a former PokerStars Team Pro who has won three LAPT titles.

Three-time LAPT champion Jose "Nacho" Barbero

Three-time LAPT champion Jose “Nacho” Barbero

“The LAPT has a special place in the hearts of Latin American poker players and poker enthusiasts, so we’re absolutely thrilled that the tour is back,” says Devanir Campos, Executive Director for LAPT. “The tour will enable us to bring together former LAPT champions and a new generation of poker players that never got to experience this amazing event.

“The LAPT was never just about playing poker, but also travelling, getting to see and experience different countries and cultures, meeting friends and, ultimately, having a lot of fun.”

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