It’s the premier tour for all destinations south of the USA and it’s back with a bang this year, with the PokerStars’ Latin American Poker Tour (LAPT) taking in world-famous locations such as Rio de Janeiro, Panama and Montevideo.
Now in its 11th year, the LAPT has gone from strength to strength, and this year a new destination is on the packed schedule – LAPT Mexico in August.
“The thrill of the LAPT returns! We're excited to launch the 11th season, fueled by the passion for poker in amazing places like Panama, Mexico, Rio, São Paulo, and Montevideo”, said Cedric Billot, Associate Director for Live Events Operations at PokerStars.
“With the support of our incredible local partners, these events promise to be truly phenomenal.”
LAPT Panama, April 19-23
Those events kick off with a visit to Panama, home to the globally renowned shipping canal, with Panama City at its southern side playing host to the five-day poker festival.
The Hotel El Panamá by Faranda Grand replaces the Sheraton Grand this year and pride of place on the schedule goes to the $1,500 buy-in Main Event. Last year it was Markus Meekma of the Netherlands who fought off a strong local challenge to bag the top prize of $69,934. Incredibly, Meekma bagged his $1500 seat for just $11 through an online satellite.
Buy-ins either side of that ME pricing (and note that buy-ins and prizes will be in US$) should see plenty of action in the supporting events and here’s the highlight reel to type into your diaries.
- LAPT Main Event: April 19-23 – $1,500
- LAPT High Roller Single Day: April 21– $3,000
- LAPT NLH High Roller: April 22-23 – $3,000
- LAPT NLH 6 Handed Mystery K.O.: April 21-23 – $1,000
- LAPT NLH High Roller Single Day P.K.O.: April 19 – $3,000
Of course, you can always win your seat via online satellites, and the LAPT Panama satellites on PokerStars offer both Full Package and Seat Only qualifying routes.
In addition, on April 2 at 8pm ET there will be a mega satellite with 13 packages guaranteed to be won.
LAPT Mexico, August
The new kid on the LAPT block, the Mexico stop, is still under wraps. We know it will be an August festival, but the exact dates and tournament info are still a secret. Watch this space.
LAPT Rio de Janeiro, October 9-16
Towered over by the iconic art deco sculpture of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain, Rio is a bucket list destination for poker players the world over.
This year’s festival takes place at the Windsor Marapendi Hotel, a mile along the coast from last year’s venue, which witnessed home-grown success when Anthony Ribeiro scooped the Main Event for $125,277.
LAPT Millions, November 15-29
Next stop on the tour of the Latin American poker scene involves a hop into the Brazilian Series of Poker (BSOP) Millions in São Paulo, so watch out for the special LAPT Millions events to be announced soon.
LAPT Montevideo, December 10-15
The Hotel Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco & Spa may be a mouthful, but it will be worth it for those looking for a pre-Christmas Uruguayan adventure.
Another $1,500 buy-in Main Event offers the chance to recreate the success of Venezuela’s Tullio Juarez, who lifted the trophy and $80,000 last year.
As with all the other stops on the LAPT, PokerStars players get discounted rates wherever they go, so make sure your accommodation plans are done via Flush Tour. More money for poker – you know it makes sense. For more info on this and for updated information on the 2024 Latin American Poker Tour (LAPT) schedule, please visit PokerStars Live.
