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New Poker Tour Launches in Latin America

March 13, 2008

The popularity of poker is apparently spreading south of the border and PokerStars.com is giving it a big boost with the announcement of the creation of the Latin American Poker Tour. The LAPT, as it will be called, will launch in May.

“Poker is exploding in Latin America and the game is more than ready for its own major poker tour. It’s one of the fastest-growing poker regions and there are thousands upon thousands of players in countries like Brazil and Argentina who will love the chance to take part in events of this kind,” LAPT President Glenn Cademartori said in a press release about the launch. “In every regard, the LAPT is going to put Latin America on the map as the newest hotspot to play high-stakes international poker.”

The poker tour will begin with a three-day kickoff in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 3-5. The first event will have a $2,500 buy-in tournament with an expected prize pool of more than $600,000.

Among the pros who will help PokerStars start their venture at the first tournament will be Latin American themselves - Andre Akkari of Brazil, and Humberto Brenes of Costa Rica. Both are expected to play.

Akkari said that it was important for him to help the LAPT take its first steps.

“It’s a real honor to be representing Team PokerStars in the PokerStars Latin American Poker Tour, and even more exciting that the very first event is in my home country,” Akkari said in the announcement. “The LAPT offers great opportunities for Latin American players. Poker is growing so fast in this region and now local players will have the chance to compete in major events in their own backyard.”

The LAPT will follow up with an event in San Jose, Costa Rica on May 22-24 and Uruguay on August 7-9.

Mike Ward will be the tournament director for the LAPT. Ward has been the director of the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure since its launch in 2004.

“I’m now really looking forward to bringing my skills and energy to the Latin American Poker Tour,” Ward said.