The LA Poker Classic at the Commerce Casino has long been an important stop on the tournament circuit, but this year the event became something more. Thanks to the coverage on the World Poker Tour, the event became a lesson in "the art of the bluff."
One hundred thirty-six players reached into their pockets for just over $10,000 apiece to create a prize pool of over $1.3 million. The Final Table made for an interesting day, complete with a WPT third place runner-up trying to make it to the winner's circle, a champion looking for a repeat win, and an amateur/underdog to root for.
"Underdog" is a little misleading since Daniel Rentzer came to the table as chip leader, but everyone in attendance figured he'd need all of his chips to fend off the likes of pros Andrew Bloch, David "The Dragon" Pham and the hard charging Dane, Gus Hansen, winner of the WPT's inaugural event.