Introduction
This article offers a complete overview of the Latin American Poker Tour, describing its establishment in 2008, the LAPT Main Event winners, and sponsorship by PokerStars. It highlights the LAPT's role in bringing competitive poker to Latin America, attracting players from Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. The biggest LAPT Main Events have been held in Sao Paulo, Vina del Mar, and the Bahamas, drawing hundreds of participants and offering substantial prizes. LAPT has significantly contributed to the popularity of poker in Latin America.
What is the Latin American Poker Tour?
The Latin American Poker Tour, also known as LAPT, is famous in Latin America and is designed to bring prominent poker events to players in the region. It was established to provide a platform for local and international players to compete in well-organized poker tournaments across various countries in Latin America, including Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. LAPT hosts poker games and nurtures a community where players can exchange knowledge, strategies, and experiences. It offers significant prize pools and professional-level competition.
History
PokerStars launched the Latin American Poker Tour (LAPT) in 2008. The first season saw three stops: Brazil, Costa Rica, and Uruguay. LAPT continued to serve as a renowned poker platform in various Latin American countries until 2016 when it resumed its journey in 2023.
Since its inception, the Latin American Poker Tour has been pivotal in promoting poker's status and visibility in the region, transforming it from a recreational pastime into a highly competitive and professional sport. EPT was launched to provide a platform for poker enthusiasts to showcase their skills in Latin American countries, including Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. Over the years, LAPT has seen a significant increase in participation and interest, not just from within the continent but worldwide.
The history of the Latin American Poker Tour is a testament to the evolution of the game in Latin America from an amusement to a professional and celebrated sport, thanks to the LAPT's commitment to excellence and community-building in poker.
Main Event Winners
Here is a table of the main event winners of the Latin American Poker Tour:
Winner |
Event |
Date |
Player |
Prize |
Prize Pool |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Johnny Sandoval |
LAPT Panama |
April 19-23 |
263 |
$315,260 |
$65,000 |
Anthony Barranqueiros |
LAPT Rio de Janeiro |
March 2-6 |
315 |
$654,204 |
R$650,000 |
Tullio Bertoli |
LAPT Uruguay |
April 28-May 2 |
346 |
$417,900 |
$80,000 |
Markus Meekma |
LAPT Panama |
August 4-8 |
346 |
$417,900 |
€69,934 |
Hugo Zanotti |
LAPT, Brazil |
October 4-10 |
258 |
$339,345 |
~$63,991 |
Lucas Rigos |
LAPT/BSOP Millions, Brazil |
November 17-20 |
771 |
$974,419 |
~$162,939 |
Biggest Top 10 LAPT Main Events
The most significant top 10 Latin American Poker Tour Main Events are as follows:
Rank |
Date |
Event |
Entrants |
Main Event Winner |
Prize |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
May-14 |
LAPT Sao Paulo |
$1,167 |
Caio Hey |
€304,501 |
2 |
Mar-13 |
LAPT Vina del Mar |
1024 |
Pablo Tavitian |
€184,220 |
3 |
Jan-16 |
LAPT Bahamas |
851 |
Georgios Sotiropoulos |
€308,220 |
4 |
Nov-23 |
LAPT Sao Paulo |
771 |
Lucas Rigos |
€162,939 |
5 |
Apr-13 |
LAPT Sao Paulo |
753 |
Victor Sbrissa |
€252,971 |
6 |
Oct-14 |
LAPT Grand Final Peru |
692 |
Oscar Alache |
€135,488 |
7 |
Oct-11 |
LAPT Medellin |
681 |
Julian Menendez |
€165,992 |
8 |
Mar-12 |
LAPT Viña del Mar |
672 |
Alirio Diaz |
$129,470 |
9 |
Jun-13 |
LAPT Medellin |
629 |
Weider Gutierrez |
$86,947 |
10 |
Mar-11 |
LAPT Vina del Mar |
621 |
Murilo Figueiredo |
€146,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Latin American Poker Tour?
The Latin American Poker Tour is a prominent tournament series that brings together players from various Latin American countries, including Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina.
How do you participate in the LAPT?
To participate in an LAPT event, players should register for the tournament by paying the buy-in fee online on the LAPT or partner website or in person at the event venue.
What are the biggest LAPT Main Events?
The LAPT has hosted numerous events, with some of the biggest entrants and prize pools in cities like Sao Paulo, Vina del Mar, and the Bahamas. These flagship events have drawn hundreds of players and offered substantial prizes.
Who sponsors the Latin American Poker Tour?
PokerStars has sponsored the Latin American Poker Tour, elevating the tour's profile and enhancing the quality and reach of the events.
When was the LAPT established?
The Latin American Poker Tour was founded in 2008.
Conclusion
The Latin American Poker Tour has been crucial in turning poker from a casual event into a reputed professional sport throughout Latin America. Starting in 2008 and sponsored by PokerStars, LAPT has not only boosted the visibility of competitive poker in the region but also contributed to the local economies of its host cities. By bringing together players worldwide to participate in high-stakes tournaments, the LAPT continues to evolve and nurture a lively poker community in the region.