No Rest for the Weary – Legends of Poker is Upon us

Didn't Jamie Gold win the WSOP like, yesterday, or the day before? Doesn't it seem like it? So at least we have a little down time, right? Wrong.

The Legends of Poker is in full swing at the Bicycle Casino in Los Angeles, and this week features some of the coolest events the poker circuit sees all year.

Things kick off on Thursday with the Media and Celebrity Invitational. This event always brings out as many, or more celebs than any other event of its type on the circuit, largely due to the fact that it's in Los Angeles. Another fact that makes this tournament nice for the participants is they give you a little more play than in most of these events. Does anyone remember my story about the Playboy Mansion tournament where the blinds went up 4 times in the first 7 hands? That's what media events are usually like. This one is different, and a lot of fun.

Also on Thursday is the Annual Frank Mariani/Jerry Buss tournament. Many of the celebs that played in the earlier tournament stick around for the cocktail party, and this tournament, which happens later that night. Buss and Mariani always make this event a great, fun time. Most people know Jerry Buss, but Frank Mariani is a long time poker aficionado who makes sure everyone at the table has a good time. Freddy Deeb once told me Mariani is the guy he likes to play with the most if he's looking to relax, and have fun at the table. The cocktail party is at 5:30, and the $1,500 buy in No Limit tournament starts at 7:15.

On Saturday, we see the start of the $10,000 buy in World Poker Tour Legends of Poker Main Event. This is one of the most popular events on the circuit, and is always well attended. This is the first year the buy in has been upped from its original $5,000 to the now 'standard' $10,000. This shouldn't slow players down at all, and in fact the Bike has already announced that there will be two day ones (day one 'A' Saturday, and day one 'B' Sunday).

For some reason, the Legends of Poker WPT final table always seems to be star studded. This includes the only final table I can think of in WPT history where all 6 players were well known tournament veterans. That was season two, and the final table consisted of Mel Judah, Paul Phillips, TJ Cloutier, Chip Jett, Fred Bonyadi, and Phil Laak. For good measure, Huck Seed was TV table bubble boy, and Jesus Ferguson finished 9th.

This should be a fun and exciting week for poker players in Los Angeles. The grind continues for the circuit pros, as its off to Borgata shortly after the conclusion of this event for the $10k WPT Borgata Poker Open. See you this week at the Bike.

Ed note: If you can't make it to the Bike this week, then sign up for Titan Poker, and play in your living room.