The 2017 WPT500 Moves to The Gardens in Los Angeles May 21-31

The World Poker Tour announced that the 2017 WPT500 will be held at The Gardens Casino in Los Angeles May 21 – 31 with a $1 million guarantee. The WPT500 Los Angeles has 14 starting flights with a $565 buy-in, similar to previous WPT500 events.

The event features the “best stack forward” format, allowing players to cash multiple times before the cumulative field meets for Day 2. Once the field reaches 54 players an action clock comes into play sponsored by Protection Poker.

“The World Poker Tour couldn’t be happier to partner with The Gardens Casino to bring the WPT500 to California for the very first time,” said Angelica Hael, WPT VP of Global Tour Management. “The WPT500 is a tremendous addition to the state’s robust and vibrant poker landscape, and Memorial Day Weekend in Los Angeles is the perfect time and place to host this historic event. With fantastic onsite amenities, a world-class poker room, and genuine hospitality from The Gardens team, the World Poker Tour is very excited about hosting the first-ever WPT500 in California.”

The event was hosted at the Aria since its inception in 2014 and performed well against the World Series of Poker. The event drew 3,599, 5,113 and 3,956 entries the last three summers respectively. 

“We are excited to welcome the World Poker Tour to The Gardens Casino for WPT500 Los Angeles,” said Ron Sarabi, Casino General Manager, The Gardens. “With a $1 million guaranteed prize pool at an accessible price point of $565, WPT500 Los Angeles is the perfect main event for The Gardens Poker Festival and a must-attend tournament for all players.”

The first starting flight kicks off May 21 – 24 at 11 am with one flight per day. Then, May 25 – 29 there are two flights a day – 11 am and 5 pm. Each flight plays down to 8% of the field remaining before bagging for Day 2 on May 30th. The final table is set for May 31st with a live stream.

Sean Yu won the inaugural event for $260,000, Craig Varnell won the trophy as part of a five-way deal in 2015 and Andreas Olympios took down last year’s event for $260,000.

Take a look at the most successful players from California.