Latin American Poker Tour Returns in 2023 After 6-Year Hiatus

Live tournament poker is enjoying a resurgence of late and the much-loved Latin American Poker Tour will once again be a part of the action this year following six years of dormancy.

PokerStars announced the reboot recently, advising players to circle March 2-6, 2023 on their calendars for a tour stop in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. That location was chosen for the return of LAPT with a nod to sentimentality.

"The very first LAPT was held in Rio de Janeiro back in 2008, it is emblematic to have the tour’s return in the city where it all began," said LAPT executive director Devanir Campos. “We’ve decided to bring LAPT back to its roots."

Those roots were firmly planted for a solid nine-year run from 2008 to 2016. The LAPT was one of PokerStars most successful tours during that span, making stops in dozens of cities throughout 10 different countries.

Many of the same locales are earmarked for the LAPT reboot going forward. That will enable some of the newer poker players on the scene to get a taste of Latin America as well.

“The tour will enable us to bring together former LAPT champions and a new generation of poker players that never got to experience this amazing event,” Campos added. "LAPT was never just about playing poker, but also traveling, getting to see and experience different countries and cultures, meeting friends and, ultimately, having a lot of fun.”

The fun begins with 19 scheduled events from March 2-6 at the Windsor Marapendi Hotel. In addition to a $1,500 buy-in Main Event with four starting flights, other highlights include a Single Day $4K, a $5,000 High Roller, and a $3,000 Turbo High Roller Progressive Knockout.

Other LAPT stops in 2023 include Montevideo, Uruguay in April, and São Paulo, Brazil in July for the Brazilian Series of Poker (BSOP) Winter Millions and the BSOP Millions in November. Additional stops will be announced soon.

“The LAPT has a special place in the hearts of Latin American poker players and poker enthusiasts, so we’re absolutely thrilled that the tour is back,” Campos stated.