Despite ongoing restrictions on live poker, the World Poker Tour (WPT) hasn’t given up on Las Vegas. The tour still plans to conclude three major events in Sin City that were put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Three Final Tables on Hold
Originally scheduled to wrap up at the HyperX Esports Arena at Luxor from March 31 to April 2, the final tables of the following WPT tournaments were postponed when Nevada declared a state of emergency:
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WPT Gardens Poker Championship (California)
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WPT Borgata Winter Poker Open (Atlantic City)
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WPT L.A. Poker Classic (Los Angeles)
Each of these events had played down to the final six players before operations were halted.
WPT Plans to Finish What Was Started
WPT Executive Tour Director Matt Savage confirmed that the organization is committed to crowning winners for these marquee events as soon as conditions allow.
“Yes, once the casinos reopen and we are confident our players will be safe, we’ll schedule a date and time that gives our players enough notice to prepare and attend,” Savage said in a recent email.
However, current guidelines from the Nevada Gaming Control Board only permit four-handed poker, which makes resuming the six-player final tables impractical for now.
Prize Money Partially Awarded
While players wait to return to the felt, they haven’t walked away empty-handed. All six finalists from each event have already received 6th place prize money, ranging from $111,795 to $185,330 depending on the tournament. The remaining prize pools and titles, however, are still up for grabs.
Looking Ahead
The return of live tournament poker remains uncertain, but the WPT’s ongoing commitment signals hope for players and fans alike. Once health and safety conditions improve—and six-handed play is once again permitted—Las Vegas could finally see the lights come back on for these long-awaited final tables.
