Baxter, Mercier and Brooks lead after Day 1 of WPT-LAPC

The 2011 WPT L.A. Poker Classic saw a dip in their numbers this year, falling from the 745 that played last year to 665 this year. Many feared that would be the case when the host Commerce casino came out against the regulation of online poker at the federal level. Despite the smaller turn out, a healthy crowd paid $10,000 each to test their fate in the main event.

All 665 players started the day with 30,000 chips.

There are unofficially 500 players remaining as Day 1 came to a close.

Chip leaders after Day 1:

1. Mike Baxter - 125,400
2. Gregory Brooks - 108,425
3. Jason Mercier - 106,625
4. Tom McCormick - 100,000
5. Michael Benvenuti - 98,775
6. Gavin Griffin - 96,750

The average chip stack is now 39,642.

Notables off to a good start include Joseph Cheong (81,000), Layne Flack (80,000), Michael Mizrachi (68,525) and Jonathan Little (65,475).

Notables to bust on Day 1 include Brandon Cantu, Phil Laak, Joe Sebok, Justin Bonomo, and Jordan Young.

Play resumes Saturday at noon for Day 2 of the WPT - LAPC with the blinds at 200/400 with a 50 ante.