The $2,700 buy-in, PokerStars Latin American Poker Tour Florianopolis main event is currently underway, after attracting an impressive 364 players yesterday for its first and only Day 1. 

That number, which included such well known pros as Maria “Maridu” Mayrinck, Humberto Brenes, Andre Akkari, and 2009 World Series Of Poker Main Event champion Joe Cada, was large enough to create a total prize pool of $1,624,200 Brazilian Reals- a little over $900,000 in US Dollars- and a top prize of R$435,000- about $250,000 USD.

That nearly quarter of a million top prize, unfortunately will not be going to Cada, as he was eliminated during the starting day along with 180 of his fellow players, leaving 183 to return for Day 2.

Florianopolis, for those not overly familiar with South American geography, is the capital city of Santa Caterina State on the Southern coast of Brazil.  The city boasts a population of nearly a half million, with that number swelling to about a million when including associated islands and suburbs.  Florianopolis, according to sites like Wikipedia, is heavily supported by tourists which flock to the area to enjoy the gorgeous scenery, warm weather and over 40 beautiful beaches- many internationally recognized for surfing. 

For more information on the PokerStars LAPT Florianopolis stop visit the PokerStars blog at www.pokerstarsblog.com.