The Los Angeles Poker Classic, hosted by the Commerce Casino, has already seen record attendance for this year's preliminary events, even with the Main WPT Event still weeks away.

In a recent press release, Commerce Casino reported this year's turnout has thus far already attracted a 1000+ more players than this time last year, regardless of the well publicized ailing economy and record unemployment numbers in California.

"Our casino is still doing a robust business despite the economic climate, and the opening events in the 2009 LA Poker Classic clearly demonstrate that poker players have not only not lost interest in the game, but that they still see tournament poker as a compelling and exciting way to allot their time and money." -Vice President and Casino Manager Tim Gustin.

The juicy action at Commerce Casino has already attracted many top pros to the felt including Minh Nguyen, Mimi Tran, David Plastik, Men "The Master" Nguyen, and PokerRoad's own Barry Greenstein, who cashed in event #3 and last night survived to make it into the final 18 of the $2,000 No Limit Hold 'em event, according to LAPC Tournament Director Matt Savage.

To follow Barry's progress today, as this event plays down to its conclusion, check-out the PokerRoad forums where helpful contributers (like the amazing Mr. Savage) have been bringing fans unofficial live news of the events as they unfold.

For more information on the LA Poker Classic visit www.commercecasino.com.

Story by Mark Anderson