TEXAS HOLDEM ONLINE POKER

The L.A. Poker Classic Tournament involves a number of Texas Holdem poker events that are already under way at the casino, but participants can still buy in or win their way into individual events by entering satellite tournaments.

Through Feb. 21 are Limit HoldEm, Stud Hi/Low Split, Pot Limit Omaha High, 7-Card Stud, Omaha Hi/Low Split and Stud Hi/Low Split tournaments.

The showcase will be televised on the World Poker Tour (Travel Channel, Wednesdays at 9 p.m.). The $10,000 buy-in event is expected to draw more than 600 players.

The anticipated prize pool is more than $7 million, and the first-place winner will likely go home with $2 million.

Feb. 20 is One Table Satellite Day, a day of satellites dedicated to winning entry into the $10,000 championship event.

Last year's champion, 25 year-old Antonio Esfandiari, will be returning to defend his title. In 2004, the former magician took home $1,399,135 and a seat in the season-ending World Poker Tour Championship at the Bellagio.

Also on hand for both tournaments will be such well-known poker stars as T.J. Cloutier, Phil Helmuth, Gus Hansen, Howard Lederer, Jennifer Harman, Daniel Negreanu, Annie Duke, Chris "Jesus" Ferguson, Erick Lindgren and the champion from the 2004 World Poker Tour Celebrity Invitational, Phil "The Unabomber" Laak, known for his hooded sweatshirt and sunglasses.

Commerce Casino is at 6131 E. Telegraph Road, Commerce, just off Interstate 5 at the Washington Boulevard exit. Information: (323) 721-2100.