World Poker Classic underway in Las Vegas

The 2007 Fifth Annual Five Star World Poker Classic started over the weekend at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. Two side events have been played so far, and the $25,000 World Poker Tour (WPT) Championship is only a couple of weeks away.

Aside from the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event, the WPT Championship is the biggest and most prestigious poker tournament in the world.

The buy-in is a massive $25,000, and all the best poker players in the world will be there to compete for the enormous prize pool.

Last year, 605 players entered the tournament, and Joe Bartholdi Jr. won the $3,760,165 first prize, ahead of David Matthew and Roland De Wolfe.

The 2007 action at the Bellagio has kicked off with two events already finished, and 10 more tournaments to come, including the Main Event starting Saturday April 21.

Motoyuki Mabuchi took home $274,950 in Event 1, $1,500 No-Limit Texas Hold'em, while Paul Lee won the $206,795 first prize in Event 2, $2,000 No-Limit Texas Hold'em.

When the WPT Championship event begins, you will find the best coverage at PokerListings.com. In our Live Tournaments Section we will give you the latest live updates, exclusive interviews and blogs.

Results from the 2007 5th Annual Five Star World Poker Classic:

Event 1, $1,500 No-Limit Texas Hold'em:

Event 2, $2,000 No-Limit Texas Hold'em: