LAPT Lima Starts, Jason Somerville Tops for Out

LAPT Lima Underway

The last official stop of the Latin American Poker Tour‘s Season 5 was set to begin on November 15 in Peru. The $2,500 buy-in Main Event was the LAPT Grand Final, and the Atlantic City Casino in Miraflores, Lima, hosted the festivities, which also included a number of side events.

The first day of play brought well over 350 players to the tables, though the final numbers had not yet been released at post time. Some of the names in the crowd included Leo Fernandez, Vanessa Selbst, Humberto Brenes, Angel Guillen, and Jose Barbero. The field is large, as expected, and the prize pool will be announced later in the night.

Jason Somerville in Out100

The world of poker players knows Jason Somerville as a young, consummate professional. Some recognize him for his 2011 WSOP bracelet and numerous final tables at events like the WSOP and WPT. Others know that he has an entrepreneurial spirit as evidenced by his video series of the poker training he provided October Nine WSOP player Russell Thomas. And then there is the fact that he is the only openly-gay, recognizable male poker player.

Somerville was recognized by “Out” media this week for being an inspiration to the gay community in the world of sports and gaming. The Out100 list is one that annually recognizes contributions and bravery for the risks they take and the statements they make. He noted to the publication that he expected a mixed reaction to his “coming out” blog post but, “Instead, I got a strong reaction of acceptance from both the poker world and the gay community.”