After three starting days, a total of 841 players came out to play the inaugural MSPT $1,110 Main Event at Ameristar Casino in East Chicago. This massive turnout smashed the guarantee of the $300,000 to see 90 players take home a minimum of $2,117 while first place will take home a whopping $158,783.
The final day saw Andres Garcia take the final flight’s lead with 498,000. The Illinois native is looking to secure his second MSPT cash and with his massive stack he has put himself in prime position to do so. Garcia found himself in many big pots throughout the day, but a pot that sent him high up the counts saw him knock out MSPT champion Daniel Goepel when his pocket jacks held up against Goepel’s eights. He now comes into the final day with a top ten stack and will look to secure his first MSPT trophy.
Rounding out the top three chip counts of the day were James Hobbs (458,000) and Luke Williams (440,000). Three MSPT champions found their way through the day as Gerald Heath (215,000), Kou Vang (189,000), and Umut Ozturk (180,000) all have eyes set on adding to their illustrious resumes. They will join the likes of Dan McFate (405,000), Scott Sisler (400,000), Sarah Stefan (314,000), Todd Sladek (198,000), Marc Bernal (230,000), and Andy Rogowski (203,000) into the final day of the tournament.
Not all were able to find a bag at the end of the day. Players like MSPT hall of famers Aaron Johnson, Patrick Steele, as well as other champions like Gerald Cunniff, Craig Trost, Dan Goepel, and Chris Moon were unable to find another championship opportunity. Others like Edward Ochana, Jill Bryant, Tom Koral, Steve Wazwaz, David Kenniston, Mario Arribas, Angela Gambino, and Jean “Prince” Gaspard will have to wait until another time to claim their first MSPT victory.
Play ended with 14:00 left in Level 15 in Day 1a and since play continued until close in this final flight, this will be the time the players will return to on Sunday. A total of 101 will return tomorrow at 11 am and play until a winner is crowned.
Stay tuned to MSPT.com for all updates regarding The MSPT $1,110 Main Event at Ameristar Casino in East Chicago.