For the second time in Season 8, the Mid-States Poker Tour (MSPT) is heading to Running Aces Casino in Columbus, Minnesota – which is just north of the Twin Cities. From September 16-24, the MSPT will host a series of $65 and $250 qualifiers culminating in an $1,100 buy-in, $200,000 guarantee Main Event the weekend of September 22-24.
The Main Event, which requires players be just 18 years of age to participate, will run from Friday, September 22 through Sunday, September 24. The tournament features two starting flights beginning Friday evening with Day 1A at 4 p.m., followed by Day 1B at the same time on Saturday. The remaining players from each flight will combine on Sunday morning at 11:00 a.m. and play until a champion is crowned.
“The MSPT has visited Running Aces each year since our first season, and the latest will mark our 12th Main Event held at the property,” said MSPT President Bryan Mileski. "As always, we expect Minnesota’s best to turn out in force, but they’ll have to contend with those who plan to make the trip over from such states as Wisconsin, Iowa, and North Dakota.”
The Main Event final table will be broadcast LIVE (15-minute delay) worldwide on msptpoker.com using RFID technology allowing all viewers to see the hole cards. In addition, the entirety of the Main Event will be live reported in the MSPT live blog, which can be found on msptpoker.com once the tournament begins. Simply look for the neon green button that reads "Live Updates."
In addition, there will be a slew of Running Aces Casino Bonus Events in the week leading up to the MSPT Main Event. They include $30 and $80 no-limit hold'em tournaments, a $75 Bounty event, and a Freeroll with two $1,100 Main Event seats added.
For a full look at the MSPT Running Aces schedule, click here.
The MSPT last visited Running Aces back in February when Luke Bohnen bested a field of 358 entries – the biggest Main Event there in four years – to take down the title and an $86,440 top prize. You can read more about his win by clicking here.
Last season, cash game pro Luke Arora topped a field of 347 entrants, including MSPT Pro Matt Alexander in heads-up play, to capture an $83,773 first-place prize. In September of last year, Jeremy Dresch bested 344 entrants to win $83,045 and his second MSPT title.
Others who've captured titles at Running Aces over the years include Peixin Liu (Sept. 2015 for $85,498), Erv Bjerga (Feb. 2015 for $91,941), Ken Pates (Sept. 2014 for $87,698), Mark Sandness (Feb. 2014 for $90,913), David Gonia (Feb. 2013 for $93,940), Rodger Johnson (Feb. 2012 for $79,185), Jason Seitz (Feb. 2011 for $56,295), and Joe Matheson (April 2010 for $51,349).
Running Aces Casino is open 24/7 and offers multiple poker tournaments daily. Players can also find a variety of cash games. While you’re there, you can also have fun at Blackjack, Pai Gow, EZ Baccarat and more.
The MSPT has also worked out rates with several nearby hotels, which you can learn about by clicking here.
For those coming from the Twin Cities area, here are some helpful directions:
Directions From Minneapolis
- Interstate 35W North toward Forest Lake
- 1/4 miles after 35W merges with 35E, exit on Highway 97/Lake Drive, exit #129
- Turn left at top of exit ramp and proceed West on Lake Drive 1 mile to Running Aces Blvd
- Turn left on Running Aces Blvd
- After 1/4 mile on Running Aces Blvd, follow signs into Running Aces Casino & Racetrack
Directions From St. Paul
- Interstate 35E North toward Forest Lake
- 1/4 miles after 35E merges with 35W, exit on Highway 97/Lake Drive, exit #129
- Turn left at top of exit ramp and proceed West on Lake Drive 1 mile to Running Aces Blvd
- Turn left on Running Aces Blvd
- After 1/4 mile on Running Aces Blvd, follow signs into Running Aces Casino & Racetrack
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