Golden Gates Casino - Black Hawk, CO
November 2-5, 2017
Main Event: 848 Entrants
Gerald Morrell Wins MSPT $360 Regional At Golden Gates, $33,677!
The MSPT $360 Regional Event held at Golden Gates Casino in Black Hawk, Colorado (just outside Denver), drew 848 entries (234 on Day 1A, 262 1B, and 352 1C) over three starting flights. On Sunday, the surviving 121 players returned to play down to a winner, and after a six-way chop (chops are only allowed at MSPT Regionals), it was Gerald Morrell of Reno, Nevada who walked away the lion’s share of the chop and a $33,677 first-place prize.
“It always feels good to run good and win some money and this trophy,” said Morrell, referencing the Regional Trophy he was awarded. “Me and a buddy played the tournament, and decided if we shipped it, we’re golfing in Hawaii.”
That golf trip looks to be fully paid for with this healthy score.
The win was Morrell’s first MSPT cash. Prior to the score, he had $92,867 in tournament earnings including a cash in this summer’s World Series of Poker Millionaire Maker for $5,003.
“The MSPT did a fantastic job, it was a good tournament,” said Morrell, referencing the phenomenal staff at the Golden Gates Poker Room. “I appreciated everything.”
The top 81 players cashed the event including Kevin "1$ickDisea$E" Eyster (18th - $2,544), Spring Golden Gates Regional champ Corey Zedo (30th - $1,119), WSOP Colossus II champ Ben Keeline (57th - $814), and last year’s Fall Golden Gates Regional champ “Money” Mike Maruna (75th - $712).
The tournament marked the 21st MSPT Regional Event ever held, and the sixth hosted by Golden Gates.