Grand Casino Mille Lacs - Onamia, MN
August 11-14, 2016
Buy-In: $350 Regional; 458 Entrants (140 Day 1a; 126 Day 1b; 182 Day 1c)
Kraig Komrosky Wins MSPT Grand Casino Mille Lacs Regional for $31,747
The Mid-States Poker Tour $350 Regional Event at Grand Casino Mille Lacs in central Minnesota attracted 458 entrants, and it proved to be a breakout performance by 29-year-old self-employed construction worker Kraig Komrosky of Moorhead, Minnesota, who captured a $31,747 first-place prize and nearly matched his prior lifetime earnings.
It was a bit of redemption for Komrosky, who back in January finished 11th in the same event and in Season 6 took second to Joel Klipping in the MSPT Regional Shooting Star Casino for $23,000. It was made all the more special considering Komrosky, who has been playing poker for more than 11 years, began the final table dead last in chips.
"The win felt so surreal, Komrosky said after the win. "Having been there before and getting so close I know that I will cherish this win for a while. My family and friends couldn't be happier for me. They know how bad I wanted it. My close buddies are trying to get me to go to Vegas this weekend to play some events."
Day 1a of the tournament drew 140 runners, but only 27 of them made it through the night including chip leader Durwin Matuska and Aaron Johnson, who a month removed from finishing 72nd in the 2016 World Series of Poker Main Event.
On Day 1b, 126 entrants took to the felt and saw 28 advance including MSPT Running Aces champ Erv Bjerga; Carl Carodenuto, who successfully defended his MSPT Canterbury Park title earlier this year; and MSPT Season 6 Player of the Year Mark Hodge.
As expected, Day 1c was the biggest flight with 182 entrants. Among the 34 players to advance were chip leader Brian Granger, Season 4 Running Aces champ David Gonia, and MSPT Pro Matt Alexander.
All told, 88 players returned for Day 2 action, but with 45 paid, nearly half the returning field left empty handed. Among those fortunate to leave with some cash were Alexander (43rd - $661), Curtis Biloki (38th - $661), David Gonia (33rd - $794), Jason Seitz (21st - $992), Moon Ahmed (15th - $1,720), and Bjerga (13th - $1,720).
As for Komrosky, he said he is sure to be at some upcoming MSPT stops.
"I mostly just play in Minnesota at Running Aces, Canterbury Park, or Mille Lacs," he explained. "I'm looking forward to the MSPT at Running Aces next month!"