For the first time in Season 8, the Mid-States Poker Tour (MSPT) is heading to Running Aces Casino in Columbus, Minnesota – which is less than 20 minutes north of the Twin Cities. From February 11-19, the MSPT will host a series of $65 and $250 qualifiers culminating in a $1,100 buy-in, $200,000 guarantee Main Event the weekend of February 17-19.
The Main Event, which requires players be just 18 years of age to participate, will run from Friday, February 17 through Sunday, February 19. 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.
"This marks the 11th time in eight seasons that the MSPT will visit Running Aces, which has been a staple on our schedule dating all the way back to Season 1," said MSPT President Bryan Mileski. "From great promotions to juicy cash games, Running Aces is one of the Midwest’s best places to play poker.”
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's brand new 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.
Last season, the MSPT visited the property twice. In April, 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, 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.
Though it won’t be ready in time for this upcoming MSPT event, Running Aces Casino & Racetrack has also announced plans to build a 74-room GrandStay Hotel on property.
The MSPT has also worked out rates with several nearby hotels, which you can learn about 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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