Action Gets Underway in the RPT Montana State Poker Championship
The Roughrider Poker Tour returns to beautiful Billings, Montana for the ninth edition of the Montana State Poker Championship from April 4-6. Hosted by the Billings Hotel and Convention Center, the event features a $635 buy-in with an estimated $200,000 prize pool.
Flight A begins today at 2:00 p.m. local time and Flight B will commence on Saturday, April 5, also at 2:00 p.m. Players who advance from each flight will combine and return for the Championship Day on Sunday, April 6, where a winner will be awarded the top prize as well as a custom RPT bracelet.
Last year's installment of the event attracted 348 entrants, breaking the record for the largest tournament in Montana state history, with a massive $182,700 prize pool. It was WSOP bracelet winner Chad Himmelspach who conquered the field, taking home a hefty payday of $40,000.
2024 Montana State Poker Championship Final Table Results
| Place | Player | Hometown | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chad Himmelspach | Henderson, NV | $40,000 |
| 2 | Weston Wells | Bismarck, ND | $25,000 |
| 3 | John Schroer | Casper, WY | $18,100 |
| 4 | Michael Baker (MT) | Malta, MT | $13,340 |
| 5 | Kevin Chartier | Boseman, MT | $10,050 |
| 6 | Ryan Roeder | Missoula, MT | $7,700 |
| 7 | Rick Lehman | Billings, MT | $6,035 |
| 8 | Chance Howell | Great Falls, MT | $4,750 |
| 9 | Arlie Brandvold | Carrington, ND | $3,500 |
Players will begin each starting flight with 60,000 in chips and blinds will begin at 100/200 with a 200 big blind ante. Blinds will increase every 40 minutes, with late registration and re-entries permitted through level 12. A 20-minute break will occur at the end of every three levels and a 60-minute dinner break will take place at the conclusion of level 6 at around 6:20 p.m.
Play for Day 1 flights will conclude after the completion of level 15 or once 12.5% of the field remains, whichever happens first. Players are limited to a total of three buy-ins and those who qualify for the finals on Sunday with two stacks will receive a $2,000 double bag bonus. Only the highest qualifying stack will be permitted to continue to the Championship Day.
Event Schedule
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| First Super Satellite | April 4 | 10:00 a.m. |
| Flight A | April 4 | 2:00 p.m. |
| Second Super Satellite | April 5 | 10:00 a.m. |
| Flight B | April 5 | 2:00 p.m. |
| Championship Day | April 6 | 11:00 a.m. |
| Second Chance Tournament | April 6 | 12:00 p.m. |
The Second Chance Tournament will feature a $250 buy-in and will be open to anyone.
Be sure to follow PokerNews all weekend long for coverage and updates of the RPT Montana State Poker Championship.