2021 MSPT Showdown Series

MSPT Sycuan $1,110 Main Event
Day: 1b
Event Info

2021 MSPT Showdown Series

Final Results
Winner
Alejandro Jauregui
Winning Hand
66
Prize
$140,665
Event Info
Buy-in
$1,100
Prize Pool
$654,220
Entries
676
Level Info
Level
29
Blinds
60,000 / 120,000
Ante
20,000
Players Info - Day 1b
Entries
218
Players Left
31

Welcome to Day 1b of the MSPT Sycuan $1,100 Main Event

MSPT Sycuan
MSPT Sycuan

The Mid-States Poker Tour (MSPT), which has awarded more than $110 million in prize money since its debut in December 2009, is in Southern California for the first time! For the past week, the tour has partnered with Sycuan Casino Resort to play host to an 11-event series deemed the “MSPT Showdown Series.”

Last weekend, things kicked off with the $360 buy-in, $100K GTD MSPT Regional Event, which saw 65-year-old Armando Mesia top a massive 1,047-entry field to win the tournament for a career-high score.

This weekend, the $1,100 buy-in, $200,000 GTD Main Event will play out. On Thursday, Day 1a attracted 131 runners, but after a little over 14 levels of play the field was whittled down to the final 15 with three-time WSOP bracelet winner and MSPT JACK Cleveland champ Adam Friedman leading the way. His monster stack of 816,000 is more than double that of Nic Getzen (322,000), his next-closest competitor. Others to bag were Jimmy Donuts (305,000), 2004 WSOP Main Event champ Greg Raymer (271,000), Adam Demersseman (188,000), and Minnesota’s Tony Hartmann (106,000).

Today, the second of three starting flights will get underway at 3 p.m. local time. The tournament, which will also offer a Day 1c flight at the same time on Saturday, will start players with 25,000 in chips and play until a hard stop of 30:00 remaining in Level 15 (the same time the Day 1a field stopped). Those who survive will then return at 11 a.m. local time on Sunday to play down to a winner.

The tournament offers a max of one reentry per starting flight. There will be a 10-minute break after every three levels, each lasting 40 minutes. This tournament will play 8-handed throughout. This tournament will transition from Big Blind Ante to Standard Ante when 24 players remain.

In between the two bookend tournaments, there have been nine other trophy events including a $200 MSPT Ladies Event powered by Poker League of Nations (PLON), a $360 Seniors (50+) tournament, and a $250 MSPT Tag Team Championship. There were also both pot-limit Omaha and pot-limit Omaha 8 or Better Championships. We will be sprinkling in mini-recaps for all those events throughout this weekend's coverage of the Main Event.

Click here for a look at all tournament structures.

Sycuan Casino Resort, which requires players to be 21+, is situated just 30 minutes outside downtown San Diego. Sycuan Casino Resort proudly boasts world-class accommodations, including live world-class entertainment venues and gaming. Test your luck at casino gaming with over 2,500 slot machines, bingo, baccarat, blackjack, and in their poker room

DateTime (PST)EventGTDTotal Chips
Friday, May 73 p.m.Event #10: $1,110 MSPT Main Event Day 1b$200,00025,000
Friday, May 78 p.m.$265 satellite - 1 in 5 advance to Main Event-15,000
Sautrday, May 810 a.m.$265 satellite - 1 in 5 advance to Main Event-15,000
Saturday, May 83 p.m.Event #10: $1,110 MSPT Main Event Day 1c$200,00025,000
Saturday, May 88 p.m.$135 Nightly Deep Stack-12,000
Sunday, May 911 a.m.Event #10: $1,110 MSPT Main Event Day 2$200,000-
Sunday, May 9NoonEvent #11: $360 Last Chace Showdown NLHE-15,000
Sunday, May 94 p.m.$135 Nightly Deep Stack12,000 

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Level 1 : 100/100, 100 ante
MSPT MyStack
MSPT MyStack

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2021 MSPT South Dakota State Poker Championship Coming Up May 14-16

Level 2 : 100/200, 200 ante
Silverado Deadwood
Silverado Deadwood

After the MSPT leaves California, they’ll head back to the Midwest to Silverado-Franklin Casino in Deadwood for the $1,100 South Dakota State Poker Championship from May 14-16, 2021.

In the past, the South Dakota State Poker Championship has been a standalone event at Silverado-Franklin dating back to 2011, but in 2018 they joined forces with the MSPT. In 2017, Ryan Skluzak topped a field of 136 entries to win the 2017 South Dakota State Poker Championship for $37,500. The first year partnered with the MSPT, the field grew to 286 runners and saw Rick Burleson take it down for $63,462, and in 2019 it was Sergio Mireles besting a 258-entry field to win it for $60,946.

The Silverado-Franklin Hotel & Gaming Complex offers more than 360 different slot machines, Deadwood’s largest table games area (Caribbean Stud, 4-Card Poker, Let It Ride, and 3-Card Poker all with a $1,000 betting limit), and a poker room. In addition, there is great food and drink options at Legends Steakhouse, Silverado Grand Buffet, and the Veranda, which offers unique views of historic Mount Moriah Cemetery, White Rocks, and the town of Deadwood.

Deadwood is known for many things but for poker players it's perhaps best known for aces and eights, otherwise known as the Deadman’s Hand. In 1876, Wild Bill Hickok held that hand in a game of poker at a saloon just a few blocks from the present-day Silverado when he was shot by Jack McCall.

Travel Information

The Black Hills are serviced from Rapid City Regional Airport by three major airlines: Northwest, United, and Delta, which provide direct flights from Denver, Salt Lake City, Minneapolis/Saint Paul, and Chicago. Interstate 90, which runs along the eastern and northern boundaries of the Black Hills, is the region's major thoroughfare.

MSPT South Dakota Schedule

DateTimeTournamentChips
Saturday, May 8Noon$65 Satellite - 1/5 Advance to $260 Satellite12,000
 6:30 p.m.$260 Satellite - 1/5 advance to $100K GTD Main Event15,000
Sunday, May 9Noon$65 Satellite - 1/5 Advance to $260 Satellite12,000
 4:00 p.m.$260 Satellite - 1/5 advance to $100K GTD Main Event15,000
Monday, May 106:30 p.m.$65 Satellite - 1/5 Advance to $260 Satellite12,000
Tuesday, May 111 p.m.$65 Satellite - 1/5 Advance to $260 Satellite12,000
 6:30 p.m.$260 Satellite - 1/5 advance to $100K GTD Main Event15,000
Wedneday, May 121 p.m.$65 Satellite - 1/5 Advance to $260 Satellite12,000
 6:30 p.m.$260 Satellite - 1/5 advance to $100K GTD Main Event15,000
Thursday, May 13Noon$65 Satellite - 1/5 Advance to $260 Satellite12,000
 6:30 p.m.$260 Satellite - 1/5 advance to $100K GTD Main Event15,000
Friday, May 1410 a.m.$260 Satellite - 1/5 advance to $100K GTD Main Event15,000
 3 p.m.$1,110 Main Event Day 1a ($100K GTD)25,000
Saturday, May 1510 a.m.$260 Satellite - 1/5 advance to $100K GTD Main Event15,000
 3 p.m.$1,110 Main Event Day 1b ($100K GTD)25,000
Sunday, May 1611 a.m.$1,110 Main Event Day 2 Restart-

Fadi Yakou Wins Event #3: $250 NLHE Sunday Feast

Level 2 : 100/200, 200 ante
Fadi Yakou
Fadi Yakou

Last weekend, the MSPT Showdown Series at Sycuan Casino hosted Event #3: $250 NLHE Sunday Feast, a tournament that attracted 251 entrants and awarded $50,200 in prize money.

Among those to finish in the top 32 spots and make the money were Christine Blake (31st - $437), Tristan Ziemann (28th - $437), Don Burr (21st - $502), Ronal Oeding (14th - $728), and final table bubble boy Johnny Tan (9th - $1,104).

The tournament ended with a heads-up deal between Fadi Yakou and Vernon Waite. The latter officially finished in second place for $7,121 while the former took the title and $7,221 in prize money.

Event #3: $250 NLHE Sunday Feast Final Table Results

PlacePlayerHometownPrize
1Fadi YakouSan Marcos, CA$7,221*
2Vernon WaiteSan Diego, CA$7,121*
3Payman Daghigh=DelavarSan Diego, CA$5,243
4Michael SalazarSantee, CA$4,701
5Eric MagallanChula Vista, CA$4,357
6Kalvinci EwingSpring Valley, CA$4,357
7Brad SailorLombard, IL$1,657
8Jacob QuammenLaguna Niguel, CA$1,355

*Denotes heads-up deal.

Tags: Fadi Yakou

Victoria Davidson-Castillo Victorious in Event #4: $200 NLHE Ladies Event

Level 4 : 200/400, 400 ante
Victoria Davidson-Castillo
Victoria Davidson-Castillo

In addition to the $1,100 Main Event happening here at the MSPT Sycuan Casino, there were 10 other side events that awarded trophies. One of them was Event #4: $200 NLHE Ladies Event in conjunction with Poker League of Nations (PLON).

The tournament attracted 79 runners and awarded a $13,825 prize pool to the top eight finishers. One player there who cashed was PLON founder Lena Evans, who finished in third place for $1,908.

"The opportunity to host an MSPT PLON Powered Ladies Event at Sycuan in San Diego was originally suggested by PLON Executive Committee member Allen Kessler," Evans previously told PokerNews. "Allen connected me with MSPT President Bryan Mileski. Bryan and I then organized the details of our partnership together, and the first MSPT PLON event was born!"

It marked PLON's first live event back since March 2020.

In the end, Victoria Davidson-Castillo of West Covina, California bested Mary Jane Sarver in heads-up play to win the title for $4,701, the MSPT trophy, and a Tiffany bracelet. Additionally, all the finalists received a PLON backpack with gifts including apparel from Flop the World (FTW) and PLON merchandise, "The Biggest Bluff" book signed by Maria Konnikova, Solar Rain Water, Spades Sunshades sunglasses, Poker Elephant chips, and other goodies!

Event #4 Final Table Results

PlacePlayerHometownPrize
1Victoria Davidson-CastilloWest Covina, California$4,701
2Mary Jane SarverCarlsbad, California$2,917
3Lena EvansBeverly Hills, California$1,908
4Rejoice In ProvidenceHam Lake, Minnesota$1,341
5Patsy Cortez KarimiSan Diego, California$995
6Joanne ByrdCoon Rapids, Minnesota$774
7Lucille HargettCarlsbad, California$636
8Tracey MayfieldChula Vista, California$553
MSPT Sycuan Ladies Event Final Table
MSPT Sycuan Ladies Event Final Table

Tags: Victoria Davidson-Castillo

Avino vs. Nguyen in Six-Bet All-In Pot

Level 5 : 300/500, 500 ante
Chris Avino
Chris Avino

It appeared as if Chris Avino raised the button and Luke Nguyen three-bet to 3,200 from the big blind. Avino pushed back with a four-bet to 7,500, Nguyen five-bet to 19,200, and Avino jammed for 28,200 total. Nguyen called and the hands were turned up.

Chris Avino: {k-Hearts}{k-Spades}
Luke Nguyen: {j-Hearts}{j-Diamonds}

Avino had the superior pocket pair and he scored the double after the board ran out a safe {7-Diamonds}{q-Spades}{2-Hearts}{10-Spades}{9-Hearts}.

Player Chips Progress
Chris Avino us
Chris Avino
60,000
Luke Nguyen us
Luke Nguyen
40,000
-30,000
-30,000

Tags: Chris AvinoLuke Nguyen

Joseph Szegedy Wins MSPT Sycuan Seniors Event

Level 6 : 300/600, 600 ante
Joe Szegedy
Joe Szegedy

In addition to the $1,100 Main Event happening here at the MSPT Sycuan Casino, there were 10 other side events that awarded trophies. One of them was Monday's Event #5: $360 Seniors, which attracted 173 runners and awarded $51,900 in prize money.

That was paid out amongst the top 20 finishers including Vernon Waite (18th - $675), Michael Khan (15th - $773), MSPT champ Ken Baime (11th - $1,074), and final table bubble girl Christine Blake (9th - $1,303).

In the end, it was Joseph Szegedy of Winnetka, California beating Andrew Bodewin in heads-up play to win the title, though the two had struck a deal that saw them lock up $7,981 and $7,438 in prize money respectively.

Event #5: $360 Seniors Final Table Results

PlacePlayerHometownPrize
1Joseph SzegedyWinnetka, California$7,981*
2Andrew BodewinRiverside, California$7,438*
3Michael MurphyPalmetto, Florida$7,067
4Louis Anthony GuadagniLas Vegas, Nevada$5,940
5Jasmin GrabicSan Diego, California$4,958
6William GlaserRockport, Massachusetts$3,171
7Veronica DalyCarlsbad, California$2,982
8Jay ChavkinCaro Beach, California$1,557

*Denotes deal.

Tags: Joseph Szegedy

Jason “TheRealClozer” Kapoor Makes the Journey from Michigan

Level 6 : 300/600, 600 ante
Jason Kapoor
Jason Kapoor

Jason "Clozer" Kapoor, 26, resides in Redford, Michigan, and has established himself as one of the state's fiercest players. He spent five years selling cars before opting to play poker full time beginning at the end of 2019.

"I don’t have much family, my mom just passed away five months ago," Kapoor told PokerNews. "I'm really trying my best to ship a tournament soon to dedicate a win to her."

Kapoor started playing poker avidly in 2017. He always knew the basics of the game, but like so many, he wasn't aware of just how in-depth the game could be.

Kapoor didn't graduate high school and actually left home when he was just 14 years old. He spent 70 hours a week working at a Dunkin Donuts when he was 16 years old just to pay rent and bills. To succeed in poker, one has to grind and deal with hardships. Kapoor has real-life experience in both.

"I was in survival mode my whole life, so I had to get good at reading people," he explained. "Knowing how people worked. What they wanted to hear and see. It’s sad but true. In my opinion, this really helps in poker, one of my best abilities is knowing where I’m at a lot of the time."

When not playing online poker, Kapoor sniffs out the action. For the past five months, he's traveled to what little live events there have been. Primarily a cash game player at the $5/$10 level, Kapoor added tournament play to his skill set in 2019. His biggest live tournament cash to date is $12,051 for finishing 19th in the 2019 MSPT Michigan State Poker Championship for $12,051.

"I can’t wait for the world to reopen. I’m beyond blessed to have this ability to make this kind of living considering where I came from and everything I’ve had to overcome throughout my life," he said. "Poker is not just a hobby. It’s a lifestyle, and I can’t see myself ever giving it up. I’ve met some of the best friends I could ever have from poker."

He added: "If you see me at the tables, you will either love me or hate me. I’m a talker, it’s part of my game. I mean no harm, I just want your chips!"

Kapoor traveled into San Diego today and hopped into the Day 1b contest not long ago.

PokerNews will be keeping an eye out for Kapoor to see how he fares in today's flight.

Tags: Jason Kapoor

Bob Chow Wins Event #6: $250 NLHE Turbo Super Stack

Level 7 : 400/800, 800 ante
Bob Chow
Bob Chow

In addition to the $1,100 Main Event happening here at the MSPT Sycuan Casino, there were 10 other side events that awarded trophies. One of them was Monday's Event #6: $250 NLHE Turbo Super Stack, a tournament that attracted 200 players and awarded $40,000 in prize money.

Among those to cash but fall short of the final table were Anthony Nguyen (17th - $520), Carol Smith (14th - $696), Chad Holloway (13th - $696), and final table bubble boy Daniel Gonzalez (9th - $1,004).

The tournament ended in a six-handed deal that saw three-time WSOP Circuit ring winner Bob Chow claim the trophy and $6,098 in prize money.

Event #6 Final Table Results

PlacePlayerHometownPrize
1Bob ChowLas Vegas, Nevada$6,098*
2Brandon LeeChula Vista, California$5,799*
3David PatchelMarysville, Michigan$4,704
4Gary WatersPhoenix, Arizona$4,183
5Rip FritzerEl Cajon, California$4,166*
6Kalvinci EwingSpring Valley, California$4,082*
7Diah JibroEl Cajon, California$1,440
8Michael MurdockSan Marcos, California$1,200

*Denotes 6-handed deal.

Tags: Bob Chow

Ohio's Ken Po Wins Event #7: $360 PLO8 for $8,369

Level 12 : 1,500/2,500, 2,500 ante
Ken Po
Ken Po

In addition to the $1,100 Main Event happening here at the MSPT Sycuan Casino, there were 10 other side events that awarded trophies. One of them was Tuesday's Event #7: $360 PLO8, a tournament that attracted 93 runners and awarded a $27,900 prize pool to the top dozen finishers.

Among those to cash were Daniel Griffen (12th - $642), Luanne Uligan (9th - $753), DJ Buckley (7th - $1,088), and Ajay Chabra (3rd - $3,711).

In the end, Ken Po of Seven Hills, Ohio beat Brian Caplan in heads-up play to win the trophy and $8,369 first-place prize.

Event #7 Final Table Results

PlacePlayerHometownPrize
1Ken PoSeven Hills, Ohio$8,369
2Brian CaplanRichboro, Pennsylvania$5,162
3Ajay ChabraSan Diego, California$3,711
4Michael ShieldsNewport Beach, California$2,651
5Whitney BraytonPinon Hills, California$1,869
6Derrick HerronSantee, California$1,367
7DJ BuckleyShakopee, Minnesota$1,088
8Richard NiminskiLa Mesa, California$893

Tags: Ken Po