Medium-stakes poker events continue to be a hot commodity, with Michigan's Firekeepers Casino adding the latest proof. The destination casino just east of Battle Creek, Michigan smashed its all-time poker-tournament attendance this week with the running of the latest Mid-States Poker Tour (MSPT) main event.
Boosted by a recent expansion of the poker area inside the spacious venue, Firekeeps surged past its old mark. The $1,000 buy-in, $1 million guaranteed main event drew 2,471 entries over three starting flights, topping the old mark of 2,409 entrants in a single tourney, set in 2022.
Well-known players topped the leaderboard once the final cards had been dealt. MSPT Hall of Famer Kou Vang, from Minnesota, returned to the MSPT's winner's list and earned $314,145 with the victory. Vang outdueled Michigan's Dash Dudley, a three-time WSOP bracelet winner, during heads-up play. Dudley earned $257,145 as the runner-up.
Vang's title was his third on the MSPT tour. After Robert Strunk exited in third, Vang began heads-up action with a healthy lead, but saw Dudley quickly surge ahead. Vang soon reassumed control, however, to close out the win.
