FireKeepers in Michigan to Host $200K Guarantee MSPT Main Event Oct. 11-19
This weekend the Mid-States Poker Tour (MSPT) will be at the Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells for an $1,100 Main Event — which PokerNews will be live reporting — but it’s not too early to look ahead to the next stop, which will take place from October 11-19 at FireKeepers Casino in Battle Creek, Michigan.
“Every time the MSPT rolls into Michigan, the players turn out in full force at FireKeepers Casino," said MSPT owner and operator Bryan Mileski. "Last time we were there, Jason Zarlenga won his first MSPT title, and then he went on to capture another a few weeks ago in Milwaukee to become the all-time MSPT money earner. I look forward to seeing if FireKeepers can launch another poker career, or better yet, if Zarlenga can defend and become the first three-time champion.”
Indeed, back in May Zarlenga topped a field of 411 entries to win FireKeepers for $101,482, which included defeating current MSPT Season 5 Player of the Year leader Mike Deis in heads-up play. Then, in early September, Zarlenga topped a field of 487 entrants to win the MSPT Potawatomi Hotel & Casino in Milwaukee for $120,164.
“The second major was actually more rewarding than the first because it had now given me the confidence that I am just as good if not better than anyone at any table I play with during any tournament,” Zarlenga told PokerNews in an interview.
Other past winners of the MSPT FireKeepers include Thomas Midena ($73,456) and Jordan Townsend ($76,975). Interestingly, Adam Lamphere finished runner-up in both those events before finishing 17th for $3,138 on the MSPT’s third visit to the property.
FireKeepers Casino Hotel, which is located on Highway 94 directly between Chicago and Detroit, offers live poker action 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as well as craps and other table games, including two-deck blackjack and baccarat, a world-class buffet and a host of quality restaurants and bars.
The stop will kick off on Saturday, Oct. 11 at 12:00 p.m. with a $250 qualifier, which will see the top 20 percent of the field advance to the Main Event. They will then host qualifiers everyday leading up to the $1,100 Main Event. Here’s a look at the schedule:
| Date | Time | Event | Buy-In |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, Oct. 11 | 12:00 p.m. | Main Event Qualifier | $250 |
| Saturday, Oct. 12 | 12:00 p.m. | Main Event Qualifier | $250 |
| Monday, Oct. 13 | 12:00 p.m. | Super Satellite to $250 Qualifier | $65 |
| Monday, Oct. 13 | 6:30 p.m. | Main Event Qualifier | $250 |
| Tuesday, Oct. 14 | 12:00 p.m. | Super Satellite to $250 Qualifier | $65 |
| Tuesday, Oct. 14 | 6:30 p.m. | Main Event Qualifier | $250 |
| Wednesday, Oct. 15 | 12:00 p.m. | Super Satellite to $250 Qualifier | $65 |
| Wednesday, Oct. 15 | 6:30 p.m. | Main Event Qualifier | $250 |
| Thursday, Oct. 16 | 9:30 a.m. | Main Event Qualifier | $250 |
| Thursday, Oct. 16 | 4:00 p.m. | Main Event Day 1a | $1,100 |
| Friday, Oct. 17 | 4:00 p.m. | Main Event Day 1b | $1,100 |
| Friday, Oct. 17 | 8:00 p.m. | Main Event Turbo Qualifier | $250 |
| Saturday, Oct. 18 | 4:00 p.m. | Main Event Day 1c | $1,100 |
Unlike most MSPT stops, which offer two starting flights, the MSPT FireKeepers will offer three Day 1 flights at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday respectively. Each starting flight will play 14 40-minute levels of play, and players are allowed to reenter each if they so choose. The remaining players from each flight will combine on Sunday at 10 a.m. and play until a champion is crowned. The final table of 10 will also be live streamed on a 15-minute delay.
Listen to Bryan Mileski talk about Season 5 of the MSPT on the latest PokerNews Podcast. Click here to listen.
For more information on the MSPT FireKeepers, visit msptpoker.com.
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