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The Major Series of Poker Tour (MSPT) made its second visit to Michigan’s FireKeepers Casino for the Spade Poker Championship, a $1,110 buy-in Main Event that drew 2,442 entries. The field smashed its $1 million guarantee, generating a prize pool of $2,367,240.
Two-time MSPT Player of the Year Umut Ozturk emerged victorious, earning $280,290 for his third career MSPT title and a new personal-best cash. The Minnesota-based lawyer’s win also made him the tour’s all-time leading money winner with $1,337,117 in earnings, joining an exclusive group of five “MSPT Millionaires.”
Ozturk’s victory carried personal significance. He revealed that during his previous appearance at FireKeepers in May, he learned his mother had been diagnosed with terminal cancer and had to leave the tournament. She passed away months later, and he dedicated the win to her memory.
Key hand: With eight players left, Ozturk called off his remaining chips holding two black tens after Frank Lagodich moved all-in with ace-eight of spades. Lagodich flopped a gutshot straight draw, but both the turn and river missed, allowing Ozturk to double up.
Other notable finishers included Jennifer Lin (18th, $18,570), Cero Zuccarello (19th, $15,785), defending champion Merritt Kuhn (40th, $6,685), and MSPT Hall of Famer Kou Vang (49th, $5,757). Ozturk eventually struck a heads-up deal with Greg Wiggins, securing the title via a chip lead.
In Season 17 Player of the Year standings, Mike Wilklow leads with 8,541 points, trailed closely by Josh Reichard and reigning POY Jacob Long. The tour continues later this month with stops in South Dakota and Iowa.
