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The Mid-States Poker Tour (MSPT) made its debut in Illinois with a Main Event at Rivers Casino Des Plaines, running August 4-9. The $1,110 buy-in event carried a $750,000 guarantee but far exceeded expectations, drawing 1,807 entries and building a $1,751,290 prize pool.
Taking down the title was Mo Nuwwarah, a well-known figure in the poker media world and former PokerNews reporter. The win marked his second MSPT championship and delivered a career-best payout of $205,499, secured through a five-way ICM deal at the final table.
Speaking with MSPT reporter Anthony Thompson afterward, Nuwwarah reflected on a volatile year that has trended positive overall. He noted having come up short in previous heads-up matches on the tour, making this victory especially satisfying.
Beyond the cash prize, Nuwwarah earned a $3,500 seat into the MSPT Championship Rock ‘N’ Roll Poker Open, set for the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, Florida, from November 18 to December 2, with a $2,000,000 guarantee on offer.
Other notable finishers in Illinois included Nick DiTrapani (11th, $22,446), Jason Crews (17th, $15,539), Brendan Shiller (21st, $12,950), Brett Slezak (34th, $6,820), Richard Bai (39th, $5,784), and Brett Reichard (50th, $4,921).
Season 17 of the MSPT rolls on with stops in Cleveland, Indiana, Missouri, and Las Vegas through mid-September, continuing the tour’s busy summer and fall schedule.
