FIREKEEPERS HOSTS RECORD-BREAKING MSPT STATE CHAMPIONSHIP WITH NEARLY $3 MILLION PRIZE POOL
(Battle Creek, Mich.) May 19, 2025 — FireKeepers Casino Hotel once again set a new standard for poker in the Midwest as the Mid-States Poker Tour (MSPT) set records for entries and total prize pool for the Season 16 Michigan Poker State Championship. With packed tables, thrilling moments, and a Vegas-caliber atmosphere, FireKeepers delivered one of the biggest events anywhere on the national circuit.
The $1,110 buy-in Main Event, backed by a $1,000,000 guarantee, smashed expectations with a record 3,040 entries—surpassing the venue’s previous high of 2,883 set in 2023. The massive turnout generated a $2,947,300 prize pool, cementing FireKeepers as one of the most electric stops on the MSPT schedule.
After a weekend of intense action, Wisconsin’s Corey Wick emerged victorious, capturing his first MSPT title and a career-best $397,587 top prize.
Wick entered Day 2 with a top-five chip stack and reached the final table second in chips. After doubling up two short stacks early, he found himself at the bottom, but clawed back—surviving two key all-ins with dominated hands and ultimately knocking out Ryan Brown with pocket kings.
“It was completely undeserved,” Wick joked. “Ryan was probably the best player at the table and should have won, but he caught the worst run of hands—all caused by me.”
With humility and grit, Wick secured his spot in the FireKeepers winner’s circle.
“It’d be nice to have the 2x next to my name, but if this is the only one I win, I won’t complain.”
Final Table Results:
1st – Corey Wick – $397,587
2nd – Ryan Eamon – $244,462
3rd – Travis McCullough – $182,448
4th – Ryan Brown – $142,248
5th – Jose Montes – $108,085
6th – Sung Pil Kim – $85,408
7th – DJ Buckley – $65,381
8th – Oliwer Sankiewicz – $50,656
9th – Dale Kirgis – $41,820
This historic tournament was one of the first held alongside the debut of FireKeepers’ brand-new poker room—a dynamic space featuring enhanced amenities and a player-focused layout. Early feedback from guests has been overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing FireKeepers’ reputation as the Midwest’s premier poker destination.
“Our dedicated dealers are the true MVPs of FireKeepers’ poker success,” said Steven Senk, VP of Gaming Operations. “Their skill, professionalism, and energy elevate every event and keep players coming back. We’re proud to be the place where poker players know they’ll find top-tier action and unmatched service.”
The action continues in May with Top 5 Hands competitions on Saturdays, May 24 and 31, where players can win up to $1,500 in cash. On Memorial Day, May 26, High Hands will pay out $250 every 15 minutes from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Looking ahead, FireKeepers will keep the momentum going with its 2025 Tournament of Champions series. Quarterly $10,000 events will lead up to a $60,000 Grand Finale on January 24, 2026.
Whether you're chasing a title or playing a daily game, FireKeepers remains the place to play poker in the Midwest.
