BATTLE CREEK, MI – FireKeepers Casino Hotel hosted the Mid-States Poker Tour’s Season 16 Michigan Poker State Championship, which broke records for entries and total prize pool. The event drew large crowds and marked one of the most well-attended stops on the national circuit.
The $1,110 buy-in main event, backed by a $1,000,000 guarantee, exceeded 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, solidifying FireKeepers as one of the most electric stops on the MSPT schedule.
After a weekend of action, Wisconsin’s Corey Wick emerged victorious, capturing his first MSPT title and a career-best $397,587 top prize. Wick entered day two 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’d be nice to have the 2x next to my name, but if this is the only one I win, I won’t complain,” said Wick.
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 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.
“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.”
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.