BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (October 19, 2026) — FireKeepers Casino Hotel welcomed poker players from across the country for the Major Series of Poker: The Tour (MSPT) Spade Poker Championship, held Oct. 13-18 in the property’s Event Center. The six-day series culminated in a $1,110 buy-in Main Event that attracted 2,442 entries and generated a $2,367,240 prize pool, surpassing the tournament’s $1 million guarantee by more than $1.36 million.
After an action-packed weekend, MSPT Hall of Famer and two-time Player of the Year Umut Ozturk emerged victorious, capturing his third MSPT title and the championship trophy. Ozturk earned $280,290, tying runner-up Greg Wiggins for the same payout after the two players agreed to an even chop during heads-up play.
With three players remaining, Ozturk made a pivotal move toward the title by eliminating Gian Bencivenga. Bencivenga went all-in with a suited king-queen against Ozturk’s suited ace, but the board offered no help, ending his run in third place. Ozturk then advanced to heads-up play against Greg Wiggins, where the two ultimately agreed to an even chop. Ozturk secured the championship trophy and his third MSPT title.
The $280,290 payout marked the largest career score for Ozturk, who also reached his 19th MSPT final table and recorded his 75th cash on the tour. The championship carried special meaning, as Ozturk dedicated the win to his late mother, explaining that he felt her presence throughout the weekend. The milestone added another achievement to an already decorated poker career.
The Main Event featured three starting flights Oct. 15-17, followed by Day 2 on Sunday, Oct. 18. Players began with 30,000 chips and competed through 40-minute blind levels, with the tournament awarding 1.5 times the standard Player of the Year (POY) points. The final day began with 266 players remaining, all already guaranteed a payout, before the field narrowed to the final table.
Final Table Results:
1st Place: Umut Ozturk – $280,290
2nd Place: Greg Wiggins – $280,290
3rd Place: Gian Bencivenga – $164,811
4th Place: Dan Sepiol – $123,028
5th Place: Derek Gregory – $96,798
6th Place: Scott Bohlman – $74,235
7th Place: Frank Lagodich – $58,032
8th Place: Jake Long – $45,265
9th Place: Randy Froehlich – $35,980
“The MSPT Spade Poker Championship continues to demonstrate the strong demand for major tournament poker at FireKeepers,” said Steven Senk, vice president of Gaming Operations at FireKeepers Casino Hotel. “Our poker team, especially our dealers, brings the professionalism and skill needed to deliver a first-class experience for players. We’re proud of the team behind these events and the level of poker action FireKeepers continues to offer.”
The poker action continues at FireKeepers beyond the MSPT Spade Poker Championship, with ongoing High Hands promotions, special cash opportunities, and a lineup of tournaments planned throughout the fall. November highlights include additional High Hands promotions, the Flames of Fortune Multi-Bag Tournament, Ladies-Only No-Limit Hold’em tournaments, and more.
FireKeepers will welcome the MSPT back to Battle Creek May 11-16, 2027, for the Michigan Poker State Championship, featuring a $1 million guaranteed Main Event. The tour will return Oct. 12-17, 2027, for the Spade Poker Championship.
With daily cash games, special promotions, and tournaments throughout the year, FireKeepers continues to provide poker players of all experience levels with opportunities to compete and enjoy the game.
For more information about upcoming poker tournaments and promotions, visit FireKeepersCasino.com.