Record-setting event for HPT in Iowa

The Heartland Poker Tour (HPT) made its way to Iowa for the first time last weekend and saw a record number of people turn out to play at the Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel in Tama, Iowa.

Nearly 800 poker players showed up to play over the weekend, a record for the HPT, with 209 players making their way into the main event. The result was a $297,804 total prize pool.

Despite his name, Jason Fish proved he was more of a shark, taking down the $82,000 first-place prize. He will also go to the HPT Tournament of Champions in December.

Fish, who is from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, wasn't the only local making it deep into the tournament. Tama-native Michael Erickson came in fifth, with Donovan Dicken of Waterloo right behind him in sixth place.

After his win, Fish said, "This has got to be one of life's peak experiences."

The HPT Meskwaki top 10 are:

Place Name Prize
1st Jason Fish $82,545
2nd Curtis Vanglider $41,273
3rd Carl Horvath Jr. $26,532
4th William Drumm III $20,636
5th Michael Erickson $17,688
6th Donovan Dicken $14,740
7th Larry Smith $11,792
8th Bryan Mileski $10,318
9th Carlos Gamell $8,844
10th John Roth $7,370

The Meskwaki Casino was the third stop of the HPT's 2007 season. Next up will be the Majestic Star Casino in Gary, Ind., where preliminary events have already begun. It is running through March 25.

courtesy of Sarah Polson

News Added: 21 March, 2007

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