Poker player Faraz Jaka secures victory at the opening event of 2025, MSPT Bally's Black Hawk, pocketing a win of $127,000.
Fiery Poker Night at Bally's Black Hawk
The 16th season of the Mid-States Poker Tour (MSPT) kicked off with a bang at Bally's Black Hawk Casino, concluding in a thrilling showdown on Sunday night. This pulsating $1,110 buy-in Main Event drew an impressive 636 entries across three starting flights, culminating in a juicy prize pool of $615,420. The champion? None other than poker pro-Faraz Jaka, who claimed his first-ever MSPT title and pocketed a hefty $127,849 top prize.
"This feels freakin' awesome to win here!" Jaka gleefully shared with MSPT officials. "I've played a few tournaments here before and copped a couple of wins, so this place means a lot to me. It's even more special since I live nearby and had students competing as well."
Jaka's victory was about more than just the almighty dolla dolla bills; it marked another milestone in his impressive career. With over $8 million in lifetime tournament earnings, Jaka's trophy case already shines with gems like a 2023 World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet and a recent $313,495 win at the Seminole Hard Rock RRPO $10,000 NLH Deep Stack event.
Here's a quick glance at the MSPT Black Hawk Final Table Results:
Check Out Full Results Here
- 1st Place - Faraz Jaka - $127,849
- 2nd Place - Zach Gutierrez - $88,643
- 3rd Place - Michael Banducci - $61,532
- 4th Place - Umut Ozturk - $43,032
Other notable competitors included Angela Jordison (23rd, $4,484) and Michael Giardina (13th, $7,484).
Sending a Poker Hall of Famer to the Showers
Jaka had his work cut out for him. Sitting at the final table as the chip leader, he found himself squaring off against fierce rivalry from none other than two-time MSPT Player of the Year and Hall of Famer Umut Ozturk. In a critical hand during Level 26, Ozturk went all-in with ace-jack against Jaka's ace-king. With $43,032 at stake, the board sent Ozturk packing in fourth place, leaving him with a bitter taste.
After besting Michael Banducci in third place, Jaka traded blow after blow with Denver's Zach Gutierrez during an exciting heads-up battle. The two duked it out for over two and a half hours before Jaka finally grabbed control. Gutierrez made a preflop shove with an ace-five, but his hand proved no match for Jaka's stronger ace-ten in the final hand.
A Personal Triumph for Jaka
This victory wasn't just another check in the book; it held deeper significance for Jaka. Alongside his own celebration, Jaka shared the limelight with three of his students who qualified for the final table. Kaushik Kannan even managed to win a side event.
"Man, this was one helluva moment," Jaka grinned. "It's unique to see my students thrive while I'm winning a tournament myself. Many of the people I coach fall into this pricing category, and I can't wait to use my experience to guide them better."
MSPT's Next Move
Following the electrifying Black Hawk run, the MSPT gears up for an exhilarating return to Potawatomi Casino in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After a pandemic-induced hiatus, this location will reopen its poker room and host the $1,110 Main Event with a $500,000 guarantee starting January 28 and running through February 2.
Stay Tuned: Keep an eye out for the high-stakes action at the upcoming $1,000,000 GTD Poker Bowl IX at the Venetian, where the final table will be streamed live in the top-notch poker studio.
Keep the Cards Flying
Faraz Jaka's triumphant debut in 2025 testifies to his determination, skill, and passion for poker. He keeps proving he's a force to reckon with, whether guiding young poker players or trouncing seasoned pros.
Expect a Year of Thrilling Wins and High-Stakes Showdowns on the MSPT circuit! For the latest updates, Follow Us.
Rumored Upcoming MSPT Stops:
- May 15-18, 2025 (Likely) - FireKeepers Casino (Battle Creek) [Possible $1,000,000 GTD event]
- May 2025 (Confirmed) - Sycuan Casino Resort (awaiting event details)
- August 26-31, 2025 - MSPT Festival Cleveland (specific event details TBA)
- Poker pro Faraz Jaka, a student coach, celebrated a significant victory at the MSPT Black Hawk event, clinching his first-ever MSPT title and earning a top prize of $127,849.
- Jaka's win was not just about the earnings; it marked another milestone in his career, adding to his impressive list of achievements, including a 2023 World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet and a recent $313,495 win at the Seminole Hard Rock RRPO $10,000 NLH Deep Stack event.
- During the tournament, Jaka faced a formidable rival in two-time MSPT Player of the Year and Hall of Famer Umut Ozturk, eliminating him in a critical hand that sent Ozturk home with $43,032.
