In a thrilling conclusion to the MSPT Season 16 Indiana Poker State Championship, Midwest poker grinder John “Farmboy” Kurfman secured his second MSPT Gold Card of the year — becoming the first player ever to do so.
The $1,110 buy-in event at Ameristar Casino East Chicago drew 534 entries, generating a massive $516,480 prize pool. After a gruelling day of high-stakes action, Kurfman claimed the top spot and a career-best $90,324 payday, etching his name into poker history.
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John Kurfman’s Golden Moment In MSPT Season 16
“It feels great,” Kurfman told reporters after lifting the trophy. “I’ve gotten two of these gold cards in the last two weeks while the POY leader doesn’t have any, so that makes it even better.”
Just three weeks earlier, Kurfman took down MSPT Riverside Event #6: $300 Ultimate Stack, earning $10,129 and his first Gold Card. This back-to-back run demonstrates not just momentum, but consistency at the highest level of competitive poker.
For those unfamiliar, MSPT Gold Cards symbolise both prestige and accomplishment. Winners of MSPT Series events are awarded these coveted cards in sequential order, starting with the Ace of Spades. Kurfman now holds the Ace and the Two, making him the man to beat in this year’s series.
Final Table Drama Of MSPT Season 16
The Indiana Poker State Championship’s final table was stacked with talent:
- 1st: John “Farmboy” Kurfman – $90,324
- 2nd: Jason Mendoza – $84,000*
- 3rd:Pawel Kotara – $48,087
- 4th: Paul Choi – $36,368
- 5th: Ben Stuart – $27,276
- 6th: Mike Holm – $20,710
- 7th: Ariel Pressman – $16,164
- 8th: Varkey James – $12,628
- 9th: Lee Rzentkowski – $9,597
Meanwhile, current POY leader Jake Long exited in 22nd place for $3,889 after his pocket kings were cracked by Paul Choi’s ace-eight. Despite the setback, Long still sits atop the leaderboard with 5,521 points, ahead of Umut Ozturk (4,967) and Anthony Scarborough (4,884).
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Side Event Highlights Of MSPT Season 16
The East Chicago stop also featured plenty of side action. Standout winners included:
- Nicholas Pontarelli ($12,664 – Event #1: $300 Epic Stack NLH)
- Marla Grapas ($8,598 – Event #2: $300 PLO)
- Mike Holm ($11,112 – Event #4: $300 Ultimate Stack NLH)
- Frank Swierczynski ($4,000 – Event #8: $250 Monster Stack)
The variety of formats — from NLH to PLO to mixed games — showed MSPT’s commitment to offering something for every player.
What’s Next for MSPT Season 16?
Poker fans won’t have to wait long for the next showdown. The upcoming schedule is packed, including:
- MSPT Festival, Hollywood Casino St. Louis (Aug 19–24, $300K GTD)
- MSPT Festival, JACK Cleveland Casino (Aug 26–Sept 1, $750K GTD)
- Nevada Poker State Championship, Venetian Las Vegas (Sept 25–28, $300K GTD)
- Wisconsin Poker State Championship, Potawatomi Casino Milwaukee (Sept 30–Oct 5, $1M GTD)
All eyes will be on Kurfman as he chases more Gold Cards and cements his run toward the Player of the Year title.
FAQs
Q1: What is the MSPT Gold Card system?
A: Gold Cards are collectable trophies awarded to winners of MSPT Series events, beginning with the Ace of Spades and progressing through the suits.
Q2: How much did John Kurfman win at the Indiana State Championship?
A: Kurfman took home $90,324, the largest single payout of his career.
Q3: Who leads the MSPT Season 16 Player of the Year race?
A: Jake Long currently tops the leaderboard with 5,521 points, despite exiting the Indiana Championship in 22nd place.
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