How a Minnesota poker tour became a nationwide high-stakes sensation by 2025

A modest Minnesota poker event grew into a coast-to-coast powerhouse. Discover the milestones, legends like Alex Foxen, and the tour's bold future.

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2026 March 31 . 2:21 PM

2 min read

The image shows a group of men sitting around a table playing poker, with coins and cards spread... — The image shows a group of men sitting around a table playing poker, with coins and cards spread out in front of them. In the background, there is a pillar and other objects, suggesting that the men are participating in a poker tournament.

How a Minnesota poker tour became a nationwide high-stakes sensation by 2025

The Major Series of Poker (MSPT) has grown from a small regional tour into a nationwide phenomenon. What began in 2009 as the Minnesota Poker Tour now spans the US and beyond, with high-stakes events and a prestigious Hall of Fame system in place by 2025. The tour started at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minnesota, under the name Minnesota Poker Tour. By 2011, it rebranded as the Mid-States Poker Tour and expanded past the Midwest. Over time, stops spread to the East Coast, West Coast, and even international locations like Canada and Mexico by 2026.

Key cities such as Minneapolis, Las Vegas, and Biloxi became central to the tour's schedule. A major tradition emerged with a pre-Super Bowl tournament in Las Vegas. In 2017, the MSPT introduced its marquee event, featuring a $1,000,000 prize guarantee. Alex Foxen has been a standout player, winning the MSPT Main Event twice, most recently in 2018. He also claimed the 10th Poker Bowl title, earning $165,000. His latest achievement includes a $3,500 seat in the November MSPT Championship Rock n Roll Poker Open at Seminole. The tour's evolution continued in 2025 with the launch of the Player of the Year system and the MSPT Hall of Fame. Entry requires 40 Main Event cashes, two Main Event wins, one Major win, and $500,000 in MSPT earnings. The next stop on the schedule is Cleveland for the Ohio State Poker Championship.

The MSPT now operates as a major force in competitive poker, with a structured Hall of Fame and high-profile events. Its expansion from Minnesota to national and international stages reflects its growing influence in the poker world. The tour's next event in Cleveland will further solidify its reputation as a top-tier series.