Poker pro Chad Himmelspach (pictured) this weekend took home the Montana State Poker Championship trophy, as well as $40,000 for his troubles.
The Roughrider Poker Tour (RPT) event was held on Sunday, April 14, at The Billings Hotel and Convention Center in Billings, Montana.
$182,700 was up for grabs in the prize pot, making it the largest poker prize in the state’s history.
Former World Series of Poker bracelet winner Himmelspach, of Henderson, Nevada, beat out 340 entrants in the $625 buy-in tournament to take home the top prize. He has career winnings of $704,821, according to poker database Hendon Mob.
“I came back in from Las Vegas because I like supporting RPT,” he said, speaking after his victory.
“My friend Jerry and his team, it’s so awesome that they are running this.”
Peeling Cards
Himmelspach, of Las Vegas suburb Henderson, Nevada, has deep connections to the Roughrider Poker Tour. However, this is his first win at one of their events.
The day started slowly, with 17 players from the field nearing the money.
Local favorites like David Mize and Dave Ouellette fell as eliminations sped up after 42 players hit the cash, with Donovan Thomas finishing 10th. Arlie Brandvold exited in 9th after a tough hand with Michael Baker. Chance Howell busted in 8th. Billings local Rick Lehman took the 7th spot, adding to an impressive year on Roughrider Poker Tour, which sees him sitting in second place in the cash rankings.
Kevin Chartier secured 5th after a solid fight. Three-handed, Wells, Schroer, and Himmelspach vied for the top spot.
Schroer busted with a pair of 7s against Himmelspach’s Kings, leaving the Las Vegas pro and North Dakotan Wells in a heads-up. In a friendly duel, Himmelspach prevailed, clinching victory with a straight against Wells’ flush draw.
Wells earned $25,000 for his troubles, and Himmelspach walked away with $40,000 and the trophy.
They shared a laugh as Himmelspach secured the win, earning $40,000 and another accolade for his poker career.
“I think it’s the competition aspect,” Himmelspach said when asked about his motivation to enter smaller local events.
“I like just being in tournaments, peeling cards, and playing with good players. I come in even-keeled, more reacting to what other players do.
David is an online casino expert who specializes in online slots and boasts over 10 years experience writing about iGaming. He has written for a wide range of notable publications, including eSports Insider and WordPlay Magazine.
David graduated Derby University with a BA Degree in English Literature and Creative Writing.
