Johann Schamne & Tim Thorp Conquer Record-Breaking IPS & MSPT Main Events

The poker world witnessed two prestigious live poker tournaments conclude with record-breaking fields and massive prize pools. Germany’s Johann Schamne emerged victorious in the 54th edition of the Italian Poker Sport (IPS), whereas Tim Thorp captured his second MSPT Main Event title by winning the 2025 MSPT Potawatomi Main Event. 

Johann Schamne is the 54th IPS Winner

The historic 54th edition of Italian Poker Sport has concluded with Germany’s Johann Schamne being crowned as the newest champion, adding his name to the prestigious IPS history. The German poker player, for his victory, earned his first six-figure score of €221,350, and a seat at the 2025 WSOP Europe Main Event. This victory also pushed his live earnings past $400k.

The €1,500,000 guaranteed Main Event with a €380 buy-in saw a record entry field of 7,007 across ten starting flights, crushing the guarantee for a total prize pool of €2,263,261, making the 54th edition more special. With 7,007 registrations, it has become the second-largest event in terms of entries, only surpassed by the 2023 Estrellas Poker Tour. The massive prize pool was paid out to the 310 finishers, while the top 4 finishers collected a six-figure. 

When the final table reached four-handed action, the remaining four players struck an ICM deal splitting the remaining payout, and reserved €47,000 for the winner and €23,000 for the runner-up. Soon after the deal, Schamne sent out Marko Bajic in 4th with a payout of €130,350. Robert Ashelm ran his pocket threes into the pocket sevens of Schamne and headed to the rail in 3rd place for a six-figure payday of €150,350. 

The heads-up between Schamne and Alexandru Moraru was short-lived, as the latter with just 13 big blinds shoved holding queen-jack. Schamne made the call holding king-four of hearts. The board ran out of Jc-As-Ad-9s-Kd, Moraru was relieved seeing the flop and the turn, however, a King on the river sealed his fate as the runner-up. Moraru settled for €167,350 for finishing 2nd. 

In addition to the payouts, the top 8 players also received a free seat at the 2025 WSOP Europe Main Event. 

The 2025 IPS Main Event Final Table Payouts

*denotes 4-way deal

Source – Euro rounders Blog

Tim Thorp Wins His Second MSPT Potawatomi Main Event Title

After five years of hiatus, the Mid-States Poker Tour made its return to the Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, creating a record. The MSPT Potawatomi hosts its second-ever $1,100 buy-in $500k GTD 100 GRAND STACK Main Event, which saw a record entry of 1,697 from three starting flights. The turnout crushed the previous 1.658 entries, generating a gigantic prize pool of $1,644,590. 

When the dust settled, former MSPT Main Event champion Timothy Thorp, aka Tim Thorp, emerged victorious, taking down a field filled with his fellow MSPT regulars. This was Thorp’s second MSPT Main Event title after winning his first title back in November 2024, winning the MSPT East Chicago Main Event. Thorp also collected a career-best $244,362, bringing his lifetime earnings to $400k.

When the tournament reached three-handed action, Thorp, Umut Ozturk, and Ryan Eamon agreed to a 3-way ICM deal. Soon after, Thorp sends out Ryan Eamon in 3rd for $160,000 to kick off the heads-up match. Two-time MSPT Player of the Year recipient, Umut Ozturk found himself in 2nd place after he went all-in with ten-seven on a 2s-Ks-8h flop. Thorp called with nine-eight of spades, with his flush draw and a pair of eights. The turn and the river were no help for Ozturk, and he had to settle for the 2nd place for a career-best $160,000 payout. 

2025 MSPT Potawatomi 100 GRAND STACK Main Event Final Table Payouts

*denotes 4-way deal

Source – MSPT Blog

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