A thrilling weekend in Tulsa saw the $800 RunGood Poker Series Main Event break records, attracting 517 entrants and generating a massive $361,900 prize pool. As the dust settled after ten hours of intense competition, Kansas poker player Brian Craig emerged victorious, defeating a field of hopefuls vying for the prestigious black championship ring.
Craig’s win not only marked a career milestone but also highlighted his resilience and strategic brilliance at the table.
A Modest Start, A Dominant Finish
Brian Craig didn’t begin the day as a favorite. Seated in 15th place with a middling chip stack, his path to victory seemed uncertain. Yet, he maintained his composure, methodically working his way through the field. By the time the final table was set, Craig’s steady rise put him in the driver’s seat.
“Patience was key,” Craig said, reflecting on his strategy. “There were stretches where I couldn’t lose a hand, and others where I couldn’t win a single one. Staying patient through all of that was the hardest part.” His calm demeanor paid off, allowing him to capitalize on opportunities as they arose.
A High-Stakes Final Table
The final table was a battleground of skill and strategy, with Mike Travis taking a central role by eliminating several contenders. Craig stayed in the mix, picking his moments carefully. When the tournament reached its climactic heads-up stage, Craig found himself facing Travis with a daunting 3:1 chip deficit.
It was a scenario that would intimidate most players, but Craig’s resilience shone through. Over the course of an hour, he chipped away at Travis’s lead, eventually turning the tide. His perseverance culminated in a triumphant final hand, earning him the title and a payday of more than $70,000.
From Semi-Professional to Champion
“I’m a tournament player and circuit grinder,” Craig said, describing his poker journey. Despite having just 10-15 tournament entries per year, Craig has established himself as a consistent performer on the circuit. With $75,789 in lifetime earnings prior to this event, his Tulsa victory nearly doubled his career total.
The significance of this win extends beyond the financial boost. For Craig, it’s a validation of his skills and an opportunity to pursue his passion more actively. “With this score, I’ll probably play more tournaments now,” he shared, hinting at plans to expand his poker calendar in the future.
Looking Ahead to the Dream Seat Invitational
Craig’s triumph also secured him a free seat at the 2025 RGPS $300 Dream Seat Invitational. Scheduled for November, the exclusive event promises fierce competition, with only the best of the best earning the right to participate. While Craig has months to prepare, he’s taking time to savor his Tulsa victory before deciding on his next move.
For the poker community, Brian Craig’s story is a testament to the importance of patience, persistence, and adaptability—qualities that define champions. As he basks in the glow of his hard-earned win, one thing is clear: we’ll be seeing more of this Kansas grinder on the circuit.