Craig Ashley has added another accolade to his poker career, winning a $5,000 World Poker Tour (WPT) passport at the Free Poker Network (FPN) Desert Dash-for-Cash National Championship. Held at the Golden Nugget in North Las Vegas, the one-day $200 WPT Passport event saw Ashley emerge victorious after a fierce final table showdown. Along with the coveted WPT passport, he also pocketed $200 in cash and secured a spot in Sunday’s Championship event.
A Champion’s Repeat Performance
Ashley’s triumph in this tournament cements his reputation as a rising star in the poker community. Less than a year ago, he claimed victory in the FPN “Step in the Ring” National Championship at the very same venue, taking home a $12,500 prize. This time, he faced a similarly intense challenge, including a heads-up battle against Darren Sneed, another accomplished player and last year’s Tag Team event champion.
Despite entering the event with some hesitation, Ashley’s skill and resilience shone through. “I’m pretty excited,” Ashley told PokerNews after his win. “I wasn’t even sure I was going to play it.”
$200 WPT Passport: The Details
The $200 WPT Passport event drew 89 entrants, offering prizes that included:
- A $5,000 WPT passport for the champion, valid at any 2025 WPT stop.
- $200 in cash for all final table participants.
- Automatic entry into Sunday’s Championship event for the top nine finishers.
The competition saw a mix of veterans and newcomers battling for these enticing rewards. Players fought hard for a spot at the final table, where every participant was guaranteed a substantial prize.
Final Table Results
The final table delivered high-stakes excitement, with Ashley ultimately clinching the top spot. Here’s how the final placements unfolded:
| Place | Player | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Craig Ashley | $5,000 WPT Passport + $200 + Championship Entry |
| 2 | Darren Sneed | $200 + Championship Entry |
| 3 | Jim Knight | $200 + Championship Entry |
| 4 | Barry Nelson | $200 + Championship Entry |
| 5 | Jeremy Anderson | $200 + Championship Entry |
| 6 | Russell Neil | $200 + Championship Entry |
| 7 | Justin Page | $200 + Championship Entry |
| 8 | Isaac Thompson | $200 + Championship Entry |
| 9 | Robin Stene | $200 + Championship Entry |
A Clash of Poker Titans
Ashley’s heads-up match against Darren Sneed was one of the highlights of the tournament. Both players brought experience and strategy to the table, making it a thrilling finale. Sneed, who secured the runner-up spot, received $200 in cash and a Championship event entry as consolation.
The broader poker community continues to watch Ashley’s rise with keen interest. His back-to-back performances in high-stakes events suggest he’s a force to be reckoned with in future tournaments.
What’s Next for Craig Ashley?
With his $5,000 WPT passport in hand, Ashley now has access to any 2025 WPT stop, providing him with an opportunity to compete on a larger stage. Additionally, his automatic entry into Sunday’s Championship event gives him another chance to demonstrate his skills and potentially secure an even bigger payday.
As the FPN Desert Dash-for-Cash National Championship rolls on, all eyes will be on Ashley and the other finalists to see who can continue their winning streak.
