The Major Series of Poker has spent the last decade turning its pre–Super Bowl stop into a Las Vegas poker tradition, and this year’s edition delivered another headline-worthy finish.
At the 10th running of the MSPT Poker Bowl at the Venetian, Alex Foxen was the one standing at the end, capturing the title and $165,000 after outlasting a massive 740-entry field. The victory marks Foxen’s second career MSPT title, his first since a win back in 2018, and adds yet another accomplishment to an already stacked résumé.
A Super Bowl Weekend Staple
Since its debut in 2017, Poker Bowl has grown into one of the MSPT’s signature events. Built around a $1,000,000 guarantee and timed perfectly on the eve of the Super Bowl, the tournament has become a must-play for Vegas grinders and traveling pros alike, consistently packing the Venetian’s tournament room year after year.
Foxen’s win in the milestone 10th edition only adds to the event’s growing legacy.
From Minnesota Roots to Major Status
The tour itself has come a long way. Launched in 2009 as the Minnesota Poker Tour, the series was founded by Brian Mileski and originally centered around Canterbury Park in Shakopee. From the start, the focus was on affordable buy-ins and player-friendly structures, earning the early nickname “Chainsaw Friendly” thanks to a partnership with Allen Kessler.
Expansion into Iowa in 2011 brought a new name—the Mid-States Poker Tour—and steady growth throughout the Midwest. Over time, the tour pushed into California and beyond, eventually rebranding in 2025 as the Major Series of Poker, complete with a refined “Major” event structure, a robust Player of the Year race, and a dedicated MSPT Hall of Fame honoring the tour’s most consistent performers.
Foxen and the Hall of Fame Mountain
Foxen may not be chasing MSPT Hall of Fame status just yet, but his Poker Bowl win does check off a major requirement. Entry into the revamped Tier 1 of the MSPT Hall of Fame requires two Main Event wins, along with 40 Main Event cashes, a Major title, and at least $500,000 in MSPT earnings.
Foxen now has the wins—but only three MSPT cashes total, leaving a long road ahead if he ever decides to take a serious run at MSPT immortality. The bar is even higher for the Legends Club, which demands 60 cashes, three Main Event wins, two Majors, and $750,000 in earnings. The Hall of Fame already features some of the tour’s most accomplished names, including Blake Bohn, Rich Alsup, Josh Reichard, Aaron Massey, and most recently, Keith Heine.
A Tough Final Table
To get the job done, Foxen had to navigate a final table stacked with seasoned MSPT regulars. Dan Sepiol exited in ninth, while two-time WSOP bracelet winner Justin Lapka finished seventh. Nick Palma bowed out in fifth, and Joe Serock, a 2024 WSOP Main Event final table participant, fell in third.
Heads-up, Foxen held the chip advantage and applied steady pressure to close out Miquel Maimes, sealing the win and the six-figure payday.
What’s Next for MSPT
The MSPT schedule rolls on, with the next stop heading to Cleveland for the Ohio State Poker Championship before shifting south to Florida later in the year. Foxen has already locked up a $3,500 seat in the MSPT Championship Rock ‘n’ Roll Poker Open at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood in November.
That event, backed by a primetime partnership with the Florida venue, will feature a $2,000,000 guaranteed prize pool, ensuring the MSPT’s biggest stages continue to grow—just like the legend of Poker Bowl itself.
