The Roughrider Poker Tour heads back to Deadwood, South Dakota, for the South Dakota State Poker Championship Main Event, running Thursday, April 16, through Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Silverado Franklin Historic Hotel & Gaming Complex. This marks the third consecutive year of partnership between RPT and the venue, after two editions drew record attendance. Organizers anticipate another strong turnout, cementing the stop's place on the regional poker calendar.
SDSPC Main Event Format
The $1,140 buy-in Main Event offers three starting flights to accommodate entrants. Day 1A begins April 16 at 3:00 p.m., Day 1B follows on April 17 at the same time, and Day 1C starts April 18 at 3:00 p.m. Each flight provides 30,000 in starting chips, with blinds escalating every 20 minutes. Advancers combine for Day 2 on April 19 at 11:00 a.m., when a winner emerges.
| Date | Flight | Time |
|---|---|---|
| April 16, 2026 | Day 1A | 3:00 p.m. |
| April 17, 2026 | Day 1B | 3:00 p.m. |
| April 18, 2026 | Day 1C | 3:00 p.m. |
| April 19, 2026 | Day 2 | 11:00 a.m. |
Record Momentum from North Dakota
RPT enters this Deadwood stop fresh off its largest-ever event, the $250 Casino North Dakota State Championship. That gathering drew 1,655 entries, the biggest poker field in state history. Preston Dean claimed first place, earning $49,300 plus a $10,700 WSOP Main Event package, after besting Steve Kelly heads-up with a full house.
| Place | Name | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preston Dean | $49,300 + $10,700 WSOP Main Event package |
| 2 | Steve Kelly | $30,000 |
| 3 | Kim Rasmussen | $23,000 |
| 4 | Kamden Keleher | $17,000 |
| 5 | Shane Koenig | $13,000 |
| 6 | Jamie Meidinger | $10,000 |
| 7 | Mitch Hogue | $7,700 |
| 8 | Kyle Shipman | $6,200 |
| 9 | Riley Vareberg | $4,300 |
Such success underscores RPT's rising draw in the region, where accessible buy-ins and multi-flight structures attract broad participation.
Deadwood's Historic Setting Elevates the Series
Deadwood anchors this event with its foundational role in American gambling lore, drawing crowds to venues like the Silverado Franklin that mix preserved architecture, hospitality, and card action. The partnership has elevated the SDSPC into a regional fixture, highlighted by its distinctive trophy. Back-to-back attendance records signal sustained expansion for RPT amid growing interest in circuit-style poker. PokerNews will provide live updates throughout.