Rich Alsup: A Rising Star in the Poker World
Rich Alsup might not be the most recognizable name in the bustling world of poker, but his impressive list of achievements would make even seasoned players green with envy. Over the years, Alsup has carved out a substantial career, with lifetime earnings exceeding $2.4 million and a gold bracelet from the 2022 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Event #82: $800 NLH Deep Stack, securing him a prestigious spot in poker history.
The Mid-States Poker Tour Legend
A Minnesota native, Alsup has become a leading figure on the Mid-States Poker Tour (MSPT). His accolades within this circuit are awe-inspiring; he emerged victorious at the 2015 MSPT Meskwaki with a cash prize of $101,229 and was crowned the Season 6 Player of the Year. As the tour’s all-time money leader with an astonishing $963,973 in cashes, Alsup also ranks fourth for all-time MSPT Main Event cashes, with an impressive 52. Moreover, his knack for making final tables shines through with 15 appearances, and he has been honored as an MSPT Hall of Famer, currently sitting second on the tour’s Greatest of All Time (GOAT) rankings.
Chasing the WPT Title
Despite his extensive achievements, one elusive title has remained just out of Alsup’s reach: a World Poker Tour (WPT) title. This goal has driven him to travel and compete at various renowned venues. His recent endeavor took him to Playground, marking his third visit to this vibrant poker destination.
"My first time here was in 2018. The property was developing but not what it is today," Alsup remarked. "Montreal is amazing; the people are very kind. The food is 10 out of 10, wherever you go. I love five-card PLO, so the cash games are amazing."
His enthusiasm for the Playground led him to convince his good friend and fellow Minnesotan Rob Wazwaz—another WSOP bracelet winner—to join him. The camaraderie among players from Minnesota adds a unique aspect to their experience, as they recognize the sense of community in their poker journeys.
Fall Poker Classic Triumph
Success has recently followed Alsup, as he went on to win the Fall Poker Classic Championship at Canterbury Park, the flagship poker destination in Minnesota known for its strong regional pride and poker community. The tournament’s history, dating back to 2001, adds prestige to victory, and Alsup did not disappoint.
During the recent championship held from October 17-20, the event attracted 773 entrants, generating a prize pool of $742,080—significantly exceeding its $200,000 guarantee. Reflecting on his win, he shared, "We actually did a three-way chop and then we played out for $30,000. The stars aligned, and it was pretty cool because I grew up playing there. To ship the most prestigious hometown title was nice."
2024 Fall Poker Classic Main Event Final Table Results
| Place | Player | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rich Alsup | $117,775* |
| 2 | Sam Desilva | $93,624* |
| 3 | Dustin Nelson | $84,688* |
| 4 | Kou Vang | $49,645 |
| 5 | Jordan Hiben | $37,846 |
| 6 | Matthew Dodd | $28,941 |
| 7 | Zach Cheatum | $22,262 |
| 8 | Joe Barnard | $17,068 |
| 9 | Sandeep Cherukuri | $13,357 |
*Denotes three-way deal.
The Road Ahead
Despite not reaching the cash spots in the WPT Playground Championship, Alsup remains optimistic. With a strong desire to capture a WPT title, he has clear plans ahead. "That’s really the main thing left on the bucket list," said Alsup, further detailing his upcoming commitments.
He has his eyes set on the upcoming WPT Seminole Rock ‘N’ Roll Poker Open Championship from November 29 – December 4, where he hopes to make his mark. Additionally, he expressed interest in the WPT Prime in Las Vegas and the WPT World Championship, a highly anticipated event he can’t afford to miss.
In closing, Alsup’s journey through the poker world embodies perseverance and ambition. As he continues to chase coveted titles, the poker community eagerly watches, rooting for this Minnesota native to achieve his dream of clinching a WPT title and adding another illustrious achievement to his already impressive resume.
[Photos courtesy of the World Poker Tour (WPT) / Alicia Skillman]Written by Chad Holloway, PR & Media Manager at PokerNews and 2013 WSOP Bracelet Winner.
