Poker Champion Crowned

It started with 1341 players vying for the $35,000 grand prize at the North Dakota State Poker Championship.

After hours of deciding whether to hold`em or fold`em the field was narrowed to ten,then two, and the rest was history.

Sam Dickson of Saskatchewan outlasted Shane Duchscherer of Minot and became the first Canadian champion in the five year tournament history, but he wasn`t confident heading into the final hand.

"I thought I was done, when he called I was sure he had the better hand. I was trying to push him out," says Dickson.

Dickson`s victory was the end to a grueling 15 hour day for both players and those running the event.

"This was the best tournament we`ve done by far, everything fell together so much nicer. Everyone stepped in and filled their roles very well." says Tournament Director Mitch Schock.

As for the champion, Dickson hopes to use this win as a learning experience.

"Hopefully I can compete with Mitch in the World Series someday," says Dickson.

This years tournament was held in honor of 2007 champion Curtis Langford.

Langford died last August of pancreatic cancer.

Many players donated a portion of their winnings to the Langford family, including Chastity Askvig, who`s historic run to the final table was all about honoring a lost friend

"I wasn`t in it for the money, that`s for sure. I had no idea what I won," says Askvig

Askvig became the first woman to finish in the top ten and used the advice and support she received from Langford to help her through.

"He always told me you go girl so that was my goal to make the final table for him and for other women," says Askvig.

The tournament has grown each year as players from ten states and throughout Canada made their way to Minot this week.

The three day event drew over a thousand specatators, and has quickly become a must see event throughout the region.